There's something so comforting about waking up to a ready-made breakfast that's both indulgent and healthy. That's exactly why I adore the Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe—it’s like a creamy peanut butter-banana-chocolate hug waiting for you in the morning.

The image shows a clear glass jar filled with creamy, light beige oats mixed with small dark chia seeds, creating a speckled texture. On top, there are round slices of pale yellow banana arranged in a single layer, drizzled with a smooth light brown peanut butter sauce, and sprinkled with small dark brown chocolate chips. The jar sits on a small rectangular wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Surrounding the jar, other glass jars feature different toppings like sliced almonds, dark dried fruit, and fresh red strawberry pieces, all resting on the same white marbled surface. 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

Let me tell you, I’ve tried a ton of overnight oat recipes, but this one stands out every time. It nails the balance of flavors and textures, and it’s super quick to throw together the night before.

Deliciously Creamy: The peanut butter and banana blend transforms simple oats into a luscious, creamy treat without any dairy.
Quick Prep: It takes under 5 minutes to mix, making mornings stress-free.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, milk choice, or toppings to fit your mood.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with dietary preferences without ever compromising flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in making these oats a powerhouse breakfast—you get protein, fiber, and a satisfying sweet kick. Plus, I always recommend using quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of rolled oats, a small white ceramic bowl of chia seeds, a pinch of coarse salt on the marble surface, a small white ceramic bowl of golden pure maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of almond milk, a few pieces of diced fresh banana, a dollop of creamy peanut butter on a white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded unsweetened coconut, a small white ceramic bowl of mini chocolate chips, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance, 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: Go for gluten-free if you need to; they soak up the milk beautifully and give a hearty texture.
Chia seeds: These little guys thicken the mixture and add an extra punch of omega-3 and fiber.
Salt: Just a pinch to highlight the sweetness and deepen flavor.
Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness with a subtle hint of caramel that beats refined sugar any day.
Plant-based milk: Almond, cashew, oat, or coconut milk all work well—choose your favorite for creaminess and flavor.
Banana: Using ripe banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess; diced pieces also give a lovely texture.
Peanut butter: This is the star that brings richness, protein, and that classic Chunky Monkey flavor.
Shredded coconut: Adds a tropical note and a bit of chewiness; I like unsweetened to keep it balanced.
Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs: For that subtle chocolate kick that ties everything together.

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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 love mixing things up depending on what I have on hand or my mood. You can easily swap out ingredients or ramp up the flavors for a totally personalized breakfast bowl.

Variation: One of my go-tos is swapping peanut butter for almond butter when I want a slightly different nutty flavor—it still tastes amazing.
Additional Add-ins: Toss in some chopped walnuts or hemp seeds for extra crunch and protein boost.
Sweetness Levels: Feel free to adjust maple syrup or add a splash of vanilla extract for more depth.
Seasonal Twist: In fall, I sometimes sprinkle in pumpkin spice or cinnamon for a cozy vibe.

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

The image shows a white marbled oval board with a wooden section on the right side. On the board, there are four white small bowls and two silver spoons arranged neatly. One bowl is filled with pale oat flakes at the top left, another bowl contains black chia seeds at the top right, the third bowl at the bottom left holds pieces of chopped banana, and the fourth bowl is a glass bottle filled with white milk at the top center. A spoon on the right side is holding light brown peanut butter, resting on a small pile of white shredded coconut spread on the board. Below all the items is a second spoon with dark amber honey. The soft natural lighting highlights the textures and colors of each ingredient against the clean white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the Magic

Start by combining the rolled oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, maple syrup, and half a cup of your chosen plant milk in a small bowl or jar. Then, add diced banana, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and your chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Stir everything together well so the oats get evenly coated. Give it a quick taste—if you want it sweeter or creamier, add a bit more syrup or milk. This step is key to balancing flavors before chilling.

Step 2: Refrigerate and Relax

Transfer your oat mixture into a jar or airtight container. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30-40 minutes, but honestly, overnight works best. This little wait lets the oats soften and the chia seeds expand, creating that perfect creamy texture that feels like a treat first thing.

Step 3: Dress It Up and Dig In

When you're ready to eat, give your oats a little stir. If it feels too thick, stir in a wee splash of milk. Then top with the remaining banana, a drizzle of peanut butter, an extra sprinkle of shredded coconut, and some more chocolate chips or cacao nibs. The fresh toppings add texture and elevate the presentation—you’ll love how it looks as much as it tastes!

Top Tip

I’ve made plenty of overnight oats, and the difference between “meh” and “wow” is all in how you balance moisture and mix-ins. Here are my favorite tips—little things that make a huge difference.

Use Ripe Bananas: They’re naturally sweeter and mash up easily, infusing the oats with rich banana flavor.
Don’t Overfill Milk: Start with less milk—you can always add more in the morning if it’s too thick.
Stir Well: Before refrigerating, give the mixture a thorough stir so the chia seeds don’t clump.
Layer Toppings: Save some toppings for serving, so textures stay fresh and don’t get soggy overnight.

How to Serve Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

Vegan Chunky Monkey Oats - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a few crushed peanuts for crunch and an extra drizzle of peanut butter. It turns a simple breakfast into something special. Plus, maybe a few more chocolate chips—why not?

Side Dishes

Pair your oats with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of your favorite herbal tea. It rounds out the meal beautifully without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunches, I like layering the oats in clear glasses with banana slices and chopped nuts in between layers. It looks Instagram-worthy and tastes just as good—guests always ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These oats keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I usually make a couple of jars to grab for busy mornings. Just a heads-up—it softens up a bit more each day, but that’s not a deal-breaker for me.

Freezing

I haven’t frozen this recipe myself because the texture changes when thawed, but if you want to, I’d recommend freezing only the dry ingredients separately, then mixing fresh with your wet ingredients when ready.

Reheating

I usually eat mine cold, but if you prefer warm oats, just microwave for 30 seconds to a minute and add a splash of milk to loosen it up. The flavors remain just as tasty!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter make wonderful alternatives and will give a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

Do I have to use chia seeds?

Chia seeds help thicken the oats and add fiber and omega-3s, but if you don’t have any, you can skip them. The oats may be a bit less thick, so consider a little extra oats or let them soak longer.

How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?

They typically last 2-3 days stored in an airtight container. After that, texture and flavor might change—so best enjoyed sooner for maximum freshness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe has become a staple in my routine—not just because of how simply delicious it is, but because it makes mornings easier and more joyful. I hope you give it a try and find the same kind of comfort and sweetness it’s brought to my breakfasts. Trust me, once it’s in your fridge, you’ll look forward to breakfast like never before!