The secret to eating carrot cake for breakfast guilt-free!
For my April birthday this year, I requested a carrot cake and Publix did NOT disappoint. I finally understand the hype over Publix Bakery- I could eat their cake every day.
In fact, I did eat it for 3 days straight until it was gone (bittersweet). After day one, I kept it in the freezer and discovered a cold cake is a superior cake.
However, eating cold (or warm) dessert 7 days per week doesn’t support a healthy diet.
But one meal I do get down on daily? Overnight oats, baby!
Need 1:1 accountability for your healthy eating & weight loss goals?
Apply to our virtual Daily Accountability Program (DAP) today!
To say I love oatmeal would be a vast understatement. Simply knowing I have a jar prepped & waiting for me in my fridge motivates me to get out of bed in the morning. I like it sweet or savory, with fruit or nuts, chilled or hot. My old roommate even used to make fun of me because cinnamon apple oatmeal was my late-night snack of choice. Weird, I know, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
I decided to recreate my carrot cake as a healthy, overnight oat version packed with protein and fiber and let me say- it did not disappoint.
It took on a thick, cake-like texture with that perfect sweet:spice ratio. Delicious!
This past weekend, I batched prepped 2 servings to eat as fuel for Saturday’s 7 mile trail hike (two words: flat & muddy) and Sunday’s 5 mile run. These carrot cake overnight oats would also make for a great post-workout meal.
If you make this recipe, be sure to share a photo and tag us on Instagram @nutrition.awareness.
High Protein, Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup dry, rolled oats
2 cups cooked and cooled cauliflower rice
1 bottle (11 ounces) of Orgain Grass Fed Clean Protein Shake in Vanilla (can sub in a vegan shake)
½ cup Greek yogurt, 2% or full fat (plain or low-sugar vanilla)
¼ cup shredded carrots
1 tbsp chopped walnuts
1 tbsp raisins
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients. The consistency should be wet and easily stirrable but not soupy.
- Split into two servings and place in airtight containers or mason jars.
- Chill overnight.
- Top with additional walnuts or scoop of Greek Yogurt!
Tips & Swaps:
You can use less of the Orgain Protein Shake depending on desired consistency or swap it for 2 scoops Orgain Plant Based Vanilla Protein Powder If you use a powder, you’ll need to add in 1 ½ -2 cups of your milk of choice.
Feel free to omit the riced cauliflower if it’s not your thing. I like it because it adds more fiber and volume to my meals. I don’t taste a difference though the texture is a bit denser.
Don’t use quick oats. They won’t absorb the liquid the same way. I haven’t tried steel cut oats before, but I imagine they’d be chewier.
I think the day 2 oats tasted better because the oats had an additional day to soak up the flavor.
If you can’t get enough carrot cake in your life, check out Megan’s Carrot Cake Power Smoothie!
Check out more overnight oat recipes like Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats & Chocolate Cherry Overnight Oats.
Kait Richardson is a registered dietitian nutritionist in Orlando, FL. She is a partner at a private practice, Nutrition Awareness, where she helps frustrated yo-yo dieters reach their health goals using 1:1 nutrition coaching. She is the co-host of the Nutrition Awareness Podcast.