This easy Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats recipe is so rich and satisfying with peanut butter, chocolate, and banana. Assemble it the night before and wake up to breakfast ready to eat! (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)
These overnight oats are a delicious and satisfying make-ahead breakfast! Plus they're easy to prepare with no cooking required.
The "chunky monkey" flavor typically includes banana, nuts, and chocolate. So here we use banana, creamy peanut butter, and cacao or cocoa powder. (Yum!)
In addition to breakfast, we also enjoy it as a protein-rich snack. Each serving has about 16 grams protein!
Ingredients for Chunky Monkey Oats
For this simple recipe, you'll stir together in a small bowl or jar:
- Ripe mashed banana: The more brown spots, then the sweeter it will be.
- Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best with this recipe. (Be sure to use gluten-free oats if needed.)
- Dairy-free milk: Any plant-based milk works great. I usually use unsweetened almond milk or homemade cashew milk.
- Peanut butter: I use natural and creamy. Or you can substitute your favorite nut butter or seed butter instead, but this will slightly alter the flavor.
- Chia seeds: These help to thicken the mixture, plus include fiber and omega-3.
- Cacao powder: This adds the rich chocolate flavor. (Or you can also substitute cocoa powder.)
- Pure maple syrup: This works great as a natural sweetener.
Serving
Enjoy your overnight oats right out of the jar, or garnish with toppings before serving. A few ideas include:
- Fresh fruit (like strawberries or raspberries)
- Sliced banana
- Cacao nibs, vegan mini chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chunks
- Ground cinnamon
- Coconut shreds
- Granola
- Extra peanut butter
Storing
Once your oat mixture is combined, then chill it in a small bowl or jar for at least 5 hours or more in the refrigerator. (Overnight is perfect!) I find it can last a few days, but is best enjoyed within the first day or two.
Looking for more? Try this easy Brownie Baked Oatmeal as well!
For more inspiration, also browse all vegan breakfast recipes.
Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats (Vegan!)
Ingredients
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
- 1/2 cup dairy-free milk
- 2 tsp. chia seeds
- 2 tsp. cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 1-2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp. creamy, natural peanut butter (or more to taste)
Optional:
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, 1/8 tsp. almond extract, ground cinnamon, etc.
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, mash banana.
- Add oats, milk, chia, cacao, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine.
- Add peanut butter. (I like to drop mine in small dollops so there are clumps of peanut butter.) Gently stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a mason jar or small bowl. Then lightly press down with a spoon to make sure oats are fully immersed in the liquid.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 5 hours or overnight.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
Sodium content: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.
If you're enjoying these chunky monkey overnight oats with peanut butter, banana, and chocolate, also check out:
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
- Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie
- Vegan Gluten Free Waffles
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Crystal M Pfeifer says
Could I use ground flax seeds instead of the chia seeds and get similar consistancy?
Kaitlin says
Hi Crystal! Sure, ground flax could thicken it up as well. It won't have as much of that "gel-like" consistency that chia delivers, and the flax will add more of a sweet/nutty flavor. But they should be interchangeable. Hope you enjoy if you give it a try!
Jamie T. says
My whole family loves this recipe!!
Kaitlin says
Awesome, Jamie!
Tara says
This came out super good! Excellent breakfast and quick & easy to prepare.
Kaitlin says
So great to hear - thank you!