Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats are a fun and yummy breakfast! Packed with bananas, chocolate, and oats, they’re like dessert for breakfast—what’s not to love?
Mix everything the night before and wake up to a tasty meal waiting for you. I can’t resist adding an extra sprinkle of chocolate chips on top. Let’s be honest, more chocolate is always better! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the backbone of your overnight oats. They’re quick to soak. If you prefer, instant oats will work, but be cautious—they can get mushy. Steel-cut oats are not recommended as they require cooking and won’t absorb liquid overnight.
Milk: Use any milk you like! Almond, oat, cow’s milk, or even coconut milk all add unique flavors. For a creamier texture, flavored milk like vanilla almond can add an extra touch.
Greek Yogurt: This gives your oats a creamy texture and adds protein. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt, but check for added sugars.
Banana: This is your natural sweetener. Feel free to substitute with apple sauce for sweetness without the banana flavor, or use mashed avocado for creaminess without the sweetness.
Chia Seeds: They add a little fiber and thickness. If you don’t have them, you can skip them altogether or use flax seeds instead.
Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: Mini chocolate chips give a delicious burst of flavor. You can swap the chips for dark chocolate or carob chips. Any nuts will do; peanuts or pecans work well too!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for Overnight Oats?
The texture of your overnight oats is key to a delightful breakfast. Follow these steps to ensure they turn out creamy and not too thick:
- Use the right ratio of oats to liquid. This recipe keeps it simple with 1/2 cup oats to 1/2 cup milk.
- Always stir the mixture well before refrigerating to prevent clumping.
- If it seems too thick in the morning, slowly add a little more milk while stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make sure to let them sit in the fridge overnight or at least 4-6 hours. This soaking time allows the oats to fully absorb the liquid.
By following these tips, enjoy a creamy and satisfying breakfast every time!
Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (almond, dairy, oat, etc.)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 ripe banana (plus extra slices for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus you will need to let it sit in the fridge overnight (or at least 4-6 hours). That’s all you need to wake up to a delicious, hearty breakfast ready for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mash the Banana:
In a medium bowl or jar, take your ripe banana and mash it with a fork. Aim for a mix of smooth and chunky bits—this gives great texture!
2. Combine Ingredients:
Add in the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds (if you chose to use them), maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Fold in the Goodies:
Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts. This will add some delightful surprises in every bite!
4. Refrigerate:
Cover your bowl or jar tightly and pop it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, let it chill for at least 4-6 hours to ensure the oats soften up and absorb all that flavorful goodness.
5. Stir and Adjust Consistency:
When you wake up (or whenever you’re ready to eat), give the oats a good stir. If it feels a bit too thick for your liking, just add a splash of milk to get it to your preferred creaminess.
6. Top It Off:
Slice up some fresh banana, and add it on top along with any extra chopped walnuts, mini chocolate chips, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for sweetness.
7. Enjoy Your Breakfast:
Grab a spoon and enjoy your chilled Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats straight from the jar or bowl. It’s a tasty and nutritious start to your day!
With this creamy, dreamy recipe, you’ll have a delightful “Chunky Monkey” flavor to look forward to each morning—perfect for busy folks who still want a delicious breakfast!
Can I Use Other Sweeteners Besides Maple Syrup?
Absolutely! You can use honey or agave syrup as alternatives. If you prefer a no-calorie option, consider using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, adjusting the quantity to your taste.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, just substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use a non-dairy milk option like almond or coconut milk. Make sure your sweetener is also vegan, like agave syrup.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before eating, and if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to revive its creamy texture.
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, or fruits. Berries, peanut butter, or even a scoop of protein powder can be delicious additions!
