There are few breakfasts as delightful and nourishing as this Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe. Imagine all the cozy flavors of your favorite spiced carrot cake transformed into a creamy, wholesome jar that’s ready to grab in the morning—no oven required! This dish layers sweet carrots, chewy oats, crunchy nuts, and a kiss of cinnamon, offering a breakfast that’s both satisfying and full of feel-good nutrition. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or just indulging a craving for carrot cake without any fuss, this recipe brings joy and energy to start your day.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe is just how easy it is to pull together everyday ingredients and let them work their wonders overnight. Each one plays a special role—texture, flavor, color, or nutrition—to bring you a breakfast that tastes indulgent but is secretly nourishing.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of this recipe, rolled oats soak up flavor and offer a creamy, chewy texture.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy): The liquid base that keeps everything smooth and makes it easy to customize for different diets.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds extra creaminess plus a little boost of protein.
Finely grated carrot: The signature veggie bringing natural sweetness and a pop of color, just like carrot cake.
Maple syrup or honey: Provides gentle sweetness and lends that classic bakery aroma.
Chopped walnuts or pecans: For crunch and a nutty note that perfectly complements the spice.
Raisins: Chewy bites of sweetness tucked throughout, just like the best carrot cake.
Vanilla extract: Brings everything together with its warm, cozy flavor.
Ground cinnamon: No carrot cake is complete without cinnamon’s comforting warmth.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch elevates the oats with rich, spiced notes.
Salt: A tiny bit sharpens all the flavors and keeps the oats from tasting flat.

How to Make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients

Grab a mason jar or your favorite airtight container. Add the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, grated carrot, maple syrup (or honey), nuts, raisins, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and that pinch of salt. Everything goes in at once, which keeps things ultra-simple. The mixture might seem thick at first, but the oats will absorb the liquid overnight.

Step 2: Stir Until Well Mixed

Use a spoon to thoroughly stir and gel all the ingredients together, making sure the carrot and raisins are evenly scattered through the oats. This helps every bite taste like true carrot cake, with no pockets of dryness or flavor imbalance.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

Seal up your jar or container tightly and slide it into the refrigerator. Let the Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best—this gives the oats time to soften and all the delicious flavors to meld. The wait is truly worth it!

Step 4: Stir and Serve

In the morning, give your oats a quick stir to wake up the texture and flavors. If you love extra toppings, now’s the time! Spoon into a bowl or eat straight from the jar, cold or gently warmed in the microwave if you prefer your oats cozy.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe

Garnishes

Amp up the carrot cake vibe by sprinkling extra chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch. A little grated carrot or a dusting of cinnamon makes it feel extra special, and a swirl of Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream can mimic classic cream cheese frosting. For a finishing touch, try a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a tiny drizzle of maple syrup.

Side Dishes

Pair your Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe with a hot cup of coffee or an herbal tea in the morning. If you want a more robust breakfast, serve with a fresh fruit salad or sliced oranges on the side. For a protein boost, a hard-boiled egg or a smoothie rounds out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

These oats look downright gorgeous in glass jars—layer them up and top with colorful garnishes for a brunch-worthy centerpiece. For something fun, portion the oats into tiny glasses or jars for a breakfast buffet, or pack them up in individual meal-prep containers for a grab-and-go treat throughout the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe chilled in the refrigerator, tightly covered. They stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them an ideal breakfast meal-prep option. Just make sure to give them a stir before serving each time.

Freezing

While overnight oats generally freeze well, the creamy and slightly crunchy texture of this particular recipe is best enjoyed fresh. If you do want to freeze, use freezer-safe containers and leave a little space for expansion; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.

Reheating

These oats are delicious cold, but if you prefer a warm breakfast, simply microwave your serving in 15-20 second bursts, stirring after each round until it’s just the right temperature. Add an extra splash of milk if you like your oats a little looser, and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make this Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap in unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk) and your favorite dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version. Maple syrup makes a perfect vegan sweetener, too.

Can I add protein powder or chia seeds?

Definitely! Stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder, or add a couple of teaspoons of chia seeds for a filling, nutrient-rich boost. You might want to add a bit more milk to keep the texture creamy.

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

Instant oats can work in a pinch, but they’ll get much softer and might not hold up as well overnight. For the best chewy texture, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats in your Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe.

How can I make this nut-free?

Just leave out the walnuts or pecans and replace them with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts, keeping the oats allergy-friendly for everyone.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes, the Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe is perfect for meal prep! Increase the ingredient quantities accordingly and portion into separate containers for quick, delicious breakfasts all week.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about waking up to a breakfast that tastes like dessert and fuels your morning, too! If you’ve never tried this Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe, treat yourself and see how wonderful a make-ahead breakfast can be. Trust me—it might just become your new morning favorite.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of a classic carrot cake with these delicious and nutritious Carrot Cake Overnight Oats. Perfect for a quick and easy breakfast that tastes like dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup finely grated carrot
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans
1 tablespoon raisins
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of salt

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Instructions

In a mason jar or airtight container, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, grated carrot, maple syrup, nuts, raisins, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Stir well to fully combine all ingredients.

Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
In the morning, stir the oats again and top with additional nuts, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Enjoy cold or warm it briefly in the microwave.