Description
This Carrot Cake Overnight Oats recipe is a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional overnight oats, combining the warm flavors of carrot cake with a healthy, no-cook breakfast option. Featuring grated carrots, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla, these oats are creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy mornings. Ready in under 10 minutes, packed with fiber and protein, and customizable with your favorite toppings, this recipe is ideal for a wholesome start to your day.
Ingredients
Overnight Oats Base
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Carrot Cake Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Toppings (Optional)
- Additional chopped nuts
- Shredded coconut
- A dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt
- Drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl or mason jar, mix together the rolled oats, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This forms the flavorful base of your overnight oats.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all oats are coated and combined well with the liquids and spices.
- Incorporate grated carrots and extras: Fold in the finely grated carrot along with your choice of chopped nuts and dried fruit if using. These ingredients provide texture and mimic the classic carrot cake flavor profile.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the bowl or seal the jar with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to soak and soften, melding all the flavors beautifully.
- Serve with toppings: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Add your preferred toppings like extra nuts, shredded coconut, a dollop of cream cheese or yogurt, and a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for the best texture; quick oats will get too mushy and steel-cut oats will remain too firm.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by increasing or decreasing the maple syrup or honey.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt and use a plant-based milk.
- Adding chia seeds not only thickens the oats but also boosts fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- This recipe can be prepped in larger batches to enjoy for multiple days of easy breakfasts.
- Toasting the nuts before adding can enhance their flavor and crunch.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash of milk in the morning before eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
