I just want everything to be carrot cake flavored right now! She’s gotta be no cook, absolutely loaded with fresh carrots, and actually filling. Indeed, carrot overnight oats with protein are totally a thing! Just like my Banana Bread Overnight Oats with greek yogurt and high protein Creamy Blueberry Overnight Oats, these are jam-packed with incredible flavor, too. We’ve got OJ, plenty of fresh carrots, creamy almond butter, and warm cinnamon. Lez do it!
The low down on ingredients
Old-fashioned oats: Used in oh so many of my healthy breakfast recipes may know them as rolled oats. Make sure they’re not instant, quick cook or steel cut oats. Almond milk: I love this for the liquid base, but you can use any milk you like or have on hand. Orange juice: OJ adds amazing brightness and flavor here, just like in my Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal! Fresh or store bought are both good! It really adds something special to the recipe. Carrots: A must in carrot cake anything! You can grate by hand or in the food processor. I don’t love the pre-shredded kind from the store because they tend to be dry. Greek yogurt: You can use any fat content you like–nonfat, 2% or whole. I use unsweetened, but vanilla or a cinnamon flavor would be great, too. Chia seeds: To thicken the mixture and add plenty of fiber and healthy fats. Almond butter: This adds great texture. I love the creamy mouthfeel and subtle sweetness it adds. Cashew butter or even tahini would also be yum! Honey or maple syrup: A natural liquid sweetener to add a light pop of sweetness. You can omit it for no added sugar or add it to taste. Cinnamon: For delicious, warm, cake-like flavor similar to my Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats. You could also do a little pinch of ginger and nutmeg! Vanilla extract: Vanilla is a must and almond extract adds a really special and delicious flavor to set these oats apart from the rest! Salt: Salt is so important for flavor yet so many overnight oat recipes don’t include it. A key ingredient for rounding out the flavors!
Let’s make it!
Dietary modifications
Dairy free: Use a thick dairy free yogurt, like coconut milk or almond yogurt. Gluten free: Use certified gluten free oats. Nut free: Use oat or soy milk and tahini or sunflower seed butter. High protein: Add 1 tbsp hemp or a scoop of vanilla protein powder. No added sugar: Omit honey/maple syrup.
But is overnight oatmeal healthy?
A resounding yes! Oatmeal is super easy, healthy, accessible, and budget-friendly. Plus, we’re keeping the protein and fiber high and sugar low for blood sugar balance. As a dietitian, I couldn’t recommend it more for simple breakfasts and snacks! It’s packed with filling beta-glucan soluble fiber, which improves the diversity of the gut, aids in constipation, and increases satiety. It also boasts 6g plant protein in ½ cup plus a wide variety of micronutrients like manganese (190% of daily value in ½ cup), iron (20%), phosphorus (41%), magnesium (34%) and zinc (20%).
How to store
Store oats in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Heck yes you can freeze them!
Simply freeze portions in a greased muffin tin. Once frozen, place portions in a freezer baggie and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and top as you would normally!
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!
Please consider leaving a comment and star rating below letting me know how you liked the recipe; they mean the world to me and help me improve. Thanks a ton!
