Carrot cake overnight oats are a healthy and delicious breakfast option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Rolled oats are mixed with milk, yogurt, shredded carrots, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon. Everything is mixed together and stored overnight in the fridge for the perfect breakfast recipe.
If you love overnight oats as much as we do, then you must check out our 10 Overnight Oats Flavors and Recipes Guide!
Carrot Cake Overnight Oatmeal
As the name suggests, these oats are inspired by the flavors of carrot cake, a classic dessert that’s loved by many. But unlike traditional carrot cake, which can be high in sugar and fat, these overnight oats are a healthier alternative that’s packed with fiber, protein, and simple healthy ingredients.
One of the best things about Carrot Cake Overnight Oats is that they’re incredibly easy to prepare. Simply mix all the ingredients together in a jar or container, refrigerate overnight, and enjoy the next morning.
You can also prepare a batch of these oats in advance and store them in the fridge for up to five days, making them a great option for meal prep.
There are plenty of other overnight oat healthy recipes to try, like carrot cake overnight oats, banana bread oats, decadent chocolate oats, lemon blueberry overnight oats, rich and creamy strawberry cheesecake oats, classic peanut butter overnight oats, and warming apple cinnamon oats. It comes down to personal preference and variety.
Recipe Ingredients
To make delicious carrot cake overnight oats, you will need the following ingredients. Here’s an overview with the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- ROLLED OATS – Rolled oats are the base of this recipe. They’re perfect for overnight oats because they’re gluten-free and soften up nicely in the fridge. If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use quick oats, but I personally don’t recommend them as the texture will be different.
- MILK – You can use any milk of your choice, such as dairy-free coconut milk, regular milk, oat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- YOGURT – Yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess to the oats. You can use Greek yogurt or regular yogurt, and any flavor you like. If you don’t have yogurt, you can use extra milk instead.
- GRATED CARROTS – One of the key ingredients in carrot cake is, of course, grated carrots. To get that same carrot cake flavor in your overnight oats, you’ll need to add some grated carrots to the mix. Use a fine grater to shred the carrots finely, so they blend in well with the oats.
- CHOPPED WALNUTS OR PECANS – These provide a crunchy texture and add some healthy fats to the recipe. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
- CHIA SEEDS – These add a gel-like texture to the oats and are a great source of fiber. If you don’t have chia seeds, you can use ground flaxseeds instead.
- HONEY – This is a natural sweetener that complements carrots and cinnamon. You can substitute honey or agave nectar if you prefer.
- GROUND CINNAMON – This spice adds warmth and depth to the oats. You can also use pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a different flavor.
- GINGER POWDER – A little bit o ginger makes these taste more like carrot cake oatmeal.
- RAISINS – These add a burst of sweetness and chewiness to the oats. You can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- SALT – This brings out the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
Can I Use Quick Oats or Steel Cut Oats?
Yes, you can use both in replacement of rolled oats (these are the large flake oats), however, the texture will be different. Steel cut oats will create a dense and chewy texture that isn’t a personal favorite.
Quick oats do not hold their structure as well and can produce a more mushy texture. I prefer old-fashioned rolled oats because they are in between both of these texture-wise.
Variations
One of the great things about overnight oats is how customizable they are. You can change up the flavors and ingredients to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- SHREDDED COCONUT – Sprinkle some coconut flakes into the oats before you mix, or add on top for a twist.
- NUT BUTTER – Adding a spoonful of your favorite nut butter can add a creamy, nutty flavor to your carrot cake overnight oats. Try almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter.
- SPICES – Carrot cake is usually flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. To get that same spicy flavor in your oats, add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the mixture. You can also add a dash of ground ginger if you like.
- SEEDS – Adding seeds to your overnight oats can add a crunch and boost of nutrition. Try chia seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
Cream Cheese Frosting
This is an optional topping that makes the overnight oats taste more like carrot cake. If you really want to take your carrot cake overnight oats to the next level, top them off with a dollop of cream cheese frosting.
You can make a healthier version by blending together cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a sweetener of your choice. You can make a healthier version by mixing together nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, or sprinkle some granola on top for a crunchy texture.
Drizzle it over your oats in the morning for a decadent breakfast treat.
How to Make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are so easy and simple to make. Here’s a quick overview with full details in the recipe card at the bottom of this post:
- ASSEMBLE – In a mason jar or other container with a lid, combine the rolled oats, milk, yogurt, shredded carrots, raisins, honey, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- CHILL – Cover the container and place it in the fridge overnight to let the oats soak up all the liquid.
- SERVE – In the morning, remove the jar from the refrigerator and stir in any toppings including shredded carrot, raisins, and walnuts. shredded coconut or cream cheese frosting.
How long do you soak overnight oats?
The ideal soaking time for overnight oats is around 6-8 hours. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and soften up, resulting in a creamy and delicious texture. However, you can also soak them for up to 24 hours if you prefer a more tender and pudding-like consistency. Just be sure to refrigerate them during soaking to prevent spoilage.
How To Store Oats
- REFRIGERATE – After preparing your overnight oats, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. These can last up to 4-5 days in the fridge. If you plan on meal prepping for the entire week, make sure to prepare a fresh batch every 4-5 days.
- SERVING LEFTOVERS: Simply give the creamy oats a stir before serving to redistribute any liquid that may have separated. Add any desired toppings and serve.
Tips for Success
Making carrot cake overnight oats is a breeze, but here are some tips to ensure your oats come out perfectly every time.
- TOPPINGS – If you plan on adding toppings to your overnight oats, keep them separate until you’re ready to eat. This will prevent the toppings from getting soggy and help keep your oats fresh.
- When making overnight oats, I recommend using rolled oats instead of steel-cut or instant oats. Rolled oats absorb liquid better and create a creamier texture, making them perfect for overnight oats.
- ADJUST LIQUID – The amount of liquid you use in your overnight oats can vary depending on your preference. Some people like their oats thick and creamy, while others prefer a more liquid consistency. If you like your oats thick, use less liquid. If you prefer a more liquid consistency, add more liquid.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors when making overnight oats. Try adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger, or sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also add different fruits like apples or bananas to create new and exciting flavor combinations.
Overall, Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are a healthy and tasty breakfast option that’s perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of carrot cake but wants a healthier alternative. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and packed with fiber, protein, and other nutrients that will keep you feeling full and satisfied all morning long.
Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations to find your perfect bowl of oats. And if you’re craving extra sweetness, try adding a dollop of cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.
More Easy Overnight Oats Recipes
There are so many ways to customize your overnights to create incredible flavors! Here are just a few recipes to give a try:
- Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Overnight Oats
- Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- Tiramisu Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Overnight Oats
- Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk - dairy milk or plant-based milk like almond milk
- ⅔ cup plain yogurt - plain greek yogurt works best
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup raisins
- 1 Tbsp honey - pure maple syrup, or sugar
- 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts - optional
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ginger powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a bowl combine all the ingredients: rolled oats, milk, plain yogurt, shredded carrots, raisins, honey, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, gingerp powder and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Pour the oats into a container and seal with a lid. Place in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours, but preferrably overnight to let oats absorb all the liquid.
- In the morning, take out from the fridge and give a quick stir. Add any toppings just before serving if desired. Overnight oats are eaten cold with a spoon.
Recipe Notes:
- STORE IN THE FRIDGE: Once you’ve made your oats, store them in an airtight or sealable container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and ready to eat whenever you need them. These will keep up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- SERVING LEFTOVERS: Simply give the creamy oats a stir before serving to redistribute any liquid that may have separated. Add any desired toppings and serve.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving.