This Easy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats recipe is a wholesome, high-protein, healthy breakfast option. Packed with warm spices, chia seeds, rolled oats, and my favorite plant-based protein powder from SUNWARRIOR, it has all the classic flavors of carrot cake packed in a morning bowl. This one's a keeper for busy mornings when you want something quick, nourishing, utterly satisfying, and simply delicious.
I'm a huge fan of overnight oats recipes. Like my Blended Overnight Oats or Hazelnut Steel Cut Oats, this oat mixture also has a super creamy texture but comes with the cozy taste of classic carrot cake flavors. It's fiber-packed, with nourishing, simple ingredients like whole grains, healthy fats, and plant-based yogurt, and has dessert flavors wrapped in a nutritious breakfast bowl without the sugar crash. What's not to love?
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Ingredients To Make This Overnight Carrot Cake Oats Recipe:
Here's what you need to make this easy recipe.
- Rolled Oats: I use old-fashioned oats for that perfect creamy consistency. Avoid quick oats (they'll get mushy) or steel-cut oats unless you adjust cook times. Use certified gluten-free oats if you are gluten intolerant.
- Chia Seeds: These little superstars add fiber, healthy fats, and help thicken the oat mixture. Use leftovers to make my Superfood Coffee Chia Seed Protein Pudding.
- Ground Flaxseed: Full of fatty acids and protein, it also boosts the fiber content.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves bring out those nostalgic dessert flavors of a vegan carrot cake, similar to my Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls.
- Protein Powder: I use SUNWARRIOR vanilla for a high-protein carrot cake overnight oats version that tastes incredible. It has no added sugars, is gluten-free, and is entirely plant-based with a complete amino acid profile that includes essential and non-essential amino acids. Plus, using my code "KATIES" you can get 15% off your purchase.
- Crushed Walnuts: It adds crunchiness and a buttery richness.
- Coconut Yogurt: This adds a creamy texture and tang.
- Maple Syrup: Adds gentle sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts the sweet flavors and balances the spices.
- Optional Raisins: If you're a fan of raisins, this adds that chewy pop. Regular or golden raisins are both amazing here!
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make It:
Let's make this healthy breakfast recipe.
- 1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together rolled oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, spices, protein powder, and crushed walnuts until well combined.
- 2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together coconut yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
- 3. Combine and Mix: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir. If using plump raisins, fold them in now. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
- 4. Refrigerate Overnight and Serve: Transfer to an airtight container or mason jar, cover, and let sit in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours). Stir well the next morning. Customize with your favorite toppings!
Top Tips:
Here are a few of my tips to make this carrot cake overnight oats.
- Serve With Grated Fresh Carrots: Grate your own carrots using a hand grater and serve as a topping to get that classic carrot cake flavor.
- Double for a Large Batch: Store in airtight containers for grab-and-go all week or serve in individual mason jars.
- Too Thick? Stir in more coconut yogurt or add a splash of almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk to loosen.
Variations And Substitutions:
You really can make this carrot cake overnight oats your own, and there are so many ways to swap ingredients or substitute with what you have on hand. I'll give you a few options to explore.
- Plant-Based Yogurt: Instead of coconut yogurt, use other vegan options like almond milk yogurt if preferred.
- Crunchy Walnuts: Sub in crunchy pecans if that's more your vibe.
- Sweetener: Instead of maple syrup, a tad of agave syrup works too.
- Want More Protein? Add a spoonful of creamy almond butter, peanut butter, or hazelnut butter for extra fuel, similar to my Creamy Hazelnut Steel-Cut Oats.
Storage:
Store carrot cake overnight oats in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 4 days. It's one of the best meal prep breakfasts.
Equipment Needed:
- Medium Bowl: To combine the dry ingredients.
- Small Bowl: To combine the wet ingredients.
- Mason Jars or an Airtight Container: For storage.
- Spoon: For stirring.
- Food Processor or Grater (optional): To grate fresh carrots.
Recipe FAQs:
Not as-is. They require longer soaking or pre-cooking. Either adjust the time or stick with old-fashioned oats.
Nope! This is a cold oatmeal dish. Just mix and chill. Super easy recipe.
Yes, but reduce the liquid slightly or add more chia/flax to maintain the same creamy texture. But I highly recommend adding protein powder, especially if you're using one with clean ingredients like SUNWARRIOR.
More Amazing Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes To Try Next:
Make sure to check out some of the other recipes on my website!
If you try this Healthy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe, I'd really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!
Healthy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
- Pinch ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 scoops Vanilla Protein Powder "KATIES" for 15% off
- ¼ cup walnuts crushed
- ¼ cup coconut yogurt plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or liquid sweetener of choice
- ¼ cup raisins optional
Instructions
Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, protein powder, and crushed walnuts. Stir until all the dry ingredients are well mixed.
Add the wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir everything together until well combined. If you're using raisins, add them to the mixture now and stir.
Refrigerate overnight:
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or mason jar, and place it in the fridge overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the oats and chia seeds to soak up the liquid and thicken.
Serve:
- In the morning, stir the oats well, and top with extra coconut yogurt, shredded carrots, additional walnuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired!
More Vegan Oatmeal Recipes:
Make sure to check out some of the other vegan oatmeal recipes on my website!
Jacqui says
Obsessed with this recipe! I make it for breakfast all the time now.