There’s something so delightfully simple about waking up to creamy, rich oats ready to nourish you — and this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe nails that vibe perfectly. It’s like starting your day with a cozy hug, packed with banana, peanut butter, and just the right hint of chocolate.

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've made a lot of overnight oats recipes, but this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe feels special every time because it balances creamy peanut butter, ripe banana sweetness, and a little chocolatey magic all in one. Plus, it's super easy to whip up the night before.

Effortless Convenience: Prepare it in minutes and wake up to breakfast that tastes like you spent ages crafting it.
Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, plant-based pantry staples that nourish without weighing you down.
Perfect Texture: Chunky bits of banana and creamy peanut butter make it satisfyingly chewy and smooth.
Customizable Fun: Easily adjust sweetness, add your favorite toppings, or swap nuts and milks to keep things fresh.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe plays a key role—from texture to flavor to nutrition. Here’s why they’re a knockout combo and a few quick tips when you shop.

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: The base of the recipe, they soak up the milk overnight for creamy, hearty oats. Choose gluten free if that’s your preference.
Chia seeds: These little powerhouses add thickness and a subtle nutty flavor, plus extra fiber and omega-3s.
Salt: Just a pinch brightens all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients; you can adjust amount based on taste.
Plant-based milk: Almond, oat, cashew, or coconut milk all work beautifully—choose your favorite for creaminess.
Banana: Provides natural sweetness and a soft texture contrast; ripe bananas give the best flavor.
Peanut butter: Creamy and protein-packed, peanut butter gives a rich, indulgent feel that pairs perfectly with banana.
Shredded coconut: Adds a subtle tropical note and texture—unsweetened keeps it balanced.
Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs: These little bursts of chocolate add indulgence and texture, completing the Chunky Monkey vibe.

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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 to tweak this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Sometimes, I swap peanut butter for almond butter or toss in a few walnuts for crunch. It’s all about making it work for you.

Variation: Once, I added chopped dates instead of extra maple syrup for a deeper caramel flavor—delicious and natural!
Seasonal Twist: In winter, I sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg for a comforting touch.

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: Mix the Base Ingredients

Start by grabbing a small bowl or a mixing jar. I find a bowl easier because mixing everything evenly can be tricky otherwise. Combine your rolled oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, a bit of maple syrup, and about half a cup of your plant milk. Toss in diced banana, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and those irresistible mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Stir gently but well — this helps chia seeds start to gel and everything blend without clumps.

Step 2: Taste and Adjust the Sweetness and Texture

I always take a small taste at this point. Sometimes I add a little more maple syrup if I want it sweeter or add a splash more milk if the oats seem too thick. The oats will soak up liquid overnight, so aim for a slightly looser consistency than you want to eat.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight (or at Least 30-40 Minutes)

Transfer your mixture into an airtight jar or container if you mixed it in a bowl. Then pop it in the fridge. The magic happens here — your oats absorb the liquid, sweet flavors meld, and the chia seeds thicken everything into a creamy, spoonable breakfast. If you’re in a rush, 30-40 minutes will soften things nicely, but overnight is best.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

When you're ready to eat, give your oats a little stir. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick for your liking, then top with extra slices of banana, a drizzle of peanut butter, shredded coconut, and some chocolate chips or cacao nibs for that perfect finish.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe foolproof and extra delicious. These tips keep me from ending up with either too dry or soupy oats—and help balance the flavors perfectly every time.

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the more natural sweetness and creaminess it adds, so don’t skimp here.
Don’t Skimp on Chia Seeds: They are the magic thickener but also a fantastic nutritional punch, so adding enough is key.
Stir Before Refrigerating: Mixing well helps chia seeds disperse and prevents clumps from forming overnight.
Adjust Milk Amount After Soaking: If it becomes too thick or dry in the morning, just stir in a splash of milk. It’ll feel freshly made again.

How to Serve Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

vegan overnight oats - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Honestly, I keep it simple but indulgent: extra sliced bananas, a drizzle of peanut butter for creaminess, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut and chocolate chips for texture and sweetness. Sometimes I add a few crushed peanuts for crunch—it’s like having dessert for breakfast!

Side Dishes

I like pairing these oats with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte to balance the cool creaminess of the oats. Fresh fruit on the side, like berries or orange segments, brightens the whole meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I’ve served these oat jars layered with extra sliced bananas and crushed nuts in clear glasses for a beautiful breakfast parfait look. You can even top with a sprig of mint to add some color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover overnight oats in airtight jars in the fridge and they keep well for 2-3 days. The texture becomes even softer but totally tasty. Just stir gently before serving.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen this recipe because oats tend to change texture when frozen and thawed, but you could try freezing in small portions if you’re in a pinch—just expect a slightly different consistency.

Reheating

I prefer eating these oats cold, but if you want to warm them up, a quick zap in the microwave (30-45 seconds) with a splash of plant milk does the trick. Stir well to keep that creamy texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini, and use a nut-free milk like oat or rice milk. The texture will still stay creamy and delicious.

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

The oats will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container and give them a good stir before eating. The texture might soften over time, but the flavor stays great.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in this recipe?

I recommend sticking to rolled oats for this recipe because they hold up better overnight and create the best texture. Quick oats might get too mushy fast.

What’s a good substitute for maple syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup with agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or even a splash of date syrup. Just adjust the amount to your taste preferences because some options are sweeter than others.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe has become my go-to when I want something quick, satisfying, and a little nostalgic with the peanut butter-banana-chocolate trio. It’s one of those recipes you can trust to brighten busy mornings or lazy weekends alike. Give it a try—I promise you’ll look forward to breakfast like never before!