Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe with Banana, Cocoa & Walnuts

This dessert-inspired overnight oats recipe combines ripe banana, crunchy walnuts, and chocolate for a simple, indulgent breakfast—Chunky Monkey overnight oats.

closeup head-on tall glass jar filled with chunky monkey overnight oats

Swingin’ in for the Easiest Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats

This Chunky Monkey version of overnight oats is inspired by the classic ice cream flavor: bananas, walnuts and chocolate. It’s an easy, make-ahead breakfast that tastes like a treat while still being wholesome and satisfying.

Ingredients (simple & flexible)

  • Banana – use a ripe banana for the sweetest flavor.
  • Oats – rolled oats are recommended for texture; quick oats can be used but will be softer.
  • Chia seeds – optional, for extra thickness and fiber.
  • Chocolate – chocolate chunks or chips work well.
  • Walnuts – chopped, unsalted.
  • Coconut cream or yogurt – coconut cream adds richness; vanilla yogurt will add tang and flavor.
  • Milk – any milk of choice to reach the desired consistency.
  • Vanilla & sweetener – a little vanilla extract and maple syrup or another sweetener to taste.

angled view of chunky monkey overnight oats on a grey serving tray

What are Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats?

Chunky Monkey is a popular flavor combo featuring banana, walnuts and chocolate. These overnight oats recreate that trifecta in a wholesome breakfast format: creamy oats soaked with mashed banana, studded with chocolate and walnuts, and lightly sweetened for a dessert-like morning bowl.

You can think of this as a thicker, ready-to-go version of classic overnight oats, amped up with banana and mix-ins for texture and flavor.

Chunky monkey overnight oats recipe against a white backdrop

How to Make Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats

1. Mash 1 ripe banana in a mixing bowl until mostly smooth.

2. Add 1 cup rolled oats, 2 teaspoons chia seeds, 2 teaspoons chocolate chunks or chips, 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut cream or non-dairy vanilla yogurt, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (to taste), and 1 cup milk of choice.

3. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined and no coconut cream clumps remain. If the mixture seems thick, add a splash more milk.

4. Divide the mixture between 2–3 resealable jars. Seal and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to let the oats soften and flavors meld.

5. When ready to eat, top with extra chocolate chunks, banana slices and chopped walnuts. If the oats have thickened too much in the fridge, stir in a little milk before serving.

Storing Your Overnight Oats

Store sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture will thicken over time; add milk and stir to loosen before serving. Use the freshest ingredients possible—homemade plant milk may shorten storage life to around 3 days.

closeup of chunky monkey overnight oatmeal with fresh banana slices and walnuts

Tools You Need

  • Mixing bowl and spoon
  • Resealable jars or containers for storing
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes & tips

  • Substitute quick oats if needed, but the texture will be softer.
  • Coconut cream gives a rich, creamy texture; non-dairy vanilla yogurt works if you prefer tang.
  • Adjust sweetness to taste with maple syrup or another sweetener.
  • Overnight oats thicken each day—stir in milk to adjust consistency before eating.

Recipe Details

  • Servings: 2–3 jars
  • Prep time: 10 minutes

Go Bananas!

If you make this Chunky Monkey overnight oats recipe, enjoy it as an easy grab-and-go breakfast or a cozy snack. Top with extra banana, walnuts and chocolate for a satisfying crunch and chocolatey finish.

Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats — Basic Ingredient List

  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 teaspoons chia seeds
  • 2 teaspoons chocolate chunks or mini chips (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut cream or non-dairy vanilla yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, to taste
  • 1 cup milk of choice (adjust for texture)

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