Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (Printable)

Creamy oats combine with carrots and warm spices for a nutritious, make-ahead start.

# Ingredient List:

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl or jar, mix rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
02 - Fold in grated carrot, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, chopped nuts, and raisins until evenly combined.
03 - Cover the mixture and chill for at least 8 hours to allow oats to soften and flavors to meld.
04 - Whisk cream cheese, milk, and maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
05 - Stir the oats before serving. Top with the cream cheese drizzle, extra nuts, shredded coconut, or additional grated carrot as preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Zero morning cooking means you actually have time to drink your coffee while it's hot.
  • It tastes like you're eating dessert for breakfast without the sugar crash that follows.
  • The creamy texture is so satisfying that you won't miss heavier breakfast options.
02 -
  • Grate your carrot fresh the night before; pre-grated carrots from the store weep water and make the oats soggy.
  • If your oats seem too thick in the morning, thin them with a splash of milk rather than adding it the night before, which oversoftens them.
03 -
  • Use a mason jar and eat straight from it—one less dish to wash, and you can carry it to work if mornings are chaotic.
  • If you love cream cheese frosting but find it separates, blend it with a teaspoon of lemon juice to stabilize it.
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