Start your day with a wholesome twist on a classic dessert!
These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats deliver all the cozy flavors of traditional carrot cake—cinnamon, allspice, raisins—without the added sugar and fat.
Packed with fiber from oats and chia seeds, plant-based protein from almond milk, and essential nutrients from grated carrots, this recipe supports sustained energy and digestive health.
Quick to prepare, naturally sweetened, and fridge-friendly, it’s perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or a satisfying, guilt-free breakfast that tastes indulgent yet nourishing.
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Equipment
- 1 medium mixing bowl with lid
- 1 Measuring Cup
- 1 teaspoon measuring spoon
- 1 tablespoon measuring spoon
- Grater
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats or rolled oats
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons raisins
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup 2% Greek yogurt optional
Instructions
- Prepare Your Mixing Container: Start by selecting a medium-sized mixing bowl or a container with a secure lid. Using a container with a lid will make it easier to store the oats overnight without any spills. Ensure the container is clean and dry to prevent any clumping or unwanted flavors. If you prefer, you can also use individual jars for single servings, which is ideal for meal prep or grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In your prepared container, add all the dry ingredients quick-cooking oats (or rolled oats), finely grated carrot, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, chia seeds, and raisins. Take a moment to observe the colors and textures—the bright orange of the carrot, the deep brown of the raisins, and the earthy tones of the spices. Stir everything together thoroughly using a spoon or spatula until the oats are evenly coated with the spices, and the chia seeds and raisins are distributed evenly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately: In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, combine the wet ingredients: vanilla extract, maple syrup, and unsweetened almond milk. Gently whisk them together until the maple syrup is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth. This step ensures that when you add the wet ingredients to the dry, everything blends evenly and prevents pockets of dryness or overly wet areas in your oats.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in your main container. Using a spoon or spatula, stir everything together thoroughly. Make sure the oats, grated carrot, raisins, and chia seeds are fully coated in the almond milk mixture. The mixture should be slightly loose, but if it feels too dry, you can add an extra splash of almond milk. The goal is an even, cohesive blend where every oat is touched by the flavorful liquid.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Once the oats are thoroughly mixed, secure the lid on your container. Place the container in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 2 hours. For best results, let it sit overnight. During this time, the oats and chia seeds will absorb the almond milk, soften, and develop a creamy, pudding-like consistency. The flavors of cinnamon, allspice, and maple syrup will also meld beautifully, creating a naturally sweet, aromatic breakfast.
- Optional Toppings for Added Flavor and Texture: When ready to serve, remove the oats from the refrigerator. If desired, stir in 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein. You can also top your oats with chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added sweetness and crunch. The toppings are optional but can elevate the flavor and texture, making the overnight oats feel indulgent while keeping it healthy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the carrot cake overnight oats into bowls if you used a large container, or enjoy directly from your jars for convenience. Each bite should be creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, allspice, and raisins. This breakfast is not only satisfying but also provides lasting energy thanks to its fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats. Enjoy immediately, or cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use rolled oats or quick-cooking oats depending on your preferred texture—quick oats will soften faster.
- For a creamier texture, stir in Greek yogurt before refrigerating or right before serving.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to taste.
- Feel free to swap raisins for other dried fruits like chopped dates, cranberries, or apricots.
- Add extra almond milk if you prefer thinner oats or a more porridge-like consistency.
- Chia seeds help thicken the mixture, but you can reduce or omit them if you like looser oats.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Oats
To elevate your overnight oats, start with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Grate the carrots finely—this ensures they blend seamlessly into the oats and release their natural sweetness.
Toasting the chia seeds lightly in a dry pan before mixing can intensify their nutty flavor.
Allowing the oats to chill overnight helps the flavors meld fully, but even a two-hour soak can give a creamy texture.
Using unsweetened almond milk keeps it light while letting the natural sweetness of the maple syrup shine.
Creative Serving Suggestions Ideas
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are incredibly versatile for serving.
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein, then sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut for crunch.
A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top enhances the warm, cozy flavors.
You can also swirl in a spoonful of nut butter or drizzle extra maple syrup for a decadent touch.
Pair your oats with fresh fruit such as sliced banana, berries, or kiwi for a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor.
Practical Storage Tips For Freshness
Store your overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
If using individual jars, seal them tightly to maintain texture and prevent odors from other foods in the fridge.
Avoid adding toppings like nuts or fresh fruit before storage; instead, add them right before serving to keep them crunchy and fresh.
If the oats become too thick after refrigeration, stir in a splash of almond milk to restore a creamy consistency.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Common Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes! Dairy milk, oat milk, soy milk, or any plant-based milk works well. Keep in mind that using regular milk may slightly alter the flavor and nutritional profile, but the oats will still be creamy and delicious.
2. How long can I keep overnight oats in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, overnight oats last up to five days. After this, the texture may change, and the oats may lose some of their flavor and freshness.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Greek yogurt or replace it with a plant-based yogurt to keep it entirely vegan. Maple syrup and almond milk are already plant-based, making it easy to enjoy a vegan-friendly version.
4. Can I add protein powder to the oats?
Yes, adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder works well. Mix it with the wet ingredients to ensure it dissolves evenly. This can boost protein content for a more filling, energizing breakfast.
5. Can I change the fruit or nuts?
Definitely! While raisins are traditional, you can swap them for chopped dates, dried cranberries, or even fresh fruit before serving. Nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds add crunch and healthy fats, and can be mixed or sprinkled on top according to preference.
