Isn’t ‘carrot cake’ such a funny concept? A vegetable…made into a dessert! Sounds kind of weird, but we all know…. IT’S SO DARN YUMMY!
I don’t really think it’s the carrots that make it so yummy – more so the fluffy flour, sweet sugar, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, aromatic spices, and dreamy cream cheese topping…the carrots are just kind of there, and it WORKS!
This overnight oats recipe, embodies the flavors of carrot cake, but sans the flour, sugar, cream cheese, and instead the spices, shredded carrots, and coconut come together with healthy oats, flaxseed, and stevia (or pure maple syrup!).
Overnight oats are such a great concept! I really got into the idea a while back when I made my Fruit-Filled, Protein-Packed Quinoa Overnight Oats.
I just love the idea of mixing a bunch of delicious and healthy ingredients the night before and in the morning, just heat, and eat!
Talk about quick – perfect for those non-morning people who wake up late and don’t have the time to grab a bite before heading out the door!
I was so happy how this version of overnight oats turned out! I wasn’t sure it would be sweet enough, but it definitely was, and the flaxseed combined with the oats and almond milk made the mixture thick and ‘creamy’!
It felt like an indulgent dessert-like breakfast.
I’m totally into a little sweetness for breakfast so I was sold after the first bite! But for those of you who like the savory side of things, don’t write this recipe off just yet – the aromatic spices and the carrots still lend a little savory to the mix, so you might just love this too!
Mmmm… carrot cake for breakfast…. ok, maybe not exactly, but close enough for me!
Oh, and the biggest perk… this bowl of carrot cake oats has 9g of fiber!! Hello happy digestive system!
What is your favorite version of overnight oats??
Check out this article on BuzzFeed which inspired me to make overnight oats again, and led me to a carrot cake muffin oats recipe by the talented Angela from Oh She Glows, which then inspired me to make THIS recipe!
- ⅓ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1-2 packets stevia (or 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, depending on sweetness preferred)
- ¼ cup raw shredded carrot
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh pineapple
- 1 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut (plus a little extra for garnishing)
- 1 tablespoon raisins (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- In a bowl combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.
- In the morning, stir the mixture, and add in 1-2 tablespoons of almond milk or water.
- Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop. (OR enjoy cold!)
- Garnish with shredded coconut, raisins, nuts, a dash of cinnamon, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup!
- Enjoy!
*Recipe inspired by Oh She Glows
Christal
Nutritionist in the Kitch
I made this last night for this morning’s breakfast. Yummy!!! Only thing missing was a cream cheese frosting
Ok, I definitely need to try this! What a great idea!
Thanks! Enjoy!
This looks amazing!!!
Oh, it is!! 🙂
Just having this for breakfast right now! I can hardly put the spoon down long enough to type, but I just had to stop by and say YUM! It IS like having dessert for breakfast! Thanks, Christal!
I’m wondering if there is a way to turn these same ingredients into an afternoon powerbar/cookie . . . 😉
So glad you enjoyed it Deb, and YES that is an awesome IDEA! I’m sure this can be morphed into a bar somehow! You’ve got me thinking now!!
Mmm, yes, I’d love to do this in a baked form! 🙂
I’m such a huge overnight oats fan. I’m always doing free PR for the recipe, haha. I’ve got all my friends hooked. I also LOVE carrot cake. This just needs a drizzle of cream cheese icing on top…although, that might make it a little too sinful for breakfast!
Lol! Nah, I think just a drizzle would be just fine! 😉
Will steel cut oats work for this?
Thanks. Sounds good.
Hmm… they should, but it may be a bit ‘heartier’ of an oatmeal! 🙂 Or you might just need to use a little extra liquid!