Carrot cake overnight oats done in 5 minutes with healthy ingredients! Packed with carrots, oats, yogurt, chia seeds and spices.
This carrot cake oats recipe is not only absolutely delicious but an amazing breakfast ready to go the next day.
This post was originally published on April 9, 2022.
I have a carrot cake addiction. Between my actual vegan carrot cake recipe and then my carrot cake smoothie, plus this new recipe, I can eat carrot cake for days and I'm not mad about it!
In addition to my affinity for carrot cake, I also love my share of oatmeal recipes. Whether you want an oatmeal bake, savory oats, or something sweet like my frozen hot chocolate oat smoothie, I have you covered!
Now I have put my two loves together to create this carrot cake overnight oats recipe!
Ingredients
It's so easy to prep overnight oats the night before for an easy grab and go breakfast, but you can also enjoy it after only a couple hours of chill time.
And while this recipe for carrot cake overnight oats tastes like a dessert, it's actually made from all whole food plant based ingredients making it a healthy choice!
- Carrots - use a box grater to freshly shred your own carrots. Or, to save time you can usually find pre-shredded carrots in the refrigerated produce section at the grocery store.
- Rolled oats - oatmeal is naturally gluten free, but if you are sensitive to gluten it is always important to check the label to make sure it is certified gluten-free oats. Steel cut oats can work as well; however, it will take them extra time (even days) to soften to your liking.
- Dairy free yogurt - choose your favorite plant based plain yogurt, Greek yogurt is a great choice. If you do not need to avoid dairy you can use any milk-based yogurt.
- The yogurt can also be left out, but the end result will not be as creamy.
- Chia seeds - these contribute to both the texture and the nutrition of the overnight oats. feel free to omit the chia seeds if you don't like them.
- Sweetener - another optional yet delicious addition! Maple syrup is our favorite, but honey, agave, or any other sweetener of choice will work.
- Vanilla extract - this adds to the overall flavor, and make it feel even more like a dessert.
- Dairy-free milk - use your favorite such as cashew milk, oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc. You can even use the extra rich and creamy coconut milk to make it even more decadent. Adjust the amount of milk to your desired consistency.
- Seasonings - cinnamon and ginger help to create the carrot cake flavor, and the salt enhances all the flavors in the entire overnight oats recipe. Use more or less to your liking.
How to Make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Whether you prep them ahead or make them day of, carrot cake oats come together quickly and easily.
- Add all ingredients into a large bowl.
- Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a jar or airtight container.
- Refrigerate.
- Top and enjoy!
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Overnight Oats Mix Ins and Toppings
Dress up your carrot cake oatmeal with some toppings when you're serving, or mix in a few extra fillings for added flavor, nutrition, and texture! If you add anything for crunch, make sure to stir in it just before serving. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Shredded carrots
- Coconut flakes
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Raisins
- Flax seeds
- Granola
- Protein Powder
- Banana
- Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
- Peanut butter
Preparation Tips
- Avoid using quick cooking oats as it will result in a softer, less thick texture.
- The yogurt is optional but makes it extra creamy and delicious. Feel free to sub it with a creamy dairy free milk like canned coconut milk.
- Shred the carrots as thinly as possible for the best results.
- If you don't like chia seeds you can simply leave them out.
- For a touch of sweetness, maple syrup is a great choice, but it is not necessary.
- Use more or less milk depending on how thick you want the end result to be.
- Skip the bowl and mix the oats directly in the container you'll be storing and serving in! If you are using a tightly sealed jar you can also shake it up instead of stirring.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
- To prep overnight carrot cake oats ahead of time for the week you can make extra overnight carrot cake oats. If you are doing this it is easiest to combine everything in a mixing bowl and then transfer to the individual mason jars.
- Once mixed, seal in an airtight container.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, and up to 3-5 days.
- Note that the longer they are stored, the softer the texture will be.
- Wait to mix in any crunchy fillings until you are ready to enjoy.
Common Questions
With a spoon! Just kidding, but seriously oatmeal is a nutritious choice all on its own. You can boost the health factor by pairing it with other whole foods like in this recipe.
Nuts, fruit, seeds, veggies, and plant based yogurt and milk are excellent healthy options.
The possibilities are endless! Fresh fruit, chopped nuts, and dried fruit add wonderful taste and texture.
If your texture is more gummy or hard, you need to add more liquid to make it creamier.
More Healthy Carrot Recipes
Carrots for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! In addition to these carrot cake oats, I have all kinds of plant based carrot recipes:
Healthy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup shredded carrots , shredded thinly
- ½ cup rolled oats , gluten-free if needed (see note)
- ¼ cup plain dairy free yogurt , see note
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds , can omit if you don’t like them
- 1-2 tablespoons sweetener of choice , I used maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- ½ - ¾ cup dairy free milk of choice , depending on how thick you like them (the creamier the milk the richer the flavor will be)
Optional toppings:
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a bowl, jar or air tight container. Mix well, if using a jar you can put the lid on and shake it to combine.
- Transfer to a jar or airtight container if using a mixing like bowl.
- Allow to set in the fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours.
- Top with toppings of choice and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t use quick cooking oats or the end result will be too soft and not as thick.
- You can omit the yogurt but it gives a creamier end result. You can also use a thick and creamy milk like coconut milk from the can to get the same creamy flavor.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Questions or comments? Let me know below!