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Carrot cake overnight oats are so creamy and taste like a breakfast treat! They’re packed with whole grains, fiber and protein to keep you full, while shredded carrots, raisins, cinnamon, and allspice give them that delicious carrot cake flavor. They take 10 minutes to prep and keep for up to 4 days.
I love carrot cake and pretty much anything carrot cake inspired. My carrot cake muffins and oatmeal carrot cake bread are a testament to that. What’s not to love about turn a classic dessert into a healthy breakfast treat!
I already have recipes for carrot cake oatmeal and carrot cake baked oatmeal, so of course I had to make carrot cake overnight oats! I like to make my overnight oats with a combination of Greek yogurt and milk so they get extra thick and creamy. Chia seeds are a must for more fiber, and if I want added protein, a scoop of protein powder does the trick.
These overnight oats get that unmistakable carrot cake flavor from finely shredded carrots, cinnamon, and allspice. They’re sweetened with maple syrup, and I love how the raisins soften and get extra chewy as they soak in the oat mixture. It’s an easy meal prep breakfast or snack that feels a little indulgent, but is made with all wholesome ingredients.
Ingredient Notes
Oats – Old fashioned rolled oats work best for this recipe. They have a soft chewy texture after setting up overnight unlike quick oats which will have a mushier consistency similar to porridge.
Cinnamon and allspice – The warm, earthy spices that are traditionally used when making carrot cake. Allspice may be substituted with nutmeg if you prefer.
Chia seeds – Chia seeds are a great source of fiber and contain protein as well. They also help to thicken the overnight oats.
Milk – Dairy or non-dairy milk can be used. I like to make them with unsweetened vanilla almond milk or 2% milk.
Greek yogurt – Greek yogurt is my trick for making overnight oats extra creamy and increasing the amount of protein in them. You can use any fat content of yogurt. I find that low-fat or whole milk Greek yogurt will give the oats the creamiest consistency and richest flavor. You can also use vanilla Greek yogurt, but may want to cut back on the amount of maple syrup the recipe calls for.
Maple syrup – The natural sweetener for the overnight oats. I found that the maple flavor worked better than honey with the carrot cake flavors. Be sure to use pure maple syrup.
Vanilla – A little vanilla brings out all the flavors and adds a hint of sweetness.
Carrots and raisins – For the carrots, use a finer grate so you don’t have big pieces of carrot in every bite. Regular raisins or golden raisins can be used and if you don’t like raisins, substitute them with an equal amount of dried cranberries.
Protein powder – A scoop (1/3 cup) of vanilla protein powder is an easy way to significantly increase the protein in overnight oats. To avoid having it clump, I like to whisk it in with the Greek yogurt. Ascent protein powder is my favorite brand.
Tips and Variations for Making Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
- Gluten-free tip. Keep in mind that not all oats are inherently gluten-free. Be sure the package says certified gluten-free.
- Make them vegan. Use a thick vegan yogurt and dairy-free milk to make vegan carrot cake overnight oats.
- Quick oats vs. old fashioned oats. The consistency won’t be the same. Quick oats will result in a much softer, mushier, porridge-like consistency. Old fashioned oats will have a chewy texture. You also won’t need as much milk if using quick oats.
- Adjust the sweetness. I recommend using 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and then tasting them. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup if you like sweeter overnight oats. If you are using sweetened protein powder cut back to 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or omit it.
- Topping ideas. I love adding toppings to overnight oats. For this carrot cake version toppings such as chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins, shredded coconut, or almond butter would all be delicious.
FAQs
How long do carrot cake overnight oats keep?
Store overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to store them in glass jars with reusable lids. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
How long does it take for overnight oats to be ready?
Overnight oats will be ready to eat after 4-5 hours in the fridge. However, they will have a creamier consistency and the oats will have a softer and chewier texture after 8 hours in the fridge or overnight.
More Oatmeal Recipes I Love
- Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Strawberry Vanilla Baked Oatmeal
- Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Coffee Overnight Oats
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated carrots
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (see note)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons raisins
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, protein powder (if using), milk, carrots, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- In a separate mixing bowl stir together the oats, salt, cinnamon, allspice, chia seeds, and raisins.
- Pour the wet ingredients in with the oats and stir together until combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly into two jars and cover. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight. Serve topped chopped walnut and raisins if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make these Carrot Cake Overnight Oats, please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you and do my best to respond to your comments. And if you’re on Instagram tag @reciperunner so I can see your beautiful creations!
