Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This carrot cake overnight oats recipe offers the best of both worlds: a deliciously comforting breakfast with the benefits of a nutritious, balanced meal. Packed with rolled oats, shredded carrots, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon and ginger, it captures the flavor profile of carrot cake, without the added sugar and butter. It’s also customizable and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings. And since it’s made ahead of time, you don’t need to worry about cooking in the morning, which means more time for you!

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup milk – dairy milk or plant-based milk like almond milk

• ⅔ cup plain yogurt – plain Greek yogurt works best

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• ¼ cup raisins

• 1 Tbsp honey – pure maple syrup, or sugar

• 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts – optional

• 2 tsp chia seeds

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ginger powder

• ¼ tsp salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients: rolled oats, milk, plain yogurt, shredded carrots, raisins, honey, chopped walnuts (if using), chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger powder, and salt.

2. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.

3. Pour the oats mixture into a container or jar and seal with a lid. Place in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours, but ideally, leave it overnight to allow the oats to absorb all the liquid.

4. In the morning, remove from the fridge and stir well. Add any desired toppings before serving. Overnight oats are eaten cold with a spoon.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Chill Time: 12 hours

• Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Dried Fruit: Swap out raisins for other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or figs for a unique twist.

• Nuts: Try swapping walnuts for other nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.

• Sweeteners: If you prefer a sweeter breakfast, add a bit more honey or maple syrup to taste.

• Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt and milk to make this recipe fully vegan.

• Spices: You can adjust the spices in this recipe to suit your tastes. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Once made, store your overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The oats will keep well and stay fresh. Just give them a quick stir before serving, as some liquid may separate. If you prefer to warm them, you can microwave them briefly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, though overnight oats are traditionally enjoyed cold.

FAQs

1. Can I make carrot cake overnight oats in advance?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Simply store the prepared oats in an airtight container in the fridge, and they will keep fresh for 4-5 days.

2. Can I substitute the milk for something else?

Yes, you can use any milk you prefer, whether it’s dairy or plant-based, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.

3. Do I have to use yogurt in this recipe?

While yogurt gives the oats a creamy texture, you can skip it if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt or substitute with an additional splash of milk.

4. How do I make my overnight oats more creamy?

To achieve a creamier consistency, try using full-fat yogurt or adding a little more milk when you mix the ingredients.

5. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add in additional vegetables like finely grated zucchini or sweet potato for an even more nutritious breakfast.

6. Is there a way to make these oats sweeter?

Absolutely! You can increase the honey or maple syrup, or even add a little bit of brown sugar for extra sweetness.

7. Can I warm up my overnight oats?

Although overnight oats are usually eaten cold, you can warm them up in the microwave for a cozy, comforting breakfast.

8. Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh?

Fresh shredded carrots are ideal, but you can use frozen if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure they’re thawed and well-drained before adding them.

9. How do I know if my overnight oats are ready to eat?

Overnight oats are ready when they have absorbed all the liquid and have softened to a creamy, pudding-like texture. You should be able to stir them easily.

10. Can I double the recipe to make more servings?

Yes, feel free to double or triple the ingredients to make more servings. Just make sure to adjust the container size and the fridge space accordingly.

Conclusion

Carrot cake overnight oats are a perfect blend of convenience and flavor. They allow you to enjoy the comforting taste of carrot cake while staying on track with your health goals. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want a quick and satisfying breakfast, this recipe offers a delicious solution that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Enjoy!

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