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Warm, cozy, and ready in the morning — this Carrot Cake Overnight Oats is a make-ahead breakfast that tastes like dessert for breakfast. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with cozy spice, making busy mornings feel special without extra effort. If you love simple meal prep breakfasts, you might also enjoy these blueberry cheesecake protein bites for another grab-and-go idea.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake
- Dessert-like flavor with wholesome ingredients
- Ready the night before for effortless mornings
- Kid-friendly and great for packed lunches
- Easy to customize for dietary preferences
- Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days for meal prep
Ingredients Needed :
- Grains & dairy:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- Produce:
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- Sweeteners & mix-ins:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup raisins
- Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Toppings:
- Chopped walnuts for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, grated carrots, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir until well mixed and the oats are evenly coated.
- Add in the raisins and mix again so they’re distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into jars or airtight containers, dividing evenly.
- Refrigerate overnight (at least 6–8 hours) to let the oats soften and flavors meld.
- In the morning, stir and top with chopped walnuts before serving.
Serving Suggestions Carrot Cake
Serve chilled straight from the jar or let sit 10 minutes at room temperature if you prefer it less cold. Add extra yogurt or a splash of milk for creamier texture. For an indulgent touch, a dollop of cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of shredded coconut pairs wonderfully.
Tips for Success Carrot Cake
- Grate carrots finely so they soften and blend into the oats overnight.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats — they hold texture and soften perfectly; avoid quick oats for best results.
- Taste and adjust sweetness before refrigerating; flavors intensify overnight.
- If you want a thicker oat, reduce milk to 3/4 cup; for thinner, add a splash in the morning.
- Store in airtight jars for up to 3–4 days; stir well before serving.
variation (if any)
- Vegan: Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based milk, and swap honey for maple syrup.
- Protein boost: Stir in 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or 2 tablespoons chia seeds.
- Tropical twist: Replace raisins with chopped pineapple and add shredded coconut on top.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this without yogurt?
A: Yes. Replace the Greek yogurt with an equal amount of milk or a dairy-free yogurt. The texture will be slightly less creamy but still delicious.
Q: How long will overnight oats keep in the fridge?
A: Properly stored in airtight containers, they keep well for 3–4 days. Add crunchy toppings just before eating.
Q: Can I warm these oats?
A: You can heat them gently in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, then stir and top as desired. Heating will change the texture from the chilled overnight style.
Q: Are these oats kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely — the carrot cake flavor and natural sweetness from raisins make this a favorite with kids. Chop the walnuts finely or omit for little ones.
Conclusion
If you want another tested variation and extra tips from a trusted source, check out this helpful recipe for Carrot Cake Overnight Oats from Fit Foodie Finds.
Ingredients
Grains & Dairy
- 1 cup rolled oats Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best results.
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) For a thicker consistency, reduce milk to 3/4 cup.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt Can be replaced with dairy-free yogurt.
Produce
- 1/2 cup grated carrots Grate finely so they soften overnight.
Sweeteners & Mix-ins
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey Adjust sweetness according to preference.
- 1/4 cup raisins Can be substituted with chopped pineapple for a tropical twist.
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Toppings
- Chopped walnuts Add just before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, grated carrots, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir until well mixed and the oats are evenly coated.
- Add in the raisins and mix again so they’re distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into jars or airtight containers, dividing evenly.
- Refrigerate overnight (at least 6–8 hours) to let the oats soften and flavors meld.
Serving
- In the morning, stir and top with chopped walnuts before serving.
- Serve chilled straight from the jar or let sit 10 minutes at room temperature for a less cold option.
