Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are a creamy, naturally sweetened breakfast packed with oats, shredded carrots, chia seeds, and nuts. Vegan, gluten-free, and easy to prep ahead, they deliver all the cozy flavors of carrot cake without the guilt. Perfect for a quick breakfast or meal prep for busy mornings.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 3 mason jars or small glass containers
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups non-dairy milk cashew, oat, or soy recommended
- ¾ cup vegan yogurt
- 3 –4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger optional
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups quick-cooking or rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 ¼ cups shredded carrot
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Liquid Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the non-dairy milk and vegan yogurt. Whisk them together gently until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using ginger and nutmeg, sprinkle them in at this stage as well. Whisk everything thoroughly to ensure all the spices and sweeteners are evenly distributed. This forms the flavorful liquid foundation that will soak into the oats, infusing every bite with that classic carrot cake taste.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Measure out your oats, chia seeds, and shredded carrots, and add them to the liquid mixture. Sprinkle in the chopped nuts for an added crunch. Using a spatula or large spoon, fold everything together carefully. Make sure the oats, chia seeds, and carrot are fully submerged in the liquid so they can absorb the moisture evenly. Let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes. This initial resting period allows the oats and chia seeds to start swelling, creating a creamy and slightly thickened texture.
- Stir Again to Perfect Consistency: After the initial soak, return to the mixture and stir thoroughly one more time. You may notice extra liquid sitting at the top—mixing again ensures that every spoonful has a consistent, creamy texture with the perfect balance of oats, carrot, and nuts. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, indulgent consistency without any overly watery spots.
- Portion Into Containers: Spoon the prepared oat mixture into three separate mason jars, glass containers, or tupperware. Fill each container to the top, leaving a little room for stirring later if desired. This makes the oats easy to grab for breakfast or snack time, and it’s perfect for meal prep. Sealing the jars tightly will help keep the oats fresh and maintain their creamy texture.
- Refrigerate and Infuse Flavors: Cover the jars with lids and refrigerate them for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight is ideal. During this chilling period, the oats will continue to absorb the liquid, chia seeds will thicken, and the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger will meld beautifully with the sweetness of the carrots and maple syrup. This step transforms the mixture from simple soaked oats into a rich, indulgent carrot cake-inspired breakfast.
- Serve Cold or Warm: Once the oats have set, you can enjoy them directly from the fridge as a cold, creamy breakfast, or gently warm them in the microwave for 30–60 seconds if you prefer a cozy, warm bowl. Add extra toppings like fresh fruit, a drizzle of nut butter, additional chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance both the flavor and presentation.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Any remaining overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Always ensure the lids are tightly closed to prevent moisture loss or absorption of other fridge odors. For best texture, stir the oats before serving if they have thickened slightly over time.
Notes
- Use thick, creamy non-dairy milk (oat, cashew, or soy) for a rich texture.
- Combine quick-cooking and rolled oats for the ideal balance of creaminess and chew.
- Prefer freshly grated carrots over pre-shredded for better flavor and texture.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness; agave, coconut sugar, or other sweeteners can be used.
- For extra protein, add a scoop of plant-based protein powder and adjust the liquid as needed.
- Lightly toast nuts before adding to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Stir the mixture once during the initial soak to ensure even creaminess.
- Optional spices like cardamom or allspice can be added for deeper flavor.
- Best soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal texture.
- Perfect for meal prep—store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
