Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is the kind of breakfast that feels like a cozy hug first thing in the morning. Creamy, sweet, with just the right crunch—and the best part? You prepare it the night before and let it do its magic while you sleep. Trust me, it’s worth waking up early for.

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

Honestly, I’ve tried a bunch of overnight oats recipes, but this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe stands out every time. It nails that perfect balance of flavors and textures with creamy peanut butter, sweet banana, and a little chocolate kick. Plus, it's super quick to prep—which makes it a breakfast champion for busy mornings.

Rich flavor combo: The peanut butter, banana, coconut, and chocolate chips all blend beautifully for a dessert-worthy breakfast.
Make-ahead convenience: Mix it up the night before and wake up to a ready-to-eat, nutritious meal.
Customizable texture: You control how thick or creamy it gets by adjusting milk amounts and chilling time.
Vegan and gluten-free: It fits so many dietary needs without compromising taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe plays a starring role. They come together not just for flavor but for texture and nutritional goodness. Here’s a quick rundown so you know why they belong in this recipe—and what to look for when shopping.

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: Use gluten-free if you need to avoid gluten; rolled oats provide that classic creamy but slightly chewy texture.
Chia seeds: These little guys soak up liquid and thicken the oats while adding fiber and omega-3s.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness without any funky aftertaste—plus, it’s vegan-friendly.
Plant-based milk: Almond, cashew, oat, or coconut milk all work great; pick your favorite for creaminess and flavor.
Banana: Adds sweetness, creaminess, and that unmistakable Chunky Monkey flair.
Peanut butter: Creamy and rich, it powers up the protein and adds a cozy nutty flavor.
Shredded coconut: Unsweetened works best—for that delicate tropical hint and texture contrast.
Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs: This is the sprinkle of magic that turns breakfast into a treat.

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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

The fun part about this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I like to tweak the mix-ins depending on mood and pantry finds—you’ll quickly find what you love best.

Variation: Sometimes I swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a nuttier twist; it’s equally delicious and gives you variety.
Texture choice: Like it thick? Use less milk or add a bit more chia seeds. Want it creamier? Pour in a touch extra milk in the morning and stir well.
Seasonal tweak: Adding fresh berries or chopped apples on top brightens it up wonderfully in warmer months or fall.
Sweetener swap: Feel free to swap maple syrup for agave or date syrup depending on what you have on hand.

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: Gather your ingredients and prep your bowl

I always find it easier to mix everything in a small bowl first rather than directly in the jar. This way, you can taste and adjust consistency or sweetness before chilling. Grab your oats, chia seeds, pinch of salt, maple syrup, and plant milk to start. Don't forget that ripe banana—makes all the difference!

Step 2: Combine and stir well

Mix oats, chia seeds, salt, maple syrup, half the milk, a couple tablespoons of diced banana, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips together. Stir really well—make sure the peanut butter is well combined so you don’t end up with big clumps. Taste and adjust by adding more milk if it feels too dry or more syrup if you want it sweeter. This little taste test step is key!

Step 3: Refrigerate and wait patiently

Transfer your mixture to a jar or airtight container and pop it in the fridge for at least 30-40 minutes, but I prefer overnight for that luscious creamy texture. Overnight chilling lets the oats soak perfectly and thickens the chia seeds—making it satisfying and filling.

Step 4: Serve it up with toppings

When breakfast time rolls around, give your oats a little stir and add a drizzle of milk if it’s too thick for your liking. Top with the rest of your banana, a swirl of peanut butter, and sprinkle a bit more shredded coconut and chocolate chips or cacao nibs. It not only looks amazing, but those toppings add fresh texture and layers of flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve played around with overnight oats recipes and learned a few tricks that keep this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe consistently delicious and hassle-free.

Use fresh ripe bananas: They sweeten the oats naturally and add creaminess, so don’t skimp on Banana quality.
Don't skip the chia seeds: They’re the secret to that nice thick texture without adding heaviness.
Stir sandwich-style: When mixing, fold the peanut butter in slowly for a better spread without clumping.
Customize sweetness last minute: Taste before refrigerating and again in the morning to add syrup if you want a sweeter start.

How to Serve Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

Vegan Chunky Monkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For my go-to garnishes, I like to add sliced bananas on top—the freshness just brightens every bite. A drizzle of peanut butter gives it that extra rich creaminess I adore. Then sprinkle shredded coconut and a handful of mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs for crunch and a pop of chocolatey goodness. These little toppings really elevate the bowl visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a simple cup of black coffee or your favorite plant-based latte. If you’re looking for a light side, fresh fruit like berries or a crisp apple pairs wonderfully to add brightness to your meal without overpowering those chunky monkey flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special mornings, I’ve layered these oats in clear jars with alternating layers of peanut butter and sliced banana to create a “breakfast parfait.” Adding edible flowers or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts makes it feel extra festive and nice for brunch guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually make this recipe in single servings, but leftovers store well in an airtight container or jar in the fridge. The texture softens over 2-3 days but stays tasty. Just give it a good stir and add a splash of plant milk before eating to refresh it.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this recipe because the texture of soaked oats and banana changes significantly when thawed. I recommend preparing fresh batches for the best breakfast experience.

Reheating

If you prefer warm oats, heating this overnight oats gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds does the trick—just add a splash of milk to loosen it up again. Otherwise, I personally love it chilled and creamy straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut or seed butter?

Absolutely! Almond, cashew, sunflower, or tahini are all excellent swaps, and they’ll each bring their own unique flavor to the Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe. Just use the same amount, and adjust sweetness if needed.

How long can I store the overnight oats?

You can store the Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats in the fridge for up to 3 days. Each day, they’ll get a little softer, so if you prefer a firmer texture, enjoy them within the first 24 hours.

Can I prepare this recipe without chia seeds?

Chia seeds help thicken the oats and add nutrition, but if you don’t have any, you can skip them. The oats will be a little less thick, so you might want to reduce the milk slightly or refrigerate longer for a thicker consistency.

What type of plant milk works best?

Any plant milk like almond, oat, cashew, or coconut works well with this recipe. Coconut milk gives it a richer, tropical note, while almond or oat milk keeps it light and creamy. Pick whatever you enjoy most!

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe feels like a little act of kindness you do for yourself the night before a busy day. It’s effortless, nourishing, and a downright joy to eat. Next time you want a breakfast that’s indulgent but guilt-free, give this a try—you’ll love the creamy peanut butter and banana combo accented by that hint of coconut and chocolate. Trust me, it’s one you’ll want to make again and again.