Chunky Monkey Protein Overnight Oats (Printer View)

Indulgent cocoa-infused oats with peanut butter and banana, packed with protein for a filling breakfast.

# Components:

→ Oats Base

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup unsweetened milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
03 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt
04 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
05 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder (approximately 30 grams)
07 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt

→ Mix-ins and Toppings

10 - 1 medium ripe banana, sliced
11 - 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, divided
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
13 - 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips (optional)

# Method:

01 - In a medium bowl or large jar, combine oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, cocoa powder, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir thoroughly until fully incorporated.
02 - Fold half of the banana slices and 1 tablespoon peanut butter into the oat mixture.
03 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until the mixture reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
04 - In the morning, stir the oats and add additional milk as needed to achieve your preferred consistency.
05 - Divide the mixture between two bowls or jars. Top each portion with remaining banana slices, a drizzle of peanut butter, walnuts, and chocolate chips if desired.
06 - Enjoy the overnight oats chilled directly from the refrigerator.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It actually tastes like a treat while delivering serious protein and nutrients without any prep stress.
  • You get all the cozy chocolate-peanut-banana nostalgia but in a form that fits into real life.
  • Two minutes of assembly the night before means your future self wakes up to pure breakfast joy.
02 -
  • If your overnight oats taste watery in the morning, you used too much milk or didn't account for your oat and chia seed absorption—next time, go with three-quarters cup of milk and adjust from there.
  • Peanut butter brands matter: runny, natural peanut butter swirls beautifully, but jarred brands with stabilizers sometimes clump, so stir your peanut butter jar before measuring.
  • Don't assemble these more than two days ahead—the banana oxidizes and turns the entire jar brown, which tastes fine but looks less appetizing.
03 -
  • If you forget to make these the night before, they'll set up in about four hours in the fridge, though the overnight timeframe really does create the creamiest result.
  • The secret to not getting bored: rotate your protein powder flavors (vanilla, chocolate, birthday cake if you're feeling decadent) because the base stays consistent but the final taste shifts completely.
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