Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (Printable)

Creamy oats mixed with grated carrot and warm spices, chilled overnight for a nutritious start.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium bowl or jar, mix oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well blended.
02 - Fold in grated carrot, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, chopped nuts, and raisins evenly into the oat mixture.
03 - Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours to allow the oats to soften and flavors to meld.
04 - Whisk together softened cream cheese, milk, and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth.
05 - Stir oats before serving and top with the cream cheese drizzle, extra nuts, shredded coconut, or grated carrot as preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get all the cozy carrot cake flavor without the guilt or three-hour baking session.
  • It's genuinely make-ahead magic—throw it together at night and your breakfast is done.
  • The spices smell incredible as everything melds together, and that creamy yogurt base is surprisingly satisfying.
02 -
  • Grate your carrot fresh the night before—store-bought shredded carrot releases too much water and makes everything soggy.
  • Don't skip the salt; it's small but it makes the spices sing and deepens the whole flavor profile in a way you won't expect.
03 -
  • Make a double batch in a large jar and eat from it for three mornings—it actually tastes better on day two when all the flavors have really gotten to know each other.
  • If your oats look too thick in the morning, loosen them with a splash more milk rather than making the base thinner to begin with; overnight oats are unpredictable and it's easier to adjust at serving time.
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