Chunky Monkey Protein Oats (Print)

Creamy cocoa oats with banana and peanut butter, packed with protein for a hearty morning start.

# 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

# Directions:

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 integrated.
02 - Fold in half the banana slices and 1 tablespoon peanut butter into the mixture.
03 - Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours until the mixture achieves a thick and creamy consistency.
04 - In the morning, stir the oats and add additional milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
05 - Divide the mixture between two bowls or jars. Top each serving with remaining banana slices, a drizzle of remaining peanut butter, walnuts, and chocolate chips if desired.
06 - Enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a chocolate-peanut butter banana treat but keeps you full all morning because of the protein and fiber.
  • Zero cooking required—just mix, refrigerate, and grab it on your way out the door like you have your life together.
  • You can make two servings at once and have backup breakfasts for those mornings when your alarm feels like a personal betrayal.
02 -
  • Don't skip the salt—I made these without it once and they tasted flat and one-dimensional; even a tiny pinch wakes up all the chocolate and sweetness.
  • The consistency will thicken even more as it sits past 8 hours, so if you're prepping these Sunday for a whole week, aim for the thicker side on day one and adjust with milk as needed.
  • Protein powder brands vary wildly in how sweet they are, so taste as you mix and scale back the maple syrup if your powder is already doing the heavy lifting.
03 -
  • If your oats seem too thick in the morning, warm them gently in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute and they'll loosen up while still tasting creamy instead of hot.
  • The real secret is using a high-quality Greek yogurt—it makes the texture silky instead of grainy, and your future self will thank you.
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