Carrot cake for breakfast? Absolutely. These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are a simple, satisfying way to start your day. Prep in about five minutes the night before and enjoy a hearty, grab-and-go breakfast. Make several jars at once for easy meal prep during the week.
This recipe first appeared in February 2015. Photos and text were updated in April 2020 to include process and ingredient images.
Overnight oats are my go-to make-ahead breakfast: easy, nutritious, and filling. These carrot cake–flavored oats give you all the cozy, spiced taste of carrot cake—cinnamon, raisins, coconut and a touch of maple—combined with the convenience of a wholesome oatmeal bowl.
Why this oatmeal recipe is the best
- Perfect for meal prep. Make a batch at once and have several breakfasts ready for the week—big payoff for minimal effort.
- Customizable to your needs. Use dairy-free milk to keep it vegan, choose certified gluten-free oats if needed, and omit nuts for allergies.
- Delicious flavor. The combination of shredded carrot, cinnamon, raisins, coconut and maple tastes like dessert disguised as breakfast.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Oats: Rolled oats are recommended for the best texture. Quick oats will also work if you want a softer result immediately.
- Milk: Any milk works—dairy, almond, coconut, oat, etc. Almond or other plant milks keep the recipe vegan.
- Sweetener: Adjust to taste. Maple syrup is my favorite, but you can add sweetener when serving if you prefer to control the sweetness per portion.
If you’re new to overnight oats, look for basic overnight oat guidance—measure oats and liquid, mix, and refrigerate for several hours to soften.
How to make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
- Prep shredded carrot and gather the rest of the ingredients. You can build the oats directly in a jar for easy storage and transport.
- Combine all ingredients in a sealable jar or container and stir thoroughly to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, stir and add a splash more milk if the oats seem thick or dry. Warm briefly if you prefer them hot.
Expert tips for the best carrot cake oats
- Oat choice matters. Steel-cut oats can be used, but they remain much chewier; rolled oats give a creamier texture.
- Boost nutrition: Stir in chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or protein powder for added fiber, omega-3s, and protein.
- Soak long enough. Give the oats at least 4 hours to absorb liquid and soften for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve hot or cold. Overnight oats are delicious straight from the fridge or warmed in the microwave for a minute if you prefer them warm.
Other overnight oats recipes you will love
Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats-
Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats
-
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
-
Banana Bread Overnight Oats
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Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Overnight Oats
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Apple Overnight Oats
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Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats (regular or gluten free)
- 1 ½ T shredded or flaked coconut
- ½ large carrot, shredded
- ⅔ cup milk of choice
- 1 T chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 T raisins
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- dash of sea salt
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a sealable container and stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. Add a splash more milk before serving if the mixture seems dry.
- Enjoy hot or cold.
Notes
- Steel-cut oats can be used, but they’ll be chewier and may need more liquid and a longer soak time.
- Optional add-ins: chia seeds, ground flax, or protein powder for extra nutrition.
- Soak at least 4 hours for soft, well-flavored oats.
- Serve chilled or warmed—both taste great.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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