Name: Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup rolled oats (gluten free, if needed); 2 teaspoons chia seeds; pinch salt; 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup; 1/2-3/4 cup milk (almond, cashew, oat, or coconut); 1/4-1/2 banana (diced); 1-2 Tablespoons peanut butter; 1/2-1 Tablespoon shredded coconut (unsweetened); 1 teaspoon mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs; Optional: crushed peanuts or extra chocolate chips/cacao nibs for serving

There's something so comforting about waking up to a creamy, flavorful breakfast that's ready to go—no morning fuss required. This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe nails that cozy vibe with its peanut butter, banana, and chocolate combo that feels like a treat but is totally wholesome.

The image shows a clear glass jar filled with creamy oatmeal mixed with small dark seeds. On top, there is a layer of banana slices placed in a circle, drizzled with a light brown sauce, and scattered with small chocolate chips. The jar sits on a white marble surface with a wooden board underneath. Around it, there are more glass jars with different oatmeal toppings, including almond slices and raisins, strawberries, and blueberries, all on white marble. The lighting is soft, highlighting the colors and textures of the oats and toppings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

I have to admit, this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe quickly became one of my go-to breakfasts. The perfect balance of rich peanut butter, sweet banana, and a hint of chocolate makes it feel indulgent without any guilt. Plus, it's so simple to put together the night before—saving me precious time on busy mornings.

Convenient & Time-Saving: Prepare it the night before and wake up to a ready-to-eat, nutritious breakfast.
Wholesome Ingredients: Uses plant-based, gluten-free oats packed with fiber and protein for lasting energy.
Delicious Flavor Combo: The peanut butter, banana, and chocolate trio is pure magic you’ll look forward to every morning.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite nut butters, milk alternatives, or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from texture to flavor to nutrition—making it an all-around perfect breakfast choice. Here’s why they all come together so well, plus some tips on picking the best options at the store.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of rolled oats, a small white ceramic bowl of chia seeds, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of golden pure maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy almond milk, half a fresh ripe banana diced, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth peanut butter, a small white ceramic bowl of unsweetened shredded coconut, a small white ceramic bowl of mini dark chocolate chips, and two whole uncracked brown eggs, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rolled oats: Use gluten-free if needed; these soak up the milk overnight and soften beautifully without getting mushy.
Chia seeds: Add a gentle crunch and help thicken the oats by soaking up liquid while bumping up fiber and omega-3s.
Salt (a pinch): Just enough to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness naturally.
Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with banana and chocolate, plus it’s vegan-friendly.
Plant-based milk: Almond, cashew, oat, or coconut milk all work great—choose your favorite for creaminess and mild flavor.
Banana (diced): The star for natural sweetness and creamy texture; using ripe bananas makes a big difference.
Peanut butter: Adds richness and a protein boost; creamy or chunky works fine depending on your texture preference.
Shredded coconut: I prefer unsweetened for a subtle tropical note; it adds great texture and a bit of healthy fat.
Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs: Just a sprinkle for that classic Chunky Monkey feel—cacao nibs give a less sweet, more sophisticated chocolate punch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about making recipes my own, and this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe invites it! I love swapping out peanut butter for almond butter when I want a slightly different flavor or adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Feel free to adjust sweetness or milk texture to suit your morning mood.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder for extra chocolate punch—perfect if you’re a true chocolate lover like me.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

The image shows a white oval board with a wooden strip on the right side, placed on a white marbled surface. On the board are four small white bowls arranged in a roughly square shape: the top left bowl is filled with rolled oats, the top right bowl has black chia seeds, the bottom left bowl holds diced bananas, and the bottom right bowl contains a small pile of shredded coconut next to a silver spoon filled with creamy peanut butter. Another silver spoon filled with honey rests near the bottom left bowl. A clear glass bottle filled with white milk is positioned near the top right corner of the board, and a white cloth is partly visible in the upper left corner of the image. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the textures and colors of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients

Start by grabbing your rolled oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, maple syrup, your choice of plant milk, diced banana, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and those mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs. I find it easier to assemble in a bowl rather than a narrow jar—it’s much simpler to stir everything evenly.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

Combine the oats, chia seeds, salt, maple syrup, half the banana, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips with half a cup of your chosen milk. Stir everything really well to make sure the peanut butter breaks up and the sweet flavors meld. Taste it here—you can add a little more syrup or milk depending on how sweet or creamy you like it.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

Transfer your mixture into a jar or airtight container and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 to 40 minutes, although overnight is best. This resting time lets the oats soak up the flavors and soften into creamy perfection.

Step 4: Add Final Toppings & Serve

When you’re ready to eat, give your oats a good stir. If it feels thick, add a splash of plant milk to loosen it up. Then top with the remaining banana, a little drizzle of peanut butter, shredded coconut, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips or cacao nibs for that irresistible finishing touch.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, here are a few little tricks I’ve learned to make your Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats turn out just right every time. They’ve saved me from common slip-ups and keep breakfast exciting.

Use Ripe Bananas: The sweeter and softer the banana, the creamier and more naturally sweet your oats will be.
Mix Thoroughly: Stir the peanut butter in well so it blends evenly instead of clumping—it makes each spoonful taste balanced.
Adjust Milk Thickness: Different plant milks have varying thickness—add a splash more if your oats seem too dense after refrigerating.
Don’t Skip the Chia Seeds: They add texture and help thicken the oats naturally, but also boost fiber and omega-3s for a hearty start.

How to Serve Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

Vegan Chunky Monkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Personally, I always top mine with extra dashes of shredded coconut, a few extra mini chocolate chips, and sometimes a few crushed peanuts sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch. These simple garnishes take the oats from good to wow and add fresh texture right before you dig in.

Side Dishes

Since this vegan overnight oats recipe is already pretty filling, I usually pair it with a side of fresh fruit—like juicy berries or sliced kiwi—to add brightness and a burst of freshness. A hot cup of herbal tea or strong coffee complements the flavors perfectly too.

Creative Ways to Present

For weekend brunches or when friends drop by, I like to serve the oats layered in clear glass jars or bowls so you can see the beautiful mix of banana, oats, and chocolate chips. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder makes it feel extra special and Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers stored in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just a heads-up—the oats will get softer the longer they sit, which I actually enjoy for a creamier texture, but some people prefer to eat them the day they’re made for more bite.

Freezing

Honestly, I haven’t had much luck freezing overnight oats because the texture changes quite a bit afterward. If you do want to freeze, I recommend doing it without the banana and fresh toppings, then adding those fresh when thawed.

Reheating

If you prefer your oats warm, just microwave them for 30–60 seconds with a splash of plant milk to loosen the texture. Stir well and add more milk if needed. This way, you keep the creamy consistency without losing that fresh banana flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nut butters besides peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work wonderfully and bring their own subtle flavors. Just keep them creamy for easy mixing.

How long can I keep the overnight oats in the fridge?

These oats keep well in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. After that, the texture may become very soft, but they're still safe to eat if you don’t mind the mushier consistency.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe safe if you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy.

What’s the best milk to use for creaminess?

I love using oat or cashew milk for the creamiest texture and mild flavor, but almond or coconut milk works well too depending on your preference. Try a few to find your favorite!

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe isn’t just a breakfast—it's a little daily moment of joy. I love how it starts my day with wholesome, comforting flavors that make mornings easier and tastier. Give it a try and tweak it to your liking; I promise you’ll enjoy this peanut butter, banana, and chocolate hug in a jar as much as I do!