There's just something so comforting about waking up to a creamy, dreamy breakfast that's ready to go. This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe brings together peanut butter, banana, coconut, and chocolate in a way that feels like a full-on treat—but it’s actually super nutritious and easy to make ahead. Trust me, it’s worth adding this to your morning routine.

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

This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is one I keep coming back to on busy mornings and lazy weekends alike. There's a warmth in every bite, but it’s also packed with real, simple ingredients that give you energy and satisfaction without any fuss.

Ready in Minutes: You prep it the night before, so your mornings feel relaxed and delicious.
Nutrient-Packed: Chia seeds, oats, banana, and peanut butter team up to keep you full and fueled.
Rich Flavor Combo: The peanut butter, banana, and chocolate create that classic "Chunky Monkey" delight in every spoonful.
Totally Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe works perfectly for most diets without any substitutions needed.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each add both texture and flavor that balance out perfectly, plus they’re all easy to find in most grocery stores.

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 chewy base that soaks up flavors overnight while keeping things satisfying and hearty.
Chia seeds: These little powerhouses thicken the mixture while adding omega-3 fats and fiber.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet and nutty flavors.
Pure maple syrup: Adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Plant-based milk: I love using almond or oat milk here—it keeps things creamy and light.
Banana: Natural sweetness and creaminess, plus it’s a fun texture contrast when diced.
Peanut butter: My favorite protein source here, adding richness and that classic chunky monkey vibe.
Shredded coconut: Gives just the right hint of tropical flavor and texture.
Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs: A little chocolate-y crunch that makes every bite exciting.

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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 my favorite things about this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is the flexibility. It’s a great base for experimenting, so you can tweak it according to what’s in your pantry or your mood that morning!

Add a Twist: I sometimes swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor that feels just as indulgent.
Double the Chocolate: Feeling fancy? Mix in dark chocolate chips and sprinkle some extra cacao nibs on top for a chocolate overload that’s still healthy.
Seasonal Update: Try folding in diced fresh berries or a handful of chopped walnuts depending on what’s fresh or your cravings.

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 Everything in a Bowl

I like starting in a small mixing bowl rather than tossing everything directly into a jar. It makes it easier to stir everything evenly, so those chia seeds don’t clump and the peanut butter blends smoothly with the oats and milk. Start with ½ cup of your plant milk and add a pinch of salt. Toss in your oats, chia seeds, diced banana, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips. Stir everything well. If the mixture feels too thick, add a little more milk or syrup to balance it out—taste is always your best guide here.

Step 2: Transfer and Chill Overnight

Once everything is mixed, transfer your oat mixture into a jar or airtight container. Seal it tightly and pop it into the fridge. I usually let mine sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This resting time lets the oats absorb the liquid fully, and all those flavors get to know each other.

Step 3: Serve with Toppings for Extra Punch

When you’re ready to eat, give the oats a little stir and add a splash more milk if things have thickened too much for your liking. I love topping mine with the remaining diced banana, an extra drizzle of peanut butter, a sprinkle of coconut flakes, and a few more mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs for crunch and that little wow factor.

Top Tip

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few little things that help it come out perfectly every time—and they can save you some kitchen headaches.

Chia Seeds Magic: Don’t skip the chia seeds; they thicken the oats naturally and give you that lovely pudding-like texture without any added gelatin.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Adding peanut butter in the mixing stage works, but drizzling an extra spoonful on top right before serving takes the flavor to a whole new level.
Banana Ripeness: Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and creaminess—less maple syrup needed!
Balancing Liquid: The amount of plant milk can vary based on your oats and taste, so start small and add more as you go to get your perfect consistency.

How to Serve Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

Vegan Chunky Monkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple but indulgent: extra fresh banana slices, a drizzle of peanut butter, a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut, and a few mini chocolate chips for that extra crunch and melty goodness. Sometimes I add crushed peanuts on top, especially when I want a little extra texture. It feels like dessert for breakfast!

Side Dishes

Since this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is quite filling, I usually pair it with a handful of fresh berries or a simple green smoothie when I want a bit more variety. For a more savory twist, a small side of avocado toast works perfectly if you're craving a balance of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special weekend brunch or when friends are over, I like to layer these oats in clear jars alternating with banana slices and maybe a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top. It turns into a gorgeous parfait that looks as divine as it tastes. Adding a sprinkle of cacao nibs or edible flowers makes it perfect for Instagram-worthy mornings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about this recipe is its make-ahead nature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge, and you’ve got breakfast sorted for the next 2-3 days. Just note that it will soften a bit more each day, so it’s best eaten within that time frame for optimal texture.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this oat dish because the banana and texture can be a bit tricky after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, making individual portions fresh and keeping them chilled in the fridge works better in my experience.

Reheating

These overnight oats are great eaten cold straight from the fridge, but if you prefer them warm, pop the jar in the microwave for about 30 seconds and stir in a splash of extra plant milk. Be careful not to heat them too long or the texture can turn mushy. The goal is just a cozy warmth without losing the integrity of the oats.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! You can replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter and use a nut-free milk like oat or rice milk. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

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

It’s best to enjoy them within 2-3 days. The oats will continue to soak and soften over time, which can change the texture, but they’re still tasty if eaten within this window.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but rolled oats hold their texture better in overnight oats. Quick oats tend to become mushy faster, so I recommend sticking with rolled for the best mouthfeel.

What’s the purpose of chia seeds in this recipe?

Chia seeds absorb liquid and help thicken the oats, giving the mixture a creamy pudding-like consistency while adding fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re a great texture enhancer here.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is one of those breakfasts that feels like a hug in a jar. I love how effortlessly the flavors blend into a cozy, wholesome meal that gels with whatever kind of morning you’re facing. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s a fast favorite because it’s just as good on those rushed weekday mornings as it is on lazy weekend brunches. Grab the ingredients, mix it up, and start your day with something that feels both nourishing and indulgent—like a secret treat you made just for yourself.