Don’t throw away your dried-out carrots, reduce food waste and give them new life in this Protein-Packed Carrot Cake Overnight Oats.
Protein-Packed Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Food waste is a huge problem in America! According to FeedingAmerica.com, approximately HALF of the food grown, processed and transported in our country goes to waste. That’s staggering and incredibly sad given how many of our citizens are food insecure. In honor of Earth Day on April 22nd, this month’s Recipe Redux challenge is to help reduce food waste by creating a recipe using up what we would normally toss. Enter my Protein-Packed Carrot Cake Overnight Oats.
I searched through my crisper drawer to find some sorry, dry looking baby carrots. Though totally unfit for a veggie platter, these babies can be given new life by grinding them in a mini food processor. Seriously, how many of you regularly toss less than perfect baby carrots? Anyone who follows my blog knows my breakfast recipes are always packed with protein (usually at least 20 grams). These gluten free, Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are filled with 24 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber and 35% of your daily value of calcium. The best part is that they are made in the evening and all you need in the morning is a spoon. For my vegan friends, this recipe is easily adjustable- simply omit the yogurt, double the almond milk and use 3 Tablespoons of plant-based protein powder.
Reduce food waste and give carrots new life in this Protein-Packed Carrot Cake Overnight Oats. http://wp.me/p4LsrV-Kx Share on X
Protein-Packed Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla whey protein powder
- ½-1 packet stevia or preferred sweetener
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground Allspice
- 1/4 cup packed grated carrots (1 ½ ounces)
- 1 Tablespoon raisins
- 1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/3 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 Tablespoon 6 grams walnuts, toasted and chopped
- Optional: ½-1 teaspoon sugar free or pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except walnuts to a Mason jar or container with a lid and stir.
- Top with walnuts, garnish with additional carrots and raisins if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Nutrition
Protein-Packed Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Label
I can’t wait to see what all of my fellow Recipe Reduxers create to help reduce food waste! Click the image below to see their delicious recipes and share your best tips to reduce food waste in the comments below.
I could be totally OK living on overnight oats, and this carrot cake combo is one of my favorites!
Thanks, Anne!!
So true about the baby carrots! I almost never finish them before they get all slimy. Such a good use for them and who could resist something that tastes like carrot cake for breakfast!
Thanks, Mona!
This would get me out of bed in the morning if I knew I had this waiting for me in the refrigerator. I’ll be trying this soon!
Thanks! Let me know if you make it!
I don’t see any cooking instructions, although above the ingredients listed it says “Cook Time: 4 minutes”.
Is this stove top, microwave or oven? I’m a bit confused… Please clarify. I would like to try the recipe soon. Thank you!
Hi, thanks for pointing that out. It was an error in the program. There is no cooking necessary. Just put everything in the jar and let it sit overnight. 🙂