These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are a yummy breakfast treat! They’re filled with oats, grated carrots, and warm spices, giving you all the flavor of carrot cake in a healthy way.
I love how easy it is to make these oats the night before. Just mix everything and let it chill! They taste great topped with nuts or a little splash of maple syrup. Who knew breakfast could be so good? 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Standard rolled oats work best, but you can swap them for quick oats if you’re short on time. Just keep in mind that quick oats will absorb liquids faster, so you may need to adjust your overnight soaking time.
Milk: Any milk will do! I usually use almond milk for a nutty flavor, but cow’s milk is great too. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut milk for a creamier texture.
Carrots: Fresh, finely grated carrots add sweetness and moisture. If you’re in a hurry, pre-grated carrots can work, but fresh is always best for flavor.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If you prefer dairy-free options, try coconut yogurt or omit it altogether—just add a touch more milk!
Chia Seeds: They help thicken the oats. If you don’t have chia seeds, you could replace them with ground flaxseed, though the texture will be slightly different.
Nuts: I love pecans or walnuts for crunch, but feel free to use any nuts you like or even raisins instead for added sweetness!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Overnight Oats Texture?
The key to creamy, delicious overnight oats lies in the soaking time and ingredient ratios. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Combine oats, grated carrot, and chia seeds with your chosen liquid—milk plus yogurt (if using).
- Let the mixture soak in the fridge overnight. This allows oats to absorb the liquid and chia seeds to expand, making everything thicker.
- If the oats feel too thick in the morning, just stir in a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat yogurt or a creamier milk option.
Trust me, once you nail this technique, you’ll be whipping up different flavor combinations all the time!
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/3 cup finely grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust sweetness as desired)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to let it sit in the fridge overnight, or at least 4 hours, to soak and thicken. So, you can prep it in the evening and wake up to a fantastic breakfast ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or directly in a jar, combine the rolled oats, grated carrot, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is evenly distributed; we want those flavors to mingle!
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, pour in the milk and add the Greek yogurt (if you’re using it), maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together well so that the oats get a good soaking in the yummy flavors.
3. Fold in the Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts. This adds a nice crunch to your oats! If you want, you can save a few more for topping later.
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover your jar or bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill overnight (or at least 4 hours). This waiting period allows the oats and chia seeds to soak up the liquids, making your oats creamy and delightful.
5. Enjoy in the Morning:
When you’re ready to eat, take your overnight oats out of the fridge. Give it a good stir. If they seem too thick, just add a splash more milk to reach your preferred consistency.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your oats to a bowl or enjoy them straight from the jar. Top with additional chopped nuts, a sprinkle of grated carrot, or a drizzle of maple syrup if you like a bit more sweetness.
7. Dig In:
Now it’s time to enjoy your healthy, carrot cake-inspired breakfast! It’s nutritious, satisfying, and tastes just like dessert. What a way to start your day!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind they may turn out creamier and less textured since they absorb liquid faster. Adjust the soaking time to about 3-4 hours instead of overnight for the best results!
How To Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find it thickens up too much in the fridge, just add a splash of milk before eating to reach your desired consistency.
Can I Sweeten This Recipe Naturally?
Absolutely! You can substitute maple syrup or honey with mashed banana or applesauce for a natural sweetness. Just remember that this may slightly alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious!
Is This Recipe Vegan?
To make it vegan, simply use a plant-based milk and skip the Greek yogurt or replace it with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. It will still taste great and be completely plant-based!
