This Carrot Cake Overnight Oats is a healthy and nutritious recipe. Just toss and refrigerate overnight for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
We love a good carrot cake and this carrot cake overnight oats recipe comes pretty close to a dessert while still being a healthy, nutritious and delicious breakfast option.
This recipe combines the classic flavors of carrot cake with the convenience of overnight oats. The mix of grated carrots, orange zest, warm spices, and crunchy nuts makes this a perfect start to your day.
Why you should make this recipe now?
These overnight oats are high in fiber and rich in vitamins and minerals. The oats, chia seeds, and grated carrots provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you full longer. It is also packed with vitamins A and C from the carrots and orange zest, calcium and probiotics from the vegan yogurt, and essential minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium from various ingredients. The walnuts and chia seeds contribute healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.
But, besides the health benefits, this overnight oat recipe is also easy to prepare and requires no cooking, making it accessible for all skill levels. And since it’s an overnight recipe, you can prepare it the night before and have a ready-to-eat breakfast waiting for you in the morning, saving time on busy mornings.
I love to make a batch of overnight oats in the evening and have it conveniently ready when I wake up and I have no energy to think about breakfast!
This recipe uses plant-based milk and yogurt, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet.
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Ingredients
The ingredients for this carrot cake overnight oats recipe are generally inexpensive and readily available, making it a cost-effective breakfast option.
You will need:
Rolled oats: are the base of the overnight oats, providing a hearty and filling texture. We like to use a mixture of rolled oats and quick oats for a mixture of textures. Oats are high in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you full longer. They also provide a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
Chia seeds: help thicken the mixture by absorbing liquid, giving the overnight oats a pudding-like consistency. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein.
Plant-based milk is the liquid component that softens the oats and chia seeds, making them creamy and easy to eat. You can use the type you want, we usually go for soy milk, almond milk or oat milk.
Vegan yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang to the mixture, enhancing the flavor and texture. It also provides probiotics for gut health and can add extra protein and calcium, depending on the type used. We like to use a neutral-flavored soy or coconut yogurt.
Carrots add natural sweetness, moisture, and a slight crunch to the oats, mimicking the flavor profile of carrot cake. Make sure they are finely grated for the best texture.
Orange zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the other ingredients.
Shredded coconut adds texture and a subtle coconut flavor, enhancing the tropical feel of the dish.
Dried apricots add a chewy texture and natural sweetness, balancing the flavors in the oats. They are also a good source of fiber, vitamins A and E, potassium, and iron.
Maple syrup acts as a natural sweetener, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor without refined sugar.
Cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor, reminiscent of carrot cake spices.
Nutmeg enhances the spiced flavor profile, complementing the cinnamon and adding complexity.
Ground ginger adds a slight spiciness and warmth, contributing to the carrot cake flavor.
You can play with the spices as you like, adjusting them to your taste.
Salt enhances the overall flavor of the oats by balancing the sweetness and bringing out the flavors of other ingredients.
Walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, providing contrast to the creamy oats. They are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. You can also use pecan nuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Each ingredient in the Vegan Carrot Cake Overnight Oats recipe contributes to making this a balanced, delicious, and healthy breakfast option.
How to make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Making these overnight oats is super simple and easy!
Start by combining the dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 tbsp of chia seeds, 3 tbsp of shredded coconut, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp of ground ginger, and a pinch of salt.
Use a whisk or fork to ensure even distribution of spices and chia seeds. This will help in preventing clumps.
Add Wet Ingredients:
To the bowl, add 1 cup of grated carrots, the zest of 1 orange, 1/4 cup of chopped dried apricots, 2 cups of plant-based milk (like soy or almond milk), 1/2 cup of vegan yogurt, and 2 tbsp of maple syrup.
If you prefer a sweeter breakfast, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or add a bit of brown sugar or another sweetener of your choice.
Make sure the carrots are finely grated to mix well and enhance the texture of the oats.
Mix Thoroughly:
Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
Make sure the chia seeds and oats are fully immersed in the liquid. This is crucial for the proper absorption and achieving the right texture. If you notice any clumps of chia seeds, break them up with the back of your spoon.
Chill Overnight:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to airtight containers. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Overnight soaking is important as it allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid fully, making them soft and creamy.
If you prefer a more portable option, portion the mixture into individual jars or containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. I like to just make a big container of overnight oats and then we scoop up as much as we want when serving.
Before serving, give the oats a good stir to ensure an even consistency.
If the mixture is too thick for your liking, you can add a splash of plant-based milk to reach your desired consistency.
Adjust to Taste:
You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice level, and texture to your liking by modifying the amount of maple syrup, spices, and add-ins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the overnight oats in mason jars for a portable and aesthetically pleasing breakfast. These are great for meal prep and easy to grab on busy mornings. Or you can serve in a bowl with all the toppings neatly arranged on top for a beautiful and inviting presentation.
Enjoy the oats cold directly from the fridge, or warm them slightly in the microwave if you prefer a warm breakfast.
To serve, top each serving with a tablespoon of chopped walnuts for added crunch and extra flavor.
For a beautiful presentation, garnish with some extra grated carrot and a sprinkle of additional shredded coconut.
Add your favorite toppings such as fresh fruits, additional nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of nut butter to enhance the flavor and nutritional profile.
Storage tips
These overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
Use Airtight Containers:
Store the overnight oats in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the absorption of odors from other foods in the fridge.
Portion in Individual Servings:
Divide the mixture into individual portions right after preparing. This makes it easy to grab a ready-to-eat serving and helps with portion control.
Refrigerate Immediately:
Place the prepared oats in the refrigerator as soon as they are mixed. Keep them chilled until you are ready to eat.
Stir Before Serving:
Give the oats a good stir before serving to mix any ingredients that may have settled and to ensure a uniform texture.
Add Fresh Toppings Later:
If you plan to add fresh toppings like fruit, nuts, or coconut flakes, store them separately and add them just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
Consume Within 4-5 Days:
For the best taste and quality, eat the overnight oats within 4-5 days of preparation.
More similar recipes:
Yogurt & Berry Vegan Overnight Oats
1-Bowl Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal
Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Apples
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
This recipe for Vegan Carrot Cake Overnight Oats offers a nutritious and delicious breakfast option that combines the classic flavors of carrot cake with the convenience of overnight oats. The mix of grated carrots, orange zest, warm spices, and crunchy nuts makes this a perfect start to your day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 cups plant-based milk (soy, almond,...)
- 1/2 cup vegan yogurt
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 orange, zest
- 3 tbsp shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup dried apricots
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- a pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp walnuts
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Add the grated carrots, orange zest, chopped dried apricots, plant-based milk, vegan yogurt, and maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined. Ensure the mixture is thoroughly mixed so the chia seeds and oats can absorb the liquid evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to airtight containers. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours to allow the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften.
- Before serving, give the oats a good stir. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of plant-based milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Top each serving with chopped walnuts for added crunch and extra flavor. Optionally, you can add a dollop of vegan yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup on top.
Notes
- Storage: These overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other toppings such as fresh berries, banana slices, or additional nuts and seeds.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 273Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 148mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 6gSugar: 22gProtein: 10g
Nutrition data is automatically calculated using Nutritionix and may not be accurate.