Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (Printable)

Wholesome blend of oats, carrots, spices, and yogurt for a nutritious make-ahead breakfast.

# Components:

→ Oats Base

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
04 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
05 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Carrot Cake Mix-Ins

06 - 3/4 cup finely grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
10 - Pinch of salt
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
12 - 2 tablespoons raisins

→ Optional Toppings

13 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
14 - 1 tablespoon milk
15 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup
16 - Additional nuts, shredded coconut, or grated carrot as desired

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl or jar, mix the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
02 - Gently fold in the grated carrot, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, chopped nuts, and raisins to evenly distribute the flavors.
03 - Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 8 hours to soften the oats and allow the flavors to meld.
04 - Whisk together softened cream cheese, milk, and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth, creating a frosting drizzle.
05 - Stir the oats before serving. Top with the cream cheese drizzle and additional nuts, shredded coconut, or grated carrot according to preference.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like you're eating carrot cake for breakfast, but it's packed with protein and fiber that keeps you satisfied all morning.
  • Zero cooking required—just stir, cover, and let the fridge do the work while you sleep.
  • Naturally customizable depending on what you have in the pantry or what you're craving that particular day.
02 -
  • Grate your carrot finely and right before assembling; coarse chunks won't soften or distribute properly, and pre-grated carrot can be watery and break down unevenly.
  • Don't skip the cream cheese topping if you want that authentic carrot cake feeling—it's the difference between a healthy breakfast bowl and something that feels like an actual treat.
  • The oats will thicken significantly overnight as they absorb liquid; stir in a splash more milk or yogurt in the morning to reach your preferred consistency.
03 -
  • Make a double batch on Sunday in mason jars with lids, and you'll have breakfast ready to grab all week—the oats taste better as they sit and the spices deepen.
  • If you forget to grate your carrot the night before, you can do it in the morning, but it won't integrate quite as beautifully; plan ahead when you can.
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