There’s something so satisfying about waking up to a ready-made breakfast that’s creamy, chocolatey, and naturally sweet. This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe hits all those notes perfectly — think peanut butter, banana, a touch of maple syrup, and a hint of coconut, swirling together in a jar that’s ready to go when you are.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe has become my go-to for busy mornings when I want something both nourishing and indulgent. It’s simple but feels like a treat, and it keeps me full for hours.
- Quick & Easy: You just throw everything together in a jar, then wake up to breakfast ready to enjoy—no cooking needed.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can swap your favorite plant-based milk or adjust sweetness easily to match your taste.
- Loaded with Texture: Chunky banana bits, creamy peanut butter, crunchy coconut, and melty chocolate chips make every bite interesting.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: It keeps well in the fridge so you can prep several jars for grab-and-go mornings all week.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe is such a beautiful balance of flavors and textures because each ingredient plays a special role. Plus, they’re easy to find and pantry-friendly, making this a reliable breakfast anytime.
- Rolled Oats: The base of your overnight oats, they soak up the liquid and become creamy without getting mushy—gluten-free oats work great here too.
- Chia Seeds: These little powerhouses add thickness as they absorb moisture, plus they pack some extra fiber and protein.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps all the flavors pop and balances out the sweetness.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness without being overpowering, and you can adjust it to taste.
- Plant-Based Milk (Almond, Cashew, Oat, or Coconut): This is the liquid that softens your oats—pick your favorite for flavor and creaminess.
- Banana: Adds natural sweetness and chunkiness—make sure your banana is ripe for the best flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Brings a rich, creamy texture and a delightful nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana.
- Shredded Coconut: I love using unsweetened for a little tropical zing and extra texture.
- Mini Chocolate Chips or Cacao Nibs: A touch of chocolate that melts slightly overnight—pure comfort.
Make It Your Way
I like to switch up this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe depending on the season or my mood. You really can’t go wrong experimenting here—feel free to make it your own!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor, and it’s just as delicious.
- Sweetness level: If you prefer less sugar, cut the maple syrup in half or skip it completely—the ripe banana usually does the trick on its own.
- Fruit swaps: I’ve tried adding blueberries or chopped strawberries on top instead of more banana for a fresh twist.
- Extra crunch: Toss in some crushed peanuts or walnuts before serving for added texture that’s so satisfying.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
I find mixing everything in a small bowl first is easiest—you get to stir everything evenly. Start with the oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, and maple syrup. Then add ½ cup of your preferred plant-based milk, 2–4 tablespoons of diced banana, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, ½ tablespoon shredded coconut, and chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Give it a good stir to combine all those flavors, then taste it. If it feels too thick, add a bit more milk. Want more sweetness? Add a touch more maple syrup.
Step 2: Transfer & Chill
Transfer your mix to a jar or airtight container and pop it in the fridge for at least 30-40 minutes, but honestly, overnight is when it shines. The oats soften beautifully, and the flavors meld in the best way.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
Before eating, give it a little stir. If it seems too thick, a splash more milk does the trick. Then top with the rest of the banana, an extra drizzle of peanut butter, a sprinkle more shredded coconut, and a few chocolate chips or cacao nibs for that final wow factor. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Top Tip
From my experience, a few small tricks make all the difference with this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe. Here’s what I learned that helps keep your oats delicious and perfectly textured every time.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better for natural sweetness and a creamy texture that mixes in beautifully.
- Measure Milk Gradually: Start with less milk and add more as needed — it’s easier to thin out thick oats than to thicken watery oats.
- Stir Before Refrigerating: Mix all ingredients well to avoid clumps of peanut butter or chia seeds settling unevenly.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: At least 30 minutes allows the chia seeds to plump and the oats to soften, but overnight is best for full flavor.
How to Serve Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this, I always add a few extra touches to make it look and taste even more special. A small drizzle of peanut butter warmed slightly, a sprinkling of shredded coconut, some fresh banana slices, and a handful of mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs give it that restaurant-quality feel at home.
Side Dishes
I like pairing these oats with a simple fresh fruit salad or a cup of your favorite plant-based yogurt. A hot cup of coffee or chai also completes the cozy breakfast vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or to impress guests, try layering your Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe in a clear glass parfait with alternating layers of granola and sliced bananas. Top with a sprig of mint or edible flowers—a pretty and delicious start to the day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can make a batch of these oats and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind, they'll get softer the longer they sit, so if you like a firmer texture, eat them within the first day.
Freezing
I haven’t had great luck freezing overnight oats since the texture changes a lot when thawed, so I usually stick to making 2-3 days’ worth fresh. But if you want to try, freeze in small portions and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
If you prefer warm oats, I gently heat the leftovers in the microwave for about 30 seconds, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture. Warm but still creamy, it’s just as satisfying as cold!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! As long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work wonderfully if you want a different twist or have allergies.
Overnight oats typically stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! Prepare multiple jars at once and grab them for breakfast throughout the week. Just remember texture may soften slightly each day.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe holds a special place in my morning routine—it’s my little slice of comfort and goodness that greets me right when I wake up. I know you’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare, and how satisfying it tastes without any fuss. Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and let it brighten your busy mornings just like it does mine!
Print
Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and creamy gluten-free and vegan breakfast featuring peanut butter, banana, chia seeds, and chocolate chips soaked overnight in plant-based milk for a ready-to-eat nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ⅓ cup rolled oats (gluten free, if needed)
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- pinch salt
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- ½-3/4 cup milk (almond, cashew, oat, or coconut)
- ¼-1/2 banana (diced)
- 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter
- ½-1 tablespoon shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Optional Toppings
- Crushed peanuts
- Extra chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients. In a small bowl or jar, mix rolled oats, chia seeds, pinch of salt, pure maple syrup, ½ cup of your choice of plant-based milk, diced banana, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Stir well to incorporate all flavors and adjust sweetness or consistency by adding more syrup or milk as desired.
- Refrigerate Overnight. Transfer the mixture to a sealable jar or container, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30-40 minutes, preferably overnight, allowing the oats and chia seeds to soak and thicken.
- Serve & Garnish. When ready to eat, stir the oats and add a little more milk if needed for desired creaminess. Top with remaining diced banana, a drizzle of peanut butter, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Optionally, sprinkle crushed peanuts for extra texture.
Notes
- Use gluten-free rolled oats to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the sweetness with maple syrup according to your taste.
- Plant-based milk choices like almond, cashew, oat, or coconut milk all work well.
- For a crunchier topping, add crushed peanuts or extra cacao nibs before serving.
- The oats can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days but may soften over time.
- Mix well before serving to rehydrate any settled ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 398 kcal
- Sugar: 13.8 g
- Sodium: 176.5 mg
- Fat: 16.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46.9 g
- Fiber: 9.2 g
- Protein: 10.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Leave a Reply