Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are a simple, healthy, meal-prepped breakfast. Made with pantry staple ingredients, you can get all of the classic flavors of carrot cake and a full serving of veggies in one healthy breakfast. This recipe is gluten free, refined sugar free, and can be made vegan if needed.

I think that once you make these carrot cake overnight oats, breakfast will change completely for you. It's a simple recipe, yet so full of flavor, protein, and veggies!

Each serving has over 17 grams of protein in it, a serving of vegetables and is completely gluten free. I've also listed dairy free and vegan options below if you follow one of those diets!

It only takes 10 minutes from start to finish to prepare each jar, and they're great to store in the fridge for busy mornings. Instead of skipping breakfast for going through the drive-through, make a healthy choice and grab one out of the fridge!

You should also check out this baked oats without banana recipe or flaxseed pudding for more easy meal prepped breakfasts.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Overnight oats are a great way to prep a healthy breakfast for busy days
• This recipe is healthy, simple, and truly tastes like carrot cake
• You can make this recipe gluten free, dairy free, and vegan if needed
• It's easy to make and takes 5 minutes to assemble
• You'll be full and satisfied because each serving has over 17 grams of protein

Ingredients Needed For Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

*full ingredients list and measurements can be found in recipe card below*

• Oats: For overnight oats you need to use either rolled oats or old fashioned oats. Steel cut will not work and instant get too mushy.
• Milk: Any kind of milk will work. I typically use whole milk or almond milk, but any milk you have on hand will work.
• Greek yogurt: The Greek yogurt adds a good amount of protein and probiotics. It also makes the overnight oats super thick and creamy.
• Carrots: You can't have carrot cake overnight oats without carrots! I suggest shredding them yourself because the store-bought ones are a bit too thick.
• Sweetener: I use maple syrup in my recipe but honey also works. You can also use regular sugar or brown sugar for a non- refined sugar free option.
• Raisins: Raisins are a good source of soluble fiber and add a fun texture to the oats. If you don't like them you can leave them out.
• Pecans: For a nice crunch and healthy fat I like to add chopped pecans on top
• Flavorings: For flavor I mix in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness

How To Make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

1. In a medium sized mixing bowl stir together the oats, milk, raisins, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt

2. Divide the carrot cake oat mixture between 2, 8 ounce jars

3. In a clean bowl, stir Greek yogurt together with the remaining maple syrup, then divide evenly over top of each of the oat layers

4. Cover with a lid and place the jars into the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best

5. When you're ready to eat, take a jar out of the fridge, top with some chopped pecans and enjoy!

Topping Ideas

Once the oat have soaked, you can really top them with any extra toppings you'd like! I like to toast some chopped pecans or add granola, but you could also add some chia seeds or hemp seeds for protein.

Some other ideas include:

• Toasted walnuts
• Runny cashew butter
• Pumpkin seeds
• Extra raisins
• Diced pineapple (pineapple and carrot cake is a match made in heaven)
• Chopped dates
• Sliced banana

Can I add protein to overnight oats?

Sure! You can add it in the form of vanilla protein powder for a higher protein option, or chia or hemp seeds for a more whole-food alternative.

If you're adding protein powder you will need to add a bit more milk, I suggest mixing in an extra ¼ cup.

How Long Do Overnight Oats Need To Soak For?

The minimal amount of time overnight oats need to soak for is 2 hours, but it's ideal if they can sit overnight. That way you can have a healthy breakfast read to go in the fridge.

Expert Tips

1. Use gluten free oats: Oats are naturally gluten free, but sometimes they can be cross-contaminated with wheat. By purchasing certified gluten free oats you won't have to worry about that.
2. Make them vegan: Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek. They won't have as much protein, but they'll be suitable for anyone on a dairy free or vegan diet.
3. Make a big batch: To save time, I make a big batch of the carrot cake oat mixture and then divide it between jars. But, you can make them individually if you prefer.
4. Meal prep: Overnight oats will stay good for up to 5 days if stored in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Oat Recipes

• Air fryer baked oats
• Baked oats without banana
• Cinnamon oatmeal
• 3 ingredient oatmeal balls
• Oat flour pancakes
• Oat flour waffles

Did you make this recipe?

If so, I would appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Also, follow me on Instagram and tag me or use #incoleskitchen so I can see what you make and share it!

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