My family is obsessed with overnight oats, and our latest favorite is this carrot cake overnight oats recipe. If you’re already a fan of my pumpkin overnight oats, apple cinnamon overnight oats, or even the simple vanilla oats version, this one is sure to become a new staple.
As a busy mom of three, I’m always looking for quick, simple breakfast options that don’t require a ton of ingredients. This overnight oats recipe fits the bill perfectly. With just a handful of pantry staples—like oats, cinnamon, and shredded carrots—you can put this together ahead of time which will for sure making mornings just a wee bit less hectic.
And if your thinking "carrot cake for breakfast?", I say, "why not" It's an extra-special treat that feels indulgent but has lots of the good stuff to still start you and your families day off right!
INGREDIENTS
- Greek Yogurt: I like to use Greek yogurt for its creamy texture, but any vanilla yogurt variety will work.
- Oats: Old fashioned oats are the way to go here.
- Grated Carrots: You can either grate your own on the big holes of the box grater or buy the pre-shredded carrots in the refrigerated produce section of your grocery.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans are the way to go. Chop your own or buy them chopped. If you need to adjust the recipe to be nut-free, just leave them out.
STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS
Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. The size of your bowl will depend on how many servings you are making.
Stir well to combine.
Portion into your storage containers and put into the refrigerator overnight and for up to 5 days.
Helpful Tools
I don't always insist on having specific tools for my recipes, but when making overnight oats, these items come in really handy!
- Mason Jars: I like to use these 8oz wide mouth mason jars for my oats. I think they hold the right amount for a good breakfast. The wide mouth jar allows easy access so that you can get to every last bite. Mason jars also stack well in the fridge which is great because the recipe will last in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Bulk Oats: Buy old fashioned rolled oats in larger quantities to save money. Try either the bulk bins at Whole Foods or another bulk food store, or get them from Costco.
- Dry goods scoop: I like this one because it connects to a container that is perfect for storing your oats in.
Variations
If my kiddos are like yours, they have definite opinions about what they want to eat. If someone isn't into carrot cake for breakfast you can offer up these other flavors to them as a way to customize their own jar.
- Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Overnight Oats
- Mango Overnight Oats
- Make it Vegan: Use a plant based milk and plant based yogurt. Siggi's makes a vanilla plant based yogurt that would work well.
- Add Raisins: Golden raisins are a great match for carrot cake overnight oats.
Topping Ideas
- Granola: Crumble Vanilla Almond Granola over the top of the carrot cake for an additional crunch.
- Coconut shavings: Adds another texture and is an ingredient found in some carrot cakes recipes.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: For a bit of indulgence, whip up a quick batch of homemade whipped cream with a splash of vanilla and a bit of powdered sugar. Dollop on top of the carrot cake overnight oats before serving.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Make your own cream cheese frosting (like the one I use for crescent roll cinnamon rolls) and drizzle over the carrot cake oats before serving.
Storing Overnight Oats
You can keep the filled jars of carrot cake overnight oats in the fridge for up to a week. If you are taking this breakfast on the go, you'll want to keep them refrigerated or packed with an ice pack.
Did you try this recipe and and love it? 😍 Let me know by leaving a comment below or 5 ⭐ rating!
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More Easy Breakfasts For You To Try
📖 Recipe
Easy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 TB maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon warm spices I buy something called cake spice, but cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice work well together
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. The size of your bowl will depend on how many servings you are making.
- Stir well to combine.
- Portion into your storage containers and put into the refrigerator overnight and for up to 5 days.
Notes
- To make the recipe gluten free: Most old fashioned oats are naturally gluten free, but be sure to double check that the ingredients are certified gluten free if you have a gluten allergy.
- To make the recipe dairy free: Simply substitute the Greek yogurt for a coconut based dairy free yogurt and substitute the skim milk for any dairy free type of milk you like. Almond milk is my favorite substitute, but oat milk and coconut milk would also work well.
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