Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with Yogurt (High Protein & Vegan)

Name: Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 485 min
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats (approx. 89g); ½ cup shredded carrot (approx. 50g; from 1–2 medium carrots); 2 tablespoons chopped dates (approx. 30g; pitted); 2 tablespoons almond butter (approx. 34g); 2 tablespoons maple syrup (approx. 42g); 1½ cups milk (approx. 340g; I use soy milk, but any milk works.); ½ cup plant-based Greek-style yogurt (I use soy; approx. 113g); ¼ cup protein powder (Optional; use plant-based; approx. 32g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger; salt (a tiny pinch); ¼ cup plant-based Greek-style yogurt (Approx. 57g); 2 tablespoons pecans (Chopped; approx. 14g)

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These high protein Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with Yogurt are a filling and breakfast that tastes like a treat. They only take 5 minutes to prepare, and are perfect for meal prep.

Jar of carrot cake overnight oats topped with yogurt.

High Protein Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

I am a big believer in a make-ahead breakfast. Mornings with a toddler are pretty hectic in our household, it’s so easy to reach for the coffee and skip breakfast. But that normally backfires on me around 10am when I hit a hunger flat and end up grabbing the first snack I see when I open the pantry!

Now, I love all sorts of make-ahead breakfasts, but I am a sweet tooth and heart, so Chia Pudding and Overnight Oats have become my go-tos.

I have tried SO many different flavors and methods for making them, sometimes blending them so they are smooth (like my viral Blueberry Blended Overnight Oats) or sometimes leaving them chunky with a little texture, like these ones or my Peanut & Banana Oats.

I have added protein powder to this recipe to make it even more filling, but it’s completely optional.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rolled oats: I prefer old-fashioned for a slightly chewier texture but quick oats are also fine
Finely shredded carrots: use the smallest size
Protein powder: I use Ora protein but this is optional

Labelled ingredients for carrot cake overnight oats in bowls on a bench.

Instructions

Liz Douglas shredding a carrot in her kitchen.

Step One: Peel, then finely shred 1-2 small carrots. You’ll need about 1/2 a cup.

A large glass jar with oats, spices and shredded carrot.

Step Two: Divide the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt grated carrots, chopped dates, maple syrup and vanilla between your serving jars or containers.

Milk being poured into a large glass jar with oats and shredded carrot.

Step Three: Next, add the Greek yogurt, milk.

Mixing milk, oats and other ingredients into a jar for overnight oats.

Step Four: Stir each jar or bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

A jar of overnight oats being sealed shut with a lid.

Step Five: Seal with the lids and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours. This allows time for flavors to develop and for the oats to soften by absorbing the yogurt and milk.

Yogurt being dolloped onto a jar of overnight oats.

Step Six: In the morning, remove the jars from the refrigerator. Add an extra dollop of yogurt on top.

A jar of overnight oats topped with yogurts and nuts.

Step Seven: Finally, add the chopped pecans for a bit of crunch.

Liz Douglas eating a spoonful of overnight oats.

Step Eight: Dig in and enjoy!

Storage

Keep in the refrigerator in a sealed jar or container for 3 days.

A spoonful of overnight oats being lifted from a glass jar.

FAQ

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

I haven’t tried making this recipe with steel-cut oats before. Steel-cut oats are much harder than regular oats, and require a longer soaking time and have a chewier texture. If you prefer to use them, soak them for at least 24 hours for the best results. You may also need to add a little extra liquid to compensate. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how you went with it so please leave a comment below the recipe to give me feedback 🙂

Can I warm up the overnight oats?

Absolutely! If you prefer your oats warm, simply microwave the jar (without the lid) for 1-2 minutes before adding any cold toppings.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup with agave syrup, or your preferred sweetener.