Vegan chunky monkey overnight oats are a sweet and satisfying meal, full of chocolate banana flavor and crunchy walnuts! Made with just 5 healthy ingredients.
Happy first day of June!! For me, every time the calendar flips to a new month I get that fresh start, exciting feeling. Why reserve that for January only? Especially in the summer, a new month means more sunshine and fun, summery adventures, and plenty of good food (that’s a year round thing though, right?).
I hope you’re all having a good start to June! I’ve said this before, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who wasn’t sad to see spring go this year. But I’m absolutely planning on making this our best summer yet! And what better way to start a new month than with a satisfying bowl of oats?!
Normally, the word “chunky” is weird for me. Don’t like saying it, don’t like thinking about it, especially applied to food.
BUT.
The exception is in the flavor combo that is chunky monkey, which was originally made popular as an ice cream flavor. It’s basically the sweet + satisfying combination of banana, chocolate, and walnuts. All things I love, so I’m willing to set aside my dislike for the word chunky, at least for today.
Ingredients for vegan chunky monkey overnight oats
- Rolled oats:Â I always use old-fashioned, whole grain rolled oats because they have the best texture and chew.
- Cacao powder: cacao gives the oats rich, dark chocolate flavor.
- Banana: you want a super ripe banana for the most flavor and sweetness.
- Nondairy milk: you’ll soak the oat mixture in some nondairy milk overnight (or for a few hours). I like unsweetened almond milk for neutral flavor, but any nondairy milk works.
- Walnuts: crunchy walnuts add great texture to the oats as well as super healthy fats.
Tips for making vegan chunky monkey overnight oats
- Add a splash of milk before serving to get a texture you like. I typically don’t add more liquid at this stage because I like my oats VERY thick, but feel free to add a bit more milk to get the texture you prefer.
- Have fun with the toppings. In addition to the banana and walnuts, feel free to add any other toppings you like on oats.
Oats NEVER FAIL to leave me totally satisfied, and these were no exception. The banana + chocolate combo is always a favorite for me, and adding the crunchy walnuts just takes it to the next level!
Xo,
Sara
Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole grain rolled oats
- 1 tbsp cacao powder
- 1 super ripe banana, mashed
- 3/4 cup nondairy milk – I use unsweetened almond milk
- Toppings: walnuts + sliced banana
Instructions
- Mix the oats and cacao powder in a bowl.
- Add the mashed banana and nondairy milk and mix thoroughly, then set in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- When you're ready to eat, mix the oats and add a bit more milk depending on the texture you want, then top with walnuts and sliced banana.
I’m not a huge banana person, but this looks to good to pass up. I think I’ll try it and just leave the banana off the top (texture issues LOL). I’m the same about chunky. I don’t like it…like moist! So I know cocoa is more processed than cacao, but I always find cacao way too bitter. I’m not sure if I should try a different brand or if I just need to get used to it. Either way, would it be okay to use the same amount of unsweetened cocoa for the cacao?
Haha def still worth trying it, just add a bit of your own sweetener instead of the banana! And no worries unsweetened cocoa is totally fine and will be just as tasty.