I love a good make-ahead breakfast and overnight oats are truly one of my favorites to add to my meal prep rotation. They’re creamy, filling, and have endless flavor varieties. I love preparing a couple of servings to have on hand for busy mornings or quick snacks.
Creamy carrot cake overnight oats packs in fiber, veggies and protein all in one. It’s made with rolled oats, shredded coconut and grated carrots, and lightly sweetened with maple syrup.
The Perfect Make Ahead Recipe
Overnight oats will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can even double the recipe and enjoy it all week long!
Topping the oats with vanilla greek yogurt and walnuts add an extra boost of protein and crunch, along with some heart-healthy fats. You can use plain Greek yogurt or a lower-sugar vanilla yogurt for even more flavor.
How To Make Overnight Oats
Here’s what you’ll need to make these simple overnight oats-
- rolled oats– if you’re sensitive to gluten, be sure to opt for certified gluten-free oats
- milk– I love using a plant-based milk but also switch it up with dairy milk for an added boost of protein
- grated carrots add fresh flavor and veggies to this recipe
- shredded coconut– for a little added sweetness and flavor
- chia seeds– though optional in this recipe, chia seeds help thicken the oat mixture, making it nice and creamy
- maple syrup– to add a little sweetness
- flavorings– vanilla extract and cinnamon
- vanilla yogurt layer– I love using a lower-sugar vanilla flavored yogurt of greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup and vanilla
- walnuts– for an added crunch and heart-healthy fats
- Combine the oats, carrots, coconut, cinnamon, salt and chia seeds (if using) in a small dish.
- Pour in the milk, vanilla and maple syrup and whisk together until well combined.
- Refrigerate overnight or for at least 5-6 hours until thickened
- Give the oats a mix then top with a layer of vanilla yogurt and your chopped walnuts
- Serve cold when ready to eat!
This recipe can be doubled and refrigerated for up to 5 days. It’s a simple, delicious, and nourishing way to start your morning. I know you guys are going to love it!
More meal-prep friendly recipes to try:
Feta & Avocado Breakfast Sandwiches
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 ¼ cups milk of choice
- 3/4 cup grated carrots, about 2 small carrots
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- Vanilla yogurt to top
- Optional: 2 tbsp chia seeds
Directions
- Combine the oats, carrots, coconut, cinnamon, and chia seeds (if using) in a small dish.
- Pour in the milk, vanilla and maple syrup and whisk together until well combined.
- Refrigerate overnight, or for at least 5-6 hours.
- Give the oats a mix then top with a layer of vanilla yogurt and your chopped walnuts
- Serve cold when ready to eat. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days
Hello!
Looks awesome! However, in winter, I really want hot breakfasts. Can these overnight oats be heated up in the microwave or anything like that? Any recommendations? Thanks so much!
Hi Amy, you can definitely warm these in the microwave or stove top when serving. I would add the yogurt topping after warming it 🙂