Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (Printable)

A creamy, wholesome breakfast inspired by classic carrot cake featuring tender oats, fresh carrots, and warm spices—all ready straight from the fridge.

# What You'll Need:

→ Oats Base

01 - 1 cup rolled oats
02 - 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
04 - 2 tbsp chia seeds
05 - 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey

→ Mix-ins

06 - 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
07 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
08 - 1/4 cup raisins
09 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 tsp ground ginger
11 - 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
12 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Toppings

13 - 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
14 - 2 tsp maple syrup
15 - Additional nuts, carrots, or coconut flakes

# How To Make It:

01 - In a medium bowl or large jar, combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup. Stir well until fully incorporated.
02 - Add grated carrot, walnuts or pecans, raisins, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until thoroughly combined and evenly distributed.
03 - Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6-8 hours) to allow the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and develop flavors.
04 - Before serving, prepare the optional frosting by combining softened cream cheese and maple syrup in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
05 - Stir the oats in the morning. Divide between two bowls or jars. Top with cream cheese mixture, extra nuts, grated carrot, or coconut flakes as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Tastes like dessert for breakfast but keeps you full for hours thanks to fiber and protein
  • The overnight soak transforms the oats into something creamy and dreamy, no cooking required
02 -
  • Grate the carrots finely rather than coarsely—big shreds can feel oddly crunchy in cold oats
  • The cream cheese frosting is completely optional, but it transforms this from "nice breakfast" to "actually better than cake"
03 -
  • Use a box grater rather than a food processor for better texture control
  • Toast your nuts in a dry pan for 3 minutes before adding—they'll stay crunchier longer

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