I am always up for a sweet breakfast, but it means I lack some extra veg. These carrot cake overnight oats pack in the secret veg alongside warm cinnamon and nutmeg, plus they have over 40g of protein. It's a perfect meal prepped breakfast.
TL;DR
- Prep time: 5 minutes Resting time: 4 hours
- Meal prep and store in the fridge for 5 days
- Grate carrot finely to avoid tart taste.
- Reheating: eat cold or reheat with an extra splash of liquid for 30-60 seconds in microwave
- Customise: adjust spices to your preferences, add mixins like nuts and sultanas/raisins.
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Why you'll love this recipe
Secret veggies. Like a single-serve carrot cake and baked zucchini oatmeal, these high-protein overnight oats sneak in some grated carrots - but you'd never know!
No-heat. Overnight oats are prefect for busy mornings. Try others like blended oreo overnight oats and mixed berry overnight oats.
Meal prep. Prepare a large batch for a breakfast meal prep for an easy option during the week.
Warm spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy carrot cake flavours like carrot cake baked oats and gingerbread baked oats.
Ingredients and substitutions
Rolled oats. I recommend rolled oats over quick oats because it's more forgiving with liquid and has a better texture in my opinion.
Yogurt and Chia Seeds. The use of these helps with the overall texture of the overnight oats. I'd definitely recommend the chia seeds, but you could omit the yogurt.
Grated carrot. No need to squeeze out the excess moisture, I've accounted for this in the final ingredients.
Spices. I've recommended cinnamon and nutmeg. You can adjust as necessary or include additional like ginger and allspice for something really flavourful.
Please check the recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantity.
Top Tip
Grate the carrots finely. This helps them blend seamlessly into the oats, keeping the texture smooth while still adding that classic carrot cake flavor.
Adjust sweetness to taste. Depending on your protein powder and personal preference, you can add honey, maple syrup, or a mashed banana for natural sweetness.
Top just before serving. Add nuts, extra cinnamon, or a drizzle of nut butter right before eating to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Recommended equipment
To grate the carrots finely, I use the thin shredder attachment on a Food Processor. This helps them be smooth in the overnight oats without being overpowering.
You could use a simple grater (just try to make them as thin as possible).
I also love the use of Overnight Oats Jars as they have a lid that seals well and there's even a little attachment for a spoon.
Meal prepping overnight oats
Having overnight oats for meal prep is an easy way to start your day off well.
You can make a bunch for the work week ahead and just grab and go in the morning on your way to work.
It can thicken each day, so stir in a splash of milk if they get too dense.
Can you reheat overnight oats?
Overnight oats are typically meant to be eaten cold but you can make them similar to stove-top oats by adding in a splash of liquid and microwaving on 30 second intervals until warmed through (should take about 2 minutes).
If you want more meal prep information, check out my Meal Prep for Beginners post and my Meal Prep Basics E-Book.
FAQs
No, finely grated raw carrots soften overnight as they absorb moisture from the oats and milk, blending seamlessly into the mixture.
Absolutely! Raisins, chopped dates, or shredded coconut all work well to enhance the carrot cake flavour.
Steel-cut oats don't soften as well overnight and will remain chewy. If using them, soak for at least 12 hours or cook them slightly first.
Other protein overnight oatmeal recipes
Or, you can have a browse through my easy overnight oats recipes for more delicious eats.
Recipe
Protein Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
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Equipment
- Food Processor, optional
- Overnight Oats Jar, optional
Ingredients
- 50 g (½ cups) rolled oats, see Note 1
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) chia seeds, see Note 2
- 125 ml (½ cups) milk, see Note 3
- 50 g (2 tablespoon) Greek yogurt, optional, subs Note 4
- 30 g (2 tablespoon) protein, optional, natural or vanilla
- 5 g (2 teaspoon) cinnamon, adjust to preference
- 3 g (1 teaspoon) nutmeg, adjust to preference
- 25 g (¼ cups) grated carrot, approx ½ carrot
- 5 g (1 tablespoon) walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Combine all 50 g (½ cups) rolled oats, 15 g (1 tablespoon) chia seeds, 125 ml (½ cups) milk, 50 g (2 tablespoon) Greek yogurt, 30 g (2 tablespoon) protein, 5 g (2 teaspoon) cinnamon, 3 g (1 teaspoon) nutmeg, 25 g (¼ cups) grated carrot ingredients into a container.
- Store in the fridge for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight). Top with 5 g (1 tablespoon) walnuts before eating.
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