If you love chocolate, banana, and peanut butter together, this one’s for you. Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats taste like dessert, but they’re actually a filling, feel-good breakfast. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and packed with little bites of banana and chocolate chips in every spoonful. The best part? No cooking. Just stir, chill, and wake up to something amazing.
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: At least 4 hours or overnight
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (mostly hands-off)
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this, I was craving ice cream late at night. I didn’t want something heavy, so I threw together oats, cocoa, banana, and peanut butter. The next morning, I opened the fridge and couldn’t believe how good it smelled. It was thick, creamy, and tasted like a chocolate banana milkshake—but it kept me full for hours.
Here’s why I keep making it:
- It tastes like dessert but fuels you like breakfast
- It takes 10 minutes to throw together
- No stove or oven needed
- Easy to double or meal prep for the week
- You can change it up with what you have on hand
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 1/2 cups milk (any kind)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 small banana, sliced (for topping)
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork (for mashing banana)
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 2 jars or airtight containers
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mash the Banana
In a medium bowl, mash 1 ripe banana with a fork until smooth and creamy with just a few small lumps.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed banana, add 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and the peanut butter is fully blended in.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon chia seeds. Stir well until everything is fully combined and thick.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate and Nuts
Stir in 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (if using). The mixture should look chunky and thick.
Step 5: Chill
Divide the mixture evenly into 2 jars or airtight containers. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Before serving, top each jar with sliced banana rounds from 1 small banana, a drizzle of peanut butter if you like, and a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips.
Macros Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 18g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Chia seeds soak up liquid and help thicken the oats. That’s why the texture turns creamy without cooking. The mashed banana adds natural sweetness and also helps bind everything together. Rolled oats absorb the milk slowly in the fridge, which softens them and makes them easy to digest. The mix of carbs, healthy fats, and fiber keeps you full longer.
Pro Tips
- Use a very ripe banana with brown spots. It’s sweeter and mashes better.
- Stir really well before chilling so you don’t get dry cocoa pockets.
- If it looks too thick in the morning, add a splash of milk and stir.
- For extra flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them.
- Make a double batch for easy breakfasts all week.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter.
- Use dairy-free milk like almond, oat, or soy.
- Skip walnuts if you prefer it nut-free.
- Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra protein.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup.
Make Ahead Tips
These oats stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can portion them into jars at the start of the week for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Leftovers and Storage
Store in airtight jars in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before eating. If the oats thicken too much, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of milk to loosen them up.
Common Mistakes
- Not stirring well enough, which leaves dry cocoa powder.
- Using quick oats instead of rolled oats. The texture won’t be as good.
- Skipping the chill time. The oats need at least 4 hours to soften.
- Adding banana slices too early. They turn brown—add them before serving.
What to Serve With
- A hot cup of coffee
- A smoothie for extra fruit
- Scrambled eggs if you want more protein
- Fresh berries on the side
FAQ
Can I heat overnight oats?
Yes. Warm them in the microwave for 30–60 seconds if you prefer them warm.
Can I freeze them?
It’s not recommended. The texture changes once thawed.
Are they very sweet?
They’re lightly sweet. You can add more maple syrup if you like it sweeter.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Final Thoughts
Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats are one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. They’re simple, filling, and taste like a treat. Once you try them, you’ll see how easy breakfast can be. Make a batch this week and let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear what fun twists you add to make it your own.
