5.0 from 1 vote

This is how to make carrot cake overnight oats. This easy breakfast combines rolled oats, shredded carrots, warm cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup for a flavor inspired by classic carrot cake. Everything comes together in one jar and chills in the refrigerator while you sleep. The oats soften overnight, creating a creamy texture that is ready to enjoy in the morning. It is a simple make ahead meal packed with wholesome ingredients and comforting flavor.

Busy mornings feel a little easier when breakfast is already waiting for you. If you love finding simple ways to save time, this recipe fits right into your week. The combination of sweet carrots, spices, and hearty oats brings delicious flavors to your table in a fresh way. It is a great recipe when you want something filling that still feels light and satisfying. This simple recipe turns everyday ingredients into a breakfast you will look forward to waking up to.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Why you will love this recipe

This carrot cake overnight oats recipe is made for a 12oz wide mouth mason jar or weck jar. If you need to make larger quantities, you can easily double, triple, or quadruple the recipe in a spacious mixing bowl and then distribute the delicious oats into individual jars.

Ingredients For This Recipe

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup grated carrots
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp real vanilla
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tbsp cream cheese
1/4 cup raisins

How To Make This Recipe

1. In a jar, combine the rolled oats, grated carrots, chia seeds, maple syrup, allspice and vanilla. Then pour the milk into the jar and add in the cream cheese and raisins into the oat mixture.

2. Gently press down the mixture to start to get all of the ingredients covered with the milk.

3. Give it a stir to combine all the ingredients well making sure there are no dry pockets of ingredients and that the cream cheese is well incorporated.

4. Let the carrot cake overnight oats sit for at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. In the morning, top with homemade cream cheese frosting. To make a single batch, just take 3 tbsp of cream cheese, 1/2 tsp butter and 2 tsp of maple syrup and stir them together until completely incorporated. Add more carrots and some pecans to the top for extra topping if you like.

Use Real Vanilla Extract

Using real vanilla extract adds a rich, warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and carrots in these overnight oats. A small amount goes a long way and helps bring all the ingredients together. Pure vanilla extract has a deeper taste than the imitation stuff.

Tips For Making Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

For the best texture, use old fashioned rolled oats since they soften nicely overnight while still keeping a little bite. Finely grate the carrots so they blend smoothly into the mixture and distribute their natural sweetness throughout each spoonful. If you enjoy extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. Let the oats chill for at least 6 hours so the flavors have time to mingle and develop. Before serving, give everything a good stir and add a splash of milk if you would like a creamier consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats can be used, but the texture will turn out much softer and less chewy. Rolled oats hold their shape better after soaking and give a heartier bite. If you like a thicker spoonful with a bit more texture, rolled oats are the better choice for this recipe.

How long do carrot cake overnight oats need to sit?

These oats need at least 6 hours in the refrigerator so the oats can absorb the liquid and soften. Overnight chilling works best since it gives the flavors time to come together. If you are in a hurry, a shorter chill time will still work, but the texture will be less creamy.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Yes, you can use any plant based milk like almond or oat milk. Each option will slightly change the flavor, with oat milk giving a naturally creamy finish. The rest of the ingredients stay the same, so it is an easy swap.

How long do these overnight oats stay fresh in the fridge?

Carrot cake overnight oats stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored in a sealed container. The texture may thicken over time, so you can add a splash of milk before eating. This makes them a great option for prepping a few breakfasts ahead.

Recipe Variations

Shredded coconut for a light tropical sweetness and a bit of extra texture.
Chopped walnuts or pecans for a soft crunch that pairs nicely with carrot cake flavors.
Chia seeds for a thicker consistency and a gentle boost of plant based goodness.
Raisins or chopped dates for natural sweetness that blends into every bite.
A spoon of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and a rich, smooth finish.
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a touch more sweetness if you like it a bit richer.

More recipes to try

Best Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe

Recipe by Make Overnight Oats

5.0 from 1 vote

This easy breakfast combines rolled oats, shredded carrots, warm cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup for a flavor inspired by classic carrot cake. Everything comes together in one jar and chills in the refrigerator while you sleep.

Course: BreakfastCuisine: American

Servings 12oz

–

servings

Prep time

minutes

Calories

580

kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup Rolled Oats
1/2 cup grated carrots
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp real vanilla
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tbsp cream cheese
1/4 cup raisins
Cream Cheese Frosting
3 tbsp cream cheese
1/2 tsp butter
2 tsp maple syrup

Directions

In a jar, combine the rolled oats, grated carrots, chia seeds, maple syrup, allspice and vanilla. Then pour the milk into the jar and add in the cream cheese and raisins into the oat mixture.
Gently press down the mixture to start to get all of the ingredients covered with the milk.
Give it a stir to combine all the ingredients well making sure there are no dry pockets of ingredients and that the cream cheese is well incorporated.
Let the carrot cake overnight oats sit for at least 4 hours or overnight.
In the morning, top with homemade cream cheese frosting. To make a single batch, just take 3 tbsp of cream cheese, 1/2 tsp butter and 2 tsp of maple syrup and stir them together until completely incorporated. Add more carrots and some pecans to the top for extra topping if you like.