Carrot Cake Overnight Oats | Craving Something Healthy (2024)

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What happens when a healthy, easy, grab-and-go breakfast meets your favorite dessert? You get carrot cake overnight oats!

This delicious breakfast is packed with carrot cake flavors from crisp, grated carrots, raisins, pineapple, pecans, coconut, and spices. It’s full of whole-grain oats, fruit, nuts, and extra protein from chia seeds and Greek yogurt to fuel you for hours.

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Why This Recipe Works

I eat oats almost daily because the complex carbs and fiber they provide keep me full for hours. Plus, they’re rich in beta-glucan, a component of soluble fiber that can lower cholesterol and balance blood sugar.

If I could, I would probably eat carrot cake daily, too, because I just love it. That’s how this recipe was born. It’s delicious but healthy, too, and it ranks right up there with my piña colada overnight oats for my favorite breakfast flavors.

Overnight oats don’t require any cooking. Instead, they soak and soften in milk. That makes them a perfect prep ahead breakfast.

And, this recipe is ready to eat in about two hours, but you can assemble it and let it soak overnight or up to four days. It’s ideal if you have a busy week ahead and want a grab-and-go breakfast you can eat on the run.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats | Craving Something Healthy (2)

Recipe Ingredients

Here are some of the key ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. I’ve listed a few substitutions and variations in the section below.

Be sure to check out the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients with measurements.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats | Craving Something Healthy (3)

Oats. Use old-fashioned oats when making this (or any overnight oats) recipe. They have just the right consistency when soaked, and they won't get too mushy.

Carrots. I recommend buying whole carrots and grating them on a cheese grater or in a food processor (faster and easier). Grated carrots sold in bags in the produce department are cut thicker, and they’re a bit tough for this recipe.

Raisins. I always find golden raisins sweeter and softer than black raisins, so they’re my go-to choice for this recipe.

Shredded coconut. Look for unsweetened coconut in the baking aisle. Many brands have added sugar.

Chia seeds. These absorb some of the milk and will help thicken the oats mixture. They also add lots of fiber, omega-3 fat, and protein.

Milk. You can use regular dairy milk or any type of plant milk in this recipe.

Greek yogurt. It really boosts the protein in these oats. I prefer plain because it has no sugar added, and it has more of a “cream cheese icing” flavor. Use nonfat, low-fat, or full-fat Greek yogurt as desired.

Substitutions and Variations

  • For a dairy-free option, use plant milk and plant yogurt (coconut or vanilla flavors work well), or skip the yogurt and add about ½ cup more milk to the oats mixture.
  • If you’re not a fan of raisins or pineapple, you can leave them out.
  • If you have fresh pineapple available, mince it well and use it instead of canned pineapple.
  • Adjust the sweetness to your taste. I don't think this recipe is overly sweet. You can also swap brown sugar, honey, or a no-calorie sweetener for the maple syrup.
  • Swap chopped walnuts for the pecans.
  • To boost the protein, add an extra scoop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of plain or vanilla protein powder to each portion before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, measure all of your ingredients and add them to a large mixing bowl.

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Second, stir everything well to combine.

Third, portion the oats mixture into jars or small containers or cover the container and portion it as needed. You’ll have about four cups, which is ideal for four to five portions.

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Expert Tips

I don’t recommend using quick oats when making overnight oats. They are cut too thin and will end up paste-like. And steel-cut oats are too hard and won’t soften without cooking. Old-fashioned oats are just right.

If you follow a gluten-free diet, make sure you buy certified gluten-free oats. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are frequently cross-contaminated by wheat.

If you use bagged shredded carrots from the grocery store, chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the bowl.

Cold oatmeal is delicious, especially when the weather is warm, but if you’re not quite ready to try it, feel free to portion your oats into a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 30-45 seconds. Stir it well before eating to disperse any hot spots.

How to Eat Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

While it’s perfect for a fast and healthy breakfast, this recipe also hits the spot in the afternoon when you need a guilt-free sweet treat.

I like to top this with an extra scoop of plain Greek yogurt to boost the protein.

This oatmeal is also amazing with a scoop of my honey sea salt labneh. It’s thick, strained yogurt that seriously tastes like cream cheese icing.

Recipe FAQs

How long can you store leftovers?

Store the oat mixture in preportioned jars with lids or in a covered bowl in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you make overnight oats with water instead of milk?

Yes, you can use water instead of milk, but the milk adds extra creaminess.

Can you leave the chia seeds out?

Absolutely! I recommend reducing the amount of milk by about ½ cup if you don't use chia seeds.

Other Related Oat Recipes

Oats are so tasty, versatile, and good for you. Don't miss these other oatmeal recipes.

Pina Colada Overnight Oats

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating on the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

Recipe

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats | Craving Something Healthy (10)

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

A healthy, prep-ahead breakfast that tastes just like carrot cake.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Diet: Lower Carb, Heart Healthy, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

refrigerator time: 2 hours hours

Servings: 4

Calories: 405kcal

Author: Anne Danahy, RD

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups Old Fashioned oats
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and grated with a cheese grater or food processor
  • ¼ cup golden raisins
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans toasted
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple undrained
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or to taste
  • 2 cups milk any type
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  • Measure all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

  • Stir well to combine.

  • Cover the bowl with a lid or if desired, portion the mixture into four or five jars or lidded containers. Refrigerate overnight or for up to four days.

Notes

The oats will soften in about two hours but can be refrigerated for up to four days.

Feel free to add more or less milk depending on how soft you like your oats.

This recipe makes about 4 cups, which is ideal for 4-5 portions.

Nutrition

Serving: 0g | Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 703mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 5367IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 304mg | Iron: 3mg

Did you make this recipe?Tag me @CravingSomethingHealthy!

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats | Craving Something Healthy (2024)

FAQs

Is overnight oats actually healthy? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

What are the healthiest oats to use for overnight oats? ›

Old-fashioned rolled oats.

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid overnight, leaving you with a creamy (but not mushy) texture. Save steel-cut and quick-cooking oats for another time. Milk: You can make overnight oats with any kind of milk — dairy or non-dairy.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Is carrot cake good for diet? ›

High in Dietary Fiber: Using whole wheat flour or oats in carrot cake can provide a good source of fiber, which helps maintain digestive health and supports weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness.

Is it okay to eat overnight oats every day? ›

Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats every day? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

What milk is best for overnight oats? ›

Overnight Oats are great with all kinds of milk, dairy (pasteurized) or non-dairy. Feel free to use your favorite! We do not recommend making Overnight Oats with water because it will result in an overly liquid texture. Did this answer your question?

Are overnight oats high in calories? ›

Overnight oats are a great source of many nutrients. One prepared cup (240 ml) of the basic recipe made with 2% cow's milk and without the optional ingredients provides the following ( 1 ): Calories: 215 calories. Carbs: 33grams.

Why are overnight oats healthier than cooked? ›

Resistant starch is a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut and supporting a healthy digestive system. Additionally, overnight oats retain more of their natural nutrients since they are not exposed to high heat during the cooking process.

Why are my overnight oats bad? ›

Lastly, not letting your oats soak long enough can be a big mistake. Overnight oats are meant to be soaked for at least 6-8 hours, but some people don't wait that long and end up with crunchy, uncooked oats. To avoid this, make sure to prepare your oats the night before and let them soak in the fridge while you sleep.

Are overnight oats better with milk or yogurt? ›

You only need two ingredients to make overnight oats, which are, of course, milk and oats. But it probably won't taste very good, and by adding in Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and a drizzle of your favorite sweetener, you're really creating a well-rounded breakfast.

Why do overnight oats go bad? ›

Overnight oats will begin to deteriorate after the 2nd or 3rd day in the fridge, mostly due to the other ingredients added to the batch; and, they usually lose their texture and go bad after the fourth day. Make sure that you're storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Is carrot cake healthier than cake? ›

However, even though carrot cake has a higher fat content, it can bit a healthier choice compared to regular cakes especially because carrot cake is made with whole wheat flour, which is a healthier choice of flour, unlike white flour.

What is the healthiest cake to eat? ›

Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is healthy because It does not contain egg yolk and butter. Without egg yolk and butter these cakes are low on calories and fats. A single slice of Angel Food Cake contains just almost around 70 calories.

Are overnight oats healthy for weight loss? ›

Not only is it lower in calories compared to many other breakfast foods, but it also has a number of other health benefits. These include: Weight management: Oats have high fiber content, which can make you feel fuller for longer. This helps to control your appetite, naturally reducing your calorie intake.

Is eating oats at night good for weight loss? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

Are overnight oats too high in carbs? ›

Are Overnight Oats Keto-Friendly? No, the classic overnight oats recipe is made of oats, a wholesome natural grain but very high in carbs. In fact, oats contain about 56 grams of net carbs per 100 grams. As a result, they spike blood sugar levels and are not approved on a keto diet.

Are overnight oats healthier than quick oats? ›

Another thing is the fact that as opposed to the cooked oatmeals since overnight oatmeals are not boiled they retain more nutrients. Overnight oatmeals also incorporate raw oats unlike cooked oatmeals, which use instant oats and therefore making it relatively more nutritious.

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