Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (Printable Format)
A wholesome make-ahead breakfast combining oats, grated carrot, warm spices, and nuts for a creamy, cake-inspired morning meal.
# What You 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 tablespoons chia seeds
05 - 2 tablespoons 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
11 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - Pinch of salt
→ Optional Toppings
13 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
14 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup
15 - Additional nuts, carrots, or coconut flakes
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl or large jar, combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup. Stir until well incorporated and evenly distributed.
02 - Add grated carrot, walnuts or pecans, raisins, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until thoroughly combined and spices are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
03 - Cover the container and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours, to allow the oats and chia seeds to fully absorb the liquid and develop deep flavors.
04 - Before serving, create the optional frosting by combining softened cream cheese and maple syrup in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy.
05 - Stir the refrigerated oats well in the morning to redistribute settled ingredients. Divide evenly between two bowls or jars. Top with cream cheese mixture, extra nuts, grated carrot, or coconut flakes as desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Like eating dessert for breakfast without any of the guilt
- Mornings become infinitely easier when breakfast is already waiting
02 -
- Grating the carrot too coarsely leaves you with crunchy strings instead of that seamless texture you want
- The cream cheese frosting is absolutely optional but completely transforms this from healthy breakfast to special occasion treat
03 -
- Use a wide-mouth mason jar for easier mixing and less mess
- Let the cream cheese frosting come to room temperature before whisking for the silkiest texture