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; Crushed peanuts; Extra chocolate chips or cacao nibs for serving

There's just something irresistibly cozy about starting your day with a creamy, luscious breakfast that does all the hard work overnight. This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe hits that sweet spot between indulgent and wholesome, with bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate chips coming together like a dream.

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 can't get enough of how simple yet flavorful this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is. It's basically dessert for breakfast—with the nutritious twist that keeps you satisfied for hours. Plus, prepping it takes just minutes, which means less morning stress and more time to savor.

Ready in Minutes: You prep it the night before, so mornings become effortless and enjoyable.
Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to the peanut butter and ripe bananas, the oats come out perfectly creamy, never dry or mushy.
Deliciously Indulgent but Vegan: Every spoonful has that fun Chunky Monkey vibe—chocolate, coconut, peanut butter—without any dairy.
Flexible and Customizable: You can tweak sweetness, milk type, and toppings easily to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe plays a special role, creating a balance of creaminess, natural sweetness, and a little crunch. Knowing their purpose will help you pick the best versions and make substitutions that keep that magic going.

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: These give you that hearty texture and bulk. Using gluten-free oats is a must if you’re sensitive, and they soak up liquid beautifully overnight.
Chia seeds: They thicken the oats while adding omega-3 and fiber, making the texture less runny and more satisfying.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors—don’t skip it even in a sweet dish!
Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that you can adjust for your preferred level; it blends seamlessly without overpowering.
Plant-based milk: Almond, cashew, oat, or coconut milk all work beautifully; thicker options like oat or cashew milk make it super creamy.
Banana: Adds natural sweetness and creaminess; I prefer ripe bananas for maximum flavor and softness.
Peanut butter: The star for that rich, nutty Chunky Monkey vibe. Creamy or crunchy style depends on your texture preference.
Shredded coconut: I usually go for unsweetened to add a subtle tropical note and a little chewiness.
Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs: Tiny bursts of chocolate magic—the perfect finish to this flavor combo.

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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

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you swap peanut butter for almond butter or crank up the chocolate chips, you get a breakfast that's exactly how you like it.

Variation: I once added a dash of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract, and it felt like a warm hug first thing in the morning—give it a try if you’re into cozy flavors!
Seasonal twist: Swap out the banana for mashed pumpkin puree plus pumpkin spice in fall for a festive flair.
Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter to keep it allergy-friendly.
Boost protein: Stir in a scoop of vegan protein powder or sprinkle some hemp seeds on top before serving.

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: Combine the Base Ingredients

I always find mixing everything in a bowl before transferring to a jar works best—it’s easier to blend evenly. Just toss in rolled oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, maple syrup, and half a cup of your favorite plant milk. Stir gently to start melding the flavors.

Step 2: Add Your Banana & Peanut Butter Goodness

Next comes the diced banana and peanut butter. Using ripe banana adds natural creaminess and sweetness. For the peanut butter, I prefer creamy to get that smooth texture, but crunchy works well if you want little nutty bites. Mix until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Fold in Coconut and Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle in the shredded coconut and mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs—these little ingredients bring that iconic Chunky Monkey experience alive. Give it one last gentle stir to fold everything in without crushing the goodies.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Magic Happen

Transfer your mixture to a jar or airtight container, cover it up, and pop it in your fridge for at least 30-40 minutes, though overnight is best. This time lets the oats absorb all those flavors and soften perfectly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Before digging in, I like to drizzle a little more almond milk on top to loosen it up, then pile on the remaining banana slices, a drizzle of peanut butter, a sprinkle of coconut, and some extra chocolate chips. It’s a breakfast that feels like a treat every time.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few little tweaks can make your Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe truly spectacular—and save you from common pitfalls.

Don’t Overdo the Liquid: Start with less milk—you can always add more next morning if it’s too thick, but you can’t take it out once added.
Ripe Bananas are Key: They deliver natural sweetness and that creamy texture. Avoid underripe bananas which can taste starchy.
Mix Well, Then Taste: I always sample before refrigerating and adjust sweetness or milk quantity—it’s easier to tweak before chilling.
Use Fresh Toppings: Add coconut and chocolate chips just before serving for the best texture contrast.

How to Serve Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

vegan chunky monkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping these oats with freshly sliced bananas, a few extra mini chocolate chips, and a generous sprinkle of shredded coconut. Sometimes, I even crumble some roasted peanuts on top for a crunchy surprise, which honestly makes it extra special.

Side Dishes

For a complete breakfast, pair your Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats with a cup of strong black coffee or a warm chai latte. A side of fresh berries or an energizing green smoothie also complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunches or special mornings, I like to serve these oats layered in a clear glass jar with fresh banana slices and peanut butter swirls in between. It looks gorgeous and invites you to dig right in. Another fun idea is to create mini parfaits with coconut yogurt, adding color and creaminess.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Since this recipe is made in advance, storing it is a breeze. Keep leftover oats in an airtight container or jar in your refrigerator, and they'll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Just remember they will soften with time, so I prefer to enjoy them within the first day for the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing isn’t ideal for overnight oats since the texture changes after thawing. The bananas can get mushy, and oats might become watery. I’d recommend making fresh batches every few days instead for the best experience.

Reheating

If you prefer your oats warm, I gently microwave them for 30-45 seconds after removing the lid. Add a splash of plant milk to loosen them up if needed. Just keep an eye on heating so they don’t dry out or get too hot.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be prepared the night before, making your mornings stress-free and delicious. Just refrigerate it overnight and it will be ready when you wake up.

Can I use other nut butters besides peanut butter?

Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are all great alternatives if you want to switch things up or avoid peanuts. Just choose a creamy texture for the best mixing experience.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free rolled oats. Make sure to check your oatmeal packaging if you need to avoid gluten.

How long can I store leftover overnight oats?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the oats stay good for about 2-3 days. They’ll get softer over time, so for the best texture, enjoy them within the first day or two.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is one of those breakfasts that feels special but is actually wonderfully simple to prepare. I love how it sneaks in generous nutrition with flavors that make you feel like you’re indulging in a treat. Give it a try—you'll be amazed how quickly it becomes a staple in your morning routine, just like it did in mine.