Whenever spring rolls around, I automatically crave all the carrot cake-flavored foods. And these carrot cake overnight oats are a fabulous way to satisfy that craving!
They’re packed with warm spices, texture (hello crunchy walnuts!), and are so easy to make. With just enough sweetness and plenty of staying power, they’re the perfect make ahead breakfast!
They are also dairy free and gluten free (as long as you use certified gluten free oats).
Dairy Free Overnight Carrot Cake Oatmeal with Coconut
There’s so much goodness packed into every bite of this carrot cake oatmeal: shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, delicious spices, and creamy coconut milk. (You can use almond milk if you prefer.)
Ground flaxseed adds a boost of nutrients and maple syrup adds just the perfect touch of sweetness.
All you have to do is throw everything together in an airtight container the night before, then let it sit and soften in the refrigerator overnight.
In the morning, you’ve got a batch of tasty oats ready and waiting. It’s that easy!
I especially love overnight oats as the weather warms up – nice to have a way to enjoy oatmeal without it being hot, and I love that you make them ahead of time – every little bit of prep helps with our hectic mornings.
(Related: you might also love these Whole Wheat Carrot Cake Muffins!
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these coconut milk overnight oats:
- grated carrots (obviously! buy them pre-grated to save time)
- old-fashioned rolled oats (Be sure to use gluten-free certified oats if needed.)
- ground flaxseed (This adds a nutritional boost while also thickening up the oatmeal a bit.)
- spices (Ground cinnamon and ground ginger really bring out that carrot cake flavor here.)
- pure maple syrup (or honey)
- shredded coconut (Use unsweetened if you can, since the maple syrup adds plenty of sweetness.)
- chopped walnuts (Adds crunch, healthy fat, and more flavor, since walnuts are delicious in carrot cake!)
- crushed pineapple (If using canned, get the kind that says ‘in 100% juice’, instead of a sweetened syrup.)
- coconut milk (Or milk of your choice. If it’s a sweetened vs. unsweetened milk, you may want to leave out the maple syrup so it’s not super sweet overall.)
For another tasty oatmeal recipe, try this stovetop apple cinnamon oatmeal! And if you have extra carrots left over, try these other delicious and nourishing carrot recipes.
The Best Oats to Use for Overnight Oats
I recommend using old fashioned rolled oats for overnight oats.
I don’t recommend quick oats or steel cut oats when making overnight oats; the quick oats will get a bit too mushy and the steel cut oats won’t soak up the milk well enough.
How to Make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
This recipe could not be simpler! Just combine everything in a large bowl (or two jars) and mix together.
Then, place in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight), so the oats can absorb the liquid and soften. (And so all the flavors can mingle!)
In the morning, top with extra chopped walnuts and shredded coconut (if desired), and dig in!
Overnight Oats Toppings & Recipe Variations
If you want to switch things up a bit with these oats, you can add:
- 2-3 tablespoons of greek yogurt (for a tangier, cheesecake-like flavor and added protein)
- a splash of orange juice (instead of pineapple, for a more citrusy flavor)
- raisins
- chopped pecans (in addition to – or instead of – the walnuts)
- a shake of ground nutmeg (for a deeper spiced flavor)
- 1-2 teaspoons of chia seeds (This gives your oats more of a pudding consistency, and adds more nutrients. You may want to add an additional splash of coconut milk if you want your oats to be less thick, as the chia seeds will absorb some of the liquid.)
For more overnight oatmeal flavor variations, check out my overnight oats (6 ways) post!
This is everything I’ve ever wanted in a bowl of oats – especially in the springtime! Gotta love a breakfast that doesn’t require a single bit of cooking. 🙂
I hope you love these as much as I do!
Looking for more tasty oatmeal recipes? Check these out:
- Mango Overnight Oats with Coconut
- Chocolate Strawberry Overnight Oats
- Almond Milk Overnight Oats with Berries
- Cherry Chocolate Overnight Oats
- Healthy Banana Baked Oatmeal
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk
This carrot cake oatmeal is a springtime twist on overnight oats, dressed up with shredded carrots, pineapple, coconut, walnuts, cinnamon, and ginger. This easy make ahead breakfast tastes just like a not-too-sweet carrot cake!
Ingredients:
- 1 small-medium carrot (about 1/2 cup finely grated)
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste
- 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple in 100% juice
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk or other unsweetened milk
Instructions:
- Peel and finely grate carrot.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine, then divide the mixture into two jars or bowls.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 3-4 hours or overnight, until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Top with extra walnuts and shredded coconut if desired.
Notes:
See the blog post for topping ideas, ways to switch out the ingredients, etc.
