Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (Print)

Creamy oats blended with carrots, warm spices, and yogurt for a make-ahead wholesome breakfast delight.

# Components:

→ 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 softened cream cheese
14 - 1 tablespoon milk
15 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup
16 - Additional nuts, shredded coconut, or grated carrot as desired

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl or jar, mix oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
02 - Fold in grated carrot, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, chopped nuts, and raisins until evenly distributed.
03 - Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and oats to soften.
04 - Whisk together softened cream cheese, milk, and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth.
05 - Stir the soaked oats and serve topped with the cream cheese drizzle, additional nuts, shredded coconut, or grated carrot as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get that indulgent carrot cake flavor without the guilt or early morning baking frenzy.
  • Everything comes together in 10 minutes, then does the work for you while you sleep.
  • It's the kind of breakfast that keeps you full and satisfied, no mid-morning slump.
02 -
  • Grate your carrot fine and don't skip the salt—it's what actually makes this taste like carrot cake rather than just oats with carrot in them.
  • If your oats are too thick in the morning, stir in more milk a little at a time, because overnight oats absorb liquid as they sit and you want them creamy, not dense.
03 -
  • Toast your walnuts lightly in a dry pan before adding them—it takes two minutes and makes them taste richer and more assertive in the final dish.
  • Use a microplane grater for your carrot so it's fine and delicate rather than chunky, which means it distributes better and softens more completely overnight.
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