Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats are a fun and tasty way to start your day! Packed with oats, ripe bananas, and a touch of chocolate, they’re super easy to make.
I love preparing these oats the night before. Just mix everything and let it sit in the fridge. In the morning, I have a delicious breakfast ready and waiting. So convenient!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of your overnight oats. If you want a quicker option, instant oats work too, but they may become mushier. Steel-cut oats take longer to soak, so be sure to plan ahead if you go that route.
Chia Seeds: They help thicken the oats. If you don’t have chia seeds, you can skip them, but they add a nice texture and a source of healthy omega-3s. Flaxseeds are another great option if you have those instead.
Milk: Use any milk you like, whether it’s cow’s milk, almond, oat, or coconut. If avoiding dairy, almond or oat milk are my go-to options.
Banana: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and creaminess. A few slices on top make it look pretty, plus an extra layer of flavor. If bananas aren’t your thing, consider using applesauce or diced mango.
Peanut Butter: I prefer creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture, but crunchy peanut butter works too! For nut-free options, use sun butter or another seed butter.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Overnight Oats?
Making overnight oats is straightforward, but a few tips can make all the difference. Start by mixing the dry ingredients like rolled oats and chia seeds in a bowl or jar. Then, add your wet ingredients like milk and vanilla.
- When mashing the banana, a fork works well to mash it smoothly before adding to the mixture.
- Stir everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. The oats should be fully coated in the liquid.
- Refrigerate overnight. This step is key for the oats to soften and the chia seeds to thicken the mix.
- In the morning, give it a good stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it up.
Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 ripe banana, sliced (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an overnight chilling time of at least 4 hours. So, just mix everything up in the evening and you’ll have a quick, delicious breakfast waiting for you in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl or jar, mix together the rolled oats, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. This creates a great base for your overnight oats!
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the milk and add the vanilla extract. If you like things a bit sweeter, add the maple syrup or honey now. Stir well to combine everything.
3. Mix in the Banana:
Take half of the ripe banana and mash it with a fork. Then, mix this into the oat mixture for added sweetness and creaminess.
4. Refrigerate Over Night:
Cover your bowl or jar, and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill overnight (or at least for 4 hours). This will allow the oats and chia seeds to soak up the liquid and become nice and soft.
5. Prepare in the Morning:
Once you’re ready to enjoy your oats, take them out of the fridge and give them a good stir. If you like, you can add a layer of peanut butter at the bottom or swirl it in!
6. Add Toppings:
Top your oats with the sliced bananas and any additional peanut butter you desire. Then sprinkle mini chocolate chips generously on top for that yummy “Chunky Monkey” touch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats chilled, and dig in! Enjoy this delicious and healthy breakfast any day of the week!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can! Instant oats will absorb liquid faster and result in a creamier texture. Just keep in mind they may become mushy if left too long, so consume them within a day.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply use plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk, and choose maple syrup instead of honey. Everything else is already vegan-friendly!
What If I Don’t Have Chia Seeds?
No worries! If you don’t have chia seeds, you can skip them or substitute with ground flaxseeds. They will add a similar texture and provide a boost of nutrition.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Overnight Oats?
You can store leftover overnight oats in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container, and give them a good stir before serving!