Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (Printable version)
Creamy overnight oats with shredded carrots, warm spices, and chopped nuts inspired by carrot cake flavors.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
04 - 1/2 cup finely grated carrots (about 1 medium carrot)
05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
06 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Spices & Flavor
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
10 - Pinch of salt
→ Add-ins
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
12 - 2 tablespoons raisins
13 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for extra thickness and nutrition)
→ Toppings (optional)
14 - Additional chopped nuts
15 - Shredded coconut
16 - A dollop of Greek yogurt
17 - Drizzle of maple syrup
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl or jar, combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, grated carrots, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.
02 - Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices throughout the mixture.
03 - Gently fold in chopped nuts, raisins, and chia seeds if using, ensuring even distribution.
04 - Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours, to allow oats to soften and flavors to meld.
05 - In the morning, stir the oats thoroughly. Add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired.
06 - Divide the overnight oats between two bowls or jars. Top with additional nuts, coconut, yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup as desired. Serve chilled.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- It tastes like dessert for breakfast but fuels you through until lunch
- The spices bloom overnight, making each morning feel like a special occasion
02 -
- Grating the carrots finely is crucial because large chunks create an unpleasant texture in cold oats
- The flavors continue developing, so these actually taste better on day two or three
03 -
- Toast your nuts in a dry pan for three minutes before adding them for a deeper, more complex flavor
- Grate your carrots using the finest side of your box grater for the best texture