Protein Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with Greek Yogurt
These protein carrot cake overnight oats with Greek yogurt deliver incredible flavor with minimal prep for hectic mornings. The perfect balance of fresh carrots, warming spices, and tangy Greek yogurt “frosting” creates a filling breakfast that actually tastes like carrot cake while providing serious nutrition from protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
These protein carrot cake overnight oats with Greek yogurt are your solution to hectic mornings when you need a filling breakfast but don’t have time to cook. Mornings are crazy enough without having to choose between nutrition and flavor, right? That’s why I love this recipe – it combines the nostalgic taste of carrot cake with protein-packed ingredients that keep you satisfied until lunch.
What makes these overnight oats special is the perfect balance of fresh carrots, warming spices, and that tangy Greek yogurt “frosting” on top. Unlike many protein-heavy breakfasts that taste like chalk, these oats are genuinely delicious while delivering serious nutrition. Plus, you can make several jars ahead on Sunday for grab-and-go breakfasts all week long!
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Protein Overnight Oats Recipe
- Perfect for busy mornings: Prepare these make ahead carrot cake oatmeal jars the night before for a grab-and-go breakfast that’s ready when you are.
- Naturally nutritious: Packed with fiber rich breakfast ingredients like oats, chia seeds, and fresh carrots that support gut health and digestion.
- High protein content: Each serving delivers an impressive protein punch from Greek yogurt and protein powder, making these protein oats for muscle gain and recovery.
- Tastes like dessert: These overnight oats that taste like carrot cake will satisfy your sweet tooth while still being a wholesome, gut-friendly oats recipe.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make carrot cake greek yogurt overnight oats:
Old-Fashioned Oats: These create the hearty base that absorbs the liquid overnight for perfect texture. You can substitute with quick oats (though texture will be softer) or certified gluten-free oats for a gluten free carrot cake oatmeal.
Carton Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor that complements the carrot cake profile. Almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free alternative works great, too.
Fresh Carrots: Pre-shredded carrots work in a pinch, but freshly grated carrots have the best flavor and moisture. Baby carrots are a little naturally sweeter than regular carrots.
Vanilla Protein Powder: You can use any powder you like or omit it and replace it with an extra tablespoon of oats. This is my favorite organic vanilla protein powder that tastes great and is reasonably priced!
Maple Syrup: Provides just enough natural sweetness without refined sugar. Honey, date syrup, or agave nectar are great alternatives.
Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses add omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a pudding-like texture. Ground flaxseed will provide similar benefits and help thicken it.
Cashew Butter: Creates richness and provides healthy fats that make these oats with cashew butter extra satisfying. Any nut or seed butter like almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter will work.
Warming Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg create that authentic carrot cake flavor profile. Pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice can be substituted for a similar effect.
Greek Yogurt: Creates a tangy, protein-rich “frosting” topping. Plant-based yogurt can be used for a dairy-free version.
Optional Toppings: Raisins, shredded coconut, and pecans add traditional carrot cake elements. Walnuts, dried cranberries, or pumpkin seeds make excellent alternatives.
Easily Adapt This Recipe for Any Diet
This recipe is naturally easy to tweak! Follow these simple swaps to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan while keeping the same great texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats – just double-check your protein powder doesn’t contain hidden gluten.
Dairy-Free: Swap the Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt alternative, and ensure your protein powder is dairy-free.
Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt, a vegan protein powder, and substitute maple syrup for honey if used.
š” Pro Tip: If you try a substitution, let us know how it worked in the comments!
How to Make My Easy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions that are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Prepare Base Mixture
Using a cheese grater, finely grate 2 baby carrots and add to a small airtight container with 1/2 cup carton coconut milk, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and 1 tablespoon cashew butter, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, a dash of nutmeg, and 2 pinches of salt. Mix thoroughly with a fork, making sure to break up any clumps. Then add the 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats.
Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight
Secure the lid on your container and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, though overnight (6-8 hours) yields the best texture and flavor for these high protein overnight oats.
Step 3: Add Toppings and Serve
When ready to eat, mix 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup until smooth. Top your carrot cake oatmeal with this Greek yogurt “frosting” and sprinkle with optional toppings like toasted coconut flakes, chopped pecans, and raisins for the full carrot cake experience.
Expert Recipe Tips
Don’t skip the salt: Just a couple of pinches enhances the sweetness and spice flavors without making the oats taste salty.
Batch Prep: You many want to stir in a little extra milk once theyāve been refrigerated for a few days.
Serve Warm or cold: Enjoy them warm or cold.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Double protein boost: I like to mix an extra tablespoon of protein powder into the Greek yogurt topping. You’ll love it because it increases the overall protein content to over 30g per serving, making this ideal for athletes.
- Warm carrot cake variation: For a cozy twist, microwave these oats with Greek yogurt and protein powder for 45-60 seconds for a warm carrot cake oatmeal experience on chilly mornings.
- Mini carrot cake jars: Divide the mixture into two smaller containers for portion control. This creates a perfect protein-rich snack option that satisfies sweet cravings.
- Fresh fruit addition: Top with sliced banana or berries for extra nutrients and natural sweetness. The fruity addition complements the spiced carrot cake flavors beautifully.
Do you love oats for breakfast? Check out more of my easy and nutritious overnight oats recipes:
- Protein Snickers Overnight Oats with Cottage Cheese
- Applesauce Overnight Oats Easy Apple Pie Oatmeal
- Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats Honey Greek Yogurt
- Most Flavorful Easy Gluten Free Overnight Oats Recipe
- Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
And if you love carrot cake flavor, youāll love these carrot cake inspired recipes:
- Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
- Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Muffins and Cream Cheese Glaze
- Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Mug Cake with Frosting
- Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Protein Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened carton coconut milk
- 2 baby carrots
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon cashew butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- dash nutmeg
- 2 pinches salt
Optional Greek Yogurt:
- 2 tablespoons plain greek yogurt
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
Optional Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon pecans
Instructions
- Using a cheese grater, finely grate 2 baby carrots and add to a small airtight container with 1/2 cup carton coconut milk, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, and 1 tablespoon cashew butter, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, a dash of nutmeg, and 2 pinches of salt. Mix thoroughly with a fork, making sure to break up any clumps. Then add the 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats.
- Secure the lid on your container and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, though overnight (6-8 hours) yields the best texture and flavor for these high protein overnight oats.
- When ready to eat, mix 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup until smooth. Top your carrot cake oatmeal with this Greek yogurt "frosting" and sprinkle with optional toppings like toasted coconut flakes, chopped pecans, and raisins for the full carrot cake experience.
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Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
had these breakfast the other morning and they taste amazing!
Thank you for the review, Sam!
umm….hello, yummy!!! Tasted just like carrot cake!