These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are a fun and healthy breakfast! With grated carrots, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness, they bring that delicious cake flavor to your morning routine.
They’re super easy to make—just mix everything in a jar and let them chill overnight. I love adding a dollop of yogurt on top for extra creaminess. It’s like having dessert for breakfast! 🥕🎂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of your overnight oats. They absorb liquid overnight, creating a creamy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, opt for certified gluten-free oats.
Milk: You can use any kind of milk—dairy, almond, coconut, or oat milk all work well. I usually go for almond milk since it’s lighter and has a nice flavor.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt is a great substitute. I find it adds a nice hint of sweetness, too.
Carrots: Fresh, finely grated carrots are key for texture and taste. If you don’t have fresh ones, look for pre-grated carrots in stores, but they’re often not as fresh.
Chia Seeds: They help thicken the oats and add healthy omega-3 fatty acids. If you don’t have them, flaxseeds can work as an alternative, though they’ll change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for Overnight Oats?
Achieving that creamy, dreamy texture in overnight oats is all about the soaking ratio and time. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Mix your ingredients thoroughly. This ensures that oats absorb the flavors evenly.
- Check the liquid consistency before refrigerating. It should be a bit more liquid than you want at the end because it thickens as it sits.
- Give it a good stir in the morning. This helps break up any clumps and allows everything to blend together again.
- If it seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Patience is key! Letting it sit overnight gives the oats and chia seeds time to absorb the liquid and flavors fully.
How to Make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup finely grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Toppings:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Almonds
- Additional grated carrot
- Sliced almonds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight. So, after a quick prep, you can let it sit while you sleep, making it a perfect grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Your Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or a jar, add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, finely grated carrot, chia seeds, maple syrup (or honey), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This is where all the magic happens!
2. Mix It Up:
Using a spoon or a fork, stir everything well until all ingredients are fully mixed and combined. This step ensures that the flavors meld beautifully together.
3. Let’s Chill:
Cover the jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill overnight, or for a minimum of 6 hours. This enables the oats and chia seeds to soak up the liquid and become nice and creamy.
4. Stir It Up:
When you’re ready to eat, take it out of the fridge and give the oats a good stir. If it looks too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency.
5. Top It Off:
Now for the fun part—add your favorite toppings! Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans, almonds, a bit more grated carrot, and sliced almonds on top for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
6. Dig In!
Enjoy your Carrot Cake Overnight Oats chilled right from the jar or transfer them to a bowl for a delightful breakfast!
These oats provide a delicious blend of flavors, packed with nutrition that makes for a satisfying and energizing morning meal. Enjoy the taste of carrot cake without the guilt!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
You can use quick oats, but keep in mind that they will absorb the liquid more quickly and may result in a mushier texture. If you prefer a firmer bite, stick with rolled oats.
How Long Do These Overnight Oats Last in the Fridge?
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to give them a good stir before eating, and feel free to add a splash of milk if they seem too thick!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with extras like raisins, shredded coconut, or different nuts. Just be mindful of the added sweetness to maintain the flavor balance!
Can I Make These Oats Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply swap the dairy milk for any plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or coconut milk, and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a delicious dairy-free option.
