🥣 Sugar-Free Apple & Carrot Overnight Oats
📝 Description
A naturally sweet, fiber-rich breakfast inspired by carrot cake and apple pie — without the added sugar! These Sugar-Free Apple & Carrot Overnight Oats combine hearty oats, fresh apple, shredded carrot, warming cinnamon, and creamy almond milk. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast that’s ready to grab and go in the morning. Sweetened gently with optional raisins or dates and packed with nutrition.
🍏 Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 medium apple, grated (with peel)
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for added texture and fiber)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1–2 tsp raisins or chopped dates for natural sweetness
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Grate the apple and carrot using a fine grater. Leave the apple peel on for extra fiber.
- Mix Everything Together:
- In a jar or bowl, combine oats, apple, carrot, cinnamon, chia seeds (if using), almond milk, vanilla, and raisins or dates (if using).
- Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate Overnight:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the oats soften and flavors meld.
- Serve:
- Enjoy cold, or warm slightly in the microwave. Add a splash more milk if needed before serving.
🍽️ Servings
Makes 1 serving. Easily doubled or tripled for meal prep.
🧠 Notes & Tips
- Texture preference: For thicker oats, reduce milk slightly or add extra chia seeds. For creamier oats, add more milk before serving.
- Apple type: Use a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala if you’re skipping the raisins/dates.
- Make it nut-free: Use oat milk, rice milk, or dairy milk if nut allergies are a concern.
- Add protein: Stir in Greek yogurt, protein powder, or a spoonful of nut butter.
- Top it off: Add a few chopped walnuts, coconut flakes, or pumpkin seeds in the morning for crunch.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving with almond milk, without raisins/dates):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 5g (natural from apple & carrot)
- Sodium: ~60mg
(Add ~20–30 kcal if you include raisins/dates)
🌿 Health Benefits
- Naturally sugar-free: No added sugars — just natural sweetness from fruits.
- High in fiber: Great for digestion and satiety from oats, apple peel, and chia.
- Rich in beta-carotene: From carrots — supports eye and skin health.
- Good for heart health: Oats and chia seeds may help lower cholesterol.
- Prebiotic-rich: Apple peel and oats support gut health.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this for multiple days?
A: Yes! Make a batch for up to 3 days. Store each portion in a sealed jar or container in the fridge.
Q: Can I eat this warm?
A: Absolutely. Microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm on the stovetop.
Q: Is this diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes, especially if you skip or limit the raisins/dates. Stick to low-GI fruits like green apples if needed.
Q: Can I use steel-cut oats?
A: No — rolled oats are best. Steel-cut oats don’t soften enough overnight.
Q: How do I make it higher in protein?
A: Add 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder, or stir in nut butter.