Healthy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Fun and flavorful Carrot Cake Overnight Oats made extra filling from Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and almond butter. Spend a few minutes at night and enjoy healthy, lower-sugar oatmeal for breakfast, no cooking required. Veggies for breakfast never tasted so good. Gluten free, kid-friendly and great for on-the-go.

I just want everything to be carrot cake flavored right now!

If you've already made my Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal a million times and are ready for a no-cook breakfast recipe, I gotchu!

Just like my Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats and Strawberry Overnight Oats, these are jam-packed with incredible flavor. We've got OJ, plenty of fresh carrots, creamy almond butter, and warm cinnamon. Let's do it!

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned oats: You may know them as rolled oats. Make sure they're not instant, quick cook or steel cut oats (save those for Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal).
• Almond milk: I love this for the liquid base, but you can use any milk you like or have on hand.
• Orange juice: OJ adds amazing brightness and flavor here. Fresh or store bought are both good! It really adds something special to the recipe.
• Carrots: A must in carrot cake anything! You can grate by hand or in the food processor (I do this for my Carrot Banana Bread, too). I don't love the pre-shredded kind from the store because they tend to be dry.
• Greek yogurt: You can use any fat content you like--nonfat, 2% or whole. I use unsweetened, but vanilla or a cinnamon flavor would be great, too.
• Chia seeds: To thicken the mixture and add plenty of fiber and healthy fats.
• Almond butter: This adds great texture. I love the creamy mouthfeel and subtle sweetness it adds. Cashew butter or even tahini would also be yum!
• Honey or maple syrup: A natural liquid sweetener to add a light pop of sweetness. You can omit it for no added sugar or add it to taste.
• Cinnamon: For delicious, warm, cake-like flavor. You could also do a little pinch of ginger and nutmeg!
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla is a must and almond extract adds a really special and delicious flavor to set these oats apart from the rest!
• Salt: Salt is so important for flavor yet so many overnight oat recipes don't include it. A key ingredient for rounding out the flavors!

How to make

Is overnight oatmeal healthy?

Oatmeal is super easy, healthy, accessible, and budget-friendly. Plus, we're keeping the protein and fiber high and sugar low for blood sugar balance. As a dietitian, I couldn't recommend it more for simple breakfasts and snacks!

It's packed with filling beta-glucan soluble fiber, which improves the diversity of the gut, aids in constipation, and increases satiety.

It also boasts 6g plant protein in ½ cup plus a wide variety of micronutrients like manganese (190% of daily value in ½ cup), iron (20%), phosphorus (41%), magnesium (34%) and zinc (20%).

Dietary modifications

• Dairy free: Use a thick dairy free yogurt, like coconut milk or almond yogurt.
• Gluten free: Use certified gluten free oats.
• Nut free: Use oat or soy milk and tahini or sunflower seed butter.
• High protein: Add 1 tbsp hemp or a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
• No added sugar: Omit honey/maple syrup.

How to store

Store oats in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can you freeze overnight oats?

Yes, overnight oats actually freeze great!

Freeze portions in a greased muffin tin. Once frozen, place portions in a freezer baggie and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and top as you would normally!

Can you eat them hot?

Yes, you can warm them up if you'd like. The soaking process softens the oats and replaces the cooking process. People typically enjoy them cold out of the fridge like muesli.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!

Please consider leaving a comment and star rating below letting me know how you liked the recipe; they mean the world to me and help me improve. Thanks a ton!

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