Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

Easy Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe You’ll Love

Wake up to a delightful breakfast that brings together creamy oats and the beloved chunky monkey overnight oats recipe in one irresistible morning treat.

Bananas, chocolate, and peanut butter dance together in a harmonious blend that promises to kickstart your day with pure joy.

This simple, no-cook method means you can prep your breakfast the night before and wake up to a delicious meal waiting in the fridge.

Each spoonful delivers a nostalgic nod to the classic ice cream flavor, but with a nutritious twist that will keep you satisfied.

The combination of rolled oats, ripe bananas, and rich chocolate chips creates a breakfast that feels like an indulgent dessert.

Protein-packed and easy to customize, these overnight oats will become your new morning obsession.

Prepare to fall in love with the most delectable breakfast option that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Want Chunky Monkey Oats Again

  • This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy mornings when you want a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Easily swap ingredients like different nuts, milk types, or sweeteners to match your taste preferences or dietary needs, creating a personalized breakfast experience.
  • Prepare multiple servings in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for several days, which saves time and ensures a stress-free morning routine with a ready-to-eat breakfast.
  • Packed with healthy ingredients like chia seeds, banana, and nuts, this recipe delivers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients to kickstart your day with energy.

Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Rolled Oats: The hearty foundation that provides a nutritious and filling breakfast base.
  • Banana: A ripe, creamy fruit that adds natural sweetness and smooth texture to the oats.
Protein and Texture Enhancers:
  • Chia Seeds, Walnuts or Pecans: Nutrient-packed additions that bring extra crunch and protein to the breakfast.
  • Medjool Date: A natural sweetener that adds depth of flavor and soft texture.
  • Chocolate Chips
Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Milk, Maple Syrup: The liquid base that softens the oats and provides optional sweetness.
  • Sea Salt: A small pinch that enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.

How to Prep Chunky Monkey Oats

Step 1: Prepare Containers

Select two mason jars or small bowls with tight-fitting lids.

These containers will cradle your delicious breakfast creation overnight.

Step 2: Crush Banana

Take a ripe banana and mash it completely using a fork until smooth.

Divide the creamy banana evenly between your two containers.

Step 3: Layer Dry Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to each container:
  • Rolled oats
  • Chia seeds
  • Fine sea salt
  • Chopped medjool date
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans

These ingredients will create a delightful texture and flavor profile.

Step 4: Add Liquid

Pour milk into each container, ensuring all dry ingredients are completely covered.

The liquid will help soften the oats and blend the flavors.

Step 5: Optional Sweetening

Drizzle maple syrup into each container if you want an extra touch of sweetness.

This step is totally up to your taste preferences.

Step 6: Combine Thoroughly

Mix all ingredients using a spoon.

If using jars, secure the lid and shake vigorously to ensure everything is well blended.

For bowls, cover with plastic wrap.

Step 7: Refrigerate

Place containers in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours.

They can stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and meld together.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

When ready to eat, you can enjoy the overnight oats cold or warm them slightly.

Your Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats are now ready to be devoured!

Helpful Notes for Chunky Monkey Oats

  • Use super ripe, almost black bananas for deeper, sweeter banana taste that enhances the overall flavor profile of the overnight oats.
  • Layer dry ingredients like chocolate chips and nuts on top of mashed banana to create a barrier that keeps them crunchy and prevents immediate softening.
  • Experiment with different milk types like almond, oat, or coconut milk to create unique flavor variations while maintaining the creamy consistency.
  • Prepare multiple batches in advance and store in sealed containers for up to 3 days, making busy mornings stress-free and delicious.
  • Add fresh banana slices, extra chocolate chips, or a drizzle of nut butter just before serving to maintain texture and introduce extra flavor dimensions.

Store and Reheat Chunky Monkey Oats Properly

  • Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, keeping the oats fresh and preventing absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and store for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before consuming.
  • Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots.
  • Let sit for 15-20 minutes before eating to soften and reach a more pleasant eating temperature if straight from the refrigerator.

Pairings That Work with Chunky Monkey Oats

  • Create Decadent Banana Chocolate Beverage Pairing: Blend a rich chocolate banana smoothie with almond milk, adding a splash of maple syrup to complement the overnight oats' sweet profile.
  • Enhance Nutty Crunch Companion: Serve a small side of toasted pecan brittle or walnut praline to amplify the existing nut textures in the overnight oats recipe.
  • Add Fresh Fruit Accent: Top with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings for an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal.
  • Brew Complementary Coffee: Prepare a mild cold brew with hints of vanilla or prepare a smooth cappuccino to balance the sweet and creamy oats breakfast.

Ways to Mix Up Chunky Monkey Oats

  • Vegan Vanilla Bliss: Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk, swap chocolate chips for vegan dark chocolate, and use maple syrup for sweetness. Perfect for plant-based breakfast lovers.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder, substitute regular oats with protein-enriched oats, and include hemp seeds for extra nutrition. Great for fitness enthusiasts and muscle recovery.
  • Gluten-Free Banana Crunch: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats, replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like buckwheat or quinoa flakes. Include additional nuts like almonds for texture and crunch.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Eliminate dates and maple syrup, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, add cinnamon for natural sweetness. Ideal for people managing blood sugar levels or following a low-sugar diet.

FAQs

  • Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

No, rolled oats work best for overnight oats because they maintain a better texture and absorb liquid more effectively. Instant oats can become too mushy and lose their desired consistency.

  • Is it necessary to use chia seeds?

Chia seeds are optional but recommended. They add extra nutrition, help thicken the mixture, and provide a nice boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber to your breakfast.

  • What if I'm allergic to nuts?

Simply omit the walnuts or pecans. You can replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or skip nuts altogether without compromising the overall recipe’s flavor and texture.

  • Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, easily! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The recipe is naturally adaptable to vegan dietary needs.

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Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Chunky monkey overnight oats deliver a delightful breakfast fusion of banana, chocolate, and walnut flavors. Sweet morning comfort meets nutritious indulgence, promising a creamy, satisfying start that keeps you energized through morning adventures.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup (100 grams) rolled oats
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk of choice

Seeds and Nuts:

  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 chopped medjool dates
  • 2 small pinches fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. Select two storage containers with lids, such as mason jars or small bowls, that will accommodate the overnight oats mixture comfortably.
  2. Take a ripe banana and thoroughly mash it into a smooth consistency using a fork, distributing the mashed fruit evenly between the two containers.
  3. Add rolled oats, chia seeds, and a delicate pinch of sea salt to each container, creating a nutritious base for the overnight preparation.
  4. Chop a medjool date into small pieces, dividing half into each container to provide natural sweetness and texture.
  5. Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped walnuts or pecans into each container, ensuring an even distribution of crunchy elements.
  6. Pour cold milk into each container, completely covering the dry ingredients and allowing them to soak thoroughly.
  7. Optional: Drizzle maple syrup into each container for additional sweetness, adjusting to personal preference.
  8. Thoroughly mix ingredients using a spoon, or if using jars, secure the lid and shake vigorously to ensure complete integration.
  9. Refrigerate the containers for 6-8 hours or overnight, allowing the ingredients to meld and soften.
  10. When ready to serve, consume directly from the refrigerator or gently warm for a comforting breakfast experience, enjoying the rich combination of flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Swap bananas for applesauce or pumpkin puree to create different flavor variations and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Use gluten-free rolled oats for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful breakfast.
  • Adjust sweetness by experimenting with alternative natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or stevia for personalized taste preferences.
  • Boost protein content by adding a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt, making the overnight oats more filling and nutritionally balanced.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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