These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are a fantastic meal-prep breakfast and a perfect way to start your day! With creamy, carrot cake-flavored oats topped with a healthy cream cheese “frosting,” it’s like having dessert for breakfast—but much more nutritious!
Let’s be honest, breakfast is one of the best parts of the day. If you start with something delicious, nutritious, and filling, you’re setting yourself up for a fantastic day!
Overnight oats are one of the best breakfast options out there. Why? Because what’s better than waking up to a breakfast that’s already prepared? You simply mix everything together the night before, and when morning comes, your meal is ready—making getting out of bed so much easier.
They’re also perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, whether you’re commuting, heading to the gym, or eating at work or school. You can meal prep multiple servings at once, storing them in the fridge so breakfast is taken care of for the entire week!
Plus, there are endless flavor possibilities to keep things exciting. Two of my favorites are Snickers Overnight Oats and these Carrot Cake Overnight Oats.
Overnight oats are high in fiber and protein, which help keep you fuller for longer. You can easily customize them with fruits—or even vegetables, like carrots in this case—for an added nutrient boost. Best of all, you can adjust the ingredients to fit your macro goals if needed, making them a flexible option for any diet.
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
- Quick and easy to make.
- Ideal for meal prep.
- Perfect as an on-the-go breakfast or snack.
- Made with simple, nourishing ingredients.
- Gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and can be made nut-free and vegan.
- Naturally high in fiber and protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
- Tastes like dessert for breakfast.
- Good for your soul and your body!
Health Benefits of Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats aren’t just delicious—they’re also packed with nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle. Here’s why this breakfast is a great choice for your body:
- High in Fiber: The oats and carrots in this recipe are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Fiber aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
- Rich in Protein: With ingredients like Greek yogurt and cream cheese (or their dairy-free alternatives), these oats are a protein powerhouse. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you satisfied throughout the morning.
- Contains Healthy Fats: If you choose to add walnuts, you’ll be boosting the healthy fat content of this breakfast. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for supporting heart health, and brain function, and reducing inflammation.
- Antioxidant-Rich: The cinnamon in this recipe isn’t just for flavor; it’s loaded with antioxidants, which protect your body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Supports Gut Health: The combination of oats and yogurt makes this breakfast a friend to your digestive system. Oats contain prebiotic fibers that feed the healthy bacteria in your gut, while yogurt provides probiotics, which promote a balanced gut microbiome and improve digestion.
Ingredients Needed
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make these Carrot Cake Overnight Oats. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Oats: I recommend old-fashioned or rolled oats for a chewier texture, but instant oats work too.
- Cinnamon: Adds a comforting flavor that complements the carrot cake theme.
- Liquid Sweetener: Honey is my go-to, but you can also use maple syrup, date syrup, agave, or any other sweetener.
- Milk: Makes the oats creamy and adds extra protein. You can use dairy-free options like almond or oat milk, or even water if preferred.
- Carrots: Grated carrots not only add texture but also natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy richness to the frosting. For a dairy-free option, try dairy-free cream cheese or smooth cottage cheese.
- Yogurt: Adds volume and protein to the frosting. I use Greek yogurt, but any yogurt works, including dairy-free options like soy or coconut yogurt.
- Extras: I like to mix in raisins and walnuts, as they enhance the carrot cake flavor even more.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl: To combine all the ingredients.
- Grater: For grating the carrots.
- Overnight Oats Jars or Tupperware: For storing your oats in the fridge.
How to Make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Here is a detailed summary of how to make this recipe. I’ve also included some photos, and you can find the recipe video in the recipe card. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Step 1:
Start by peeling and grating your carrots. You can choose the grater size based on your texture preference—larger shreds for more texture, finer for a smoother result.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, sweetener, grated carrots, and milk. For added flavor, mix in raisins and walnuts if you like.
Step 3:
Divide the mixture into jars or Tupperware, making sure there’s enough liquid to fully cover the oats.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, make the cream cheese frosting by combining yogurt, cream cheese, and a bit of sweetener.
Step 5:
Top each jar with the cream cheese frosting and add more walnuts if desired.
Step 6:
Refrigerate for at least two hours or, ideally, overnight.
When you’re ready to eat, just grab a jar and dig in! These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are the perfect way to fuel your body, satisfy your sweet tooth, and make breakfast a breeze.
How to Adjust the Ingredients to Meet Your Macro Needs
One of the great things about Carrot Cake Overnight Oats is how versatile the recipe is—you can easily adjust the ingredients to meet your specific macro (macronutrient) needs, whether you’re focusing on protein, carbs, or fats. Here’s how you can tailor the recipe to fit your goals:
Boosting Protein:
To increase the protein content of your Carrot Cake Overnight Oats, there are several options. Using high-protein Greek yogurt or a protein-enriched yogurt in the cream cheese “frosting” is a great way to add more protein. You can also mix a scoop of protein powder, such as vanilla or unflavored, directly into the oats.
Lowering Carbs:
If you’re looking to reduce the carbohydrate content of your oats, try replacing some or all of the oats with lower-carb alternatives like chia seeds, or use a mixture of chia seeds and oats.
Increasing Carbs:
For those needing to boost their carbohydrate intake, such as athletes or those on a high-carb diet, simply increasing the portion of oats can help.
Adding Healthy Fats:
To increase the healthy fats in your overnight oats, consider incorporating nuts and seeds such as walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds. Another option is to stir in a spoonful of almond, peanut, or cashew butter for a creamy richness.
Lowering Fats:
For those on a low-fat diet, it’s easy to modify this recipe. Start by omitting or reducing the quantity of walnuts or other nuts. Opt for low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or cottage cheese instead of full-fat versions.
Tips and Notes
- Make it Vegan: For a completely plant-based version, use a dairy-free milk like almond, oat, or soy, and opt for vegan-friendly yogurt and cream cheese alternatives. Maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a vegan sweetener.
- Adjust the Sweetness: You can easily adjust the sweetness to suit your taste by adding more or less liquid sweetener. Start with a small amount and adjust after tasting the mixture.
- Texture Preferences: If you like a smoother texture, use finely grated carrots and quick oats. For a chunkier bite, opt for larger carrot shreds and old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Meal Prep for the Week: To save time, make multiple servings in one batch and store them in individual jars or containers. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, giving you a ready-made breakfast for the week.
- Overnight vs. Short Chill: While the oats are best left to chill overnight to absorb all the liquid and flavors, if you’re short on time, a minimum of two hours in the fridge will still work.
- Add Crunch: For some extra texture, try sprinkling nuts, seeds, or granola on top just before serving. This adds a satisfying crunch and boosts the nutrient content.
- Warm or Cold: These oats are typically eaten cold, but if you prefer a warm breakfast, you can heat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before adding the cream cheese topping.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Get creative with your mix-ins! Try adding shredded coconut, chopped dates, or a sprinkle of nutmeg to enhance the carrot cake flavor.
- Liquid Ratio: If you find your oats are too thick in the morning, you can stir in an extra splash of milk or water to loosen the mixture before eating.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: After preparing your Carrot Cake Overnight Oats, store them in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them an ideal meal-prep option for the week. Be sure to give the oats a good stir before serving, as some of the liquid may settle at the bottom.
Freezing: While overnight oats are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. To freeze, store the oats in a freezer-safe, airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Keep in mind that the texture may become a bit softer after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Serving After Storage: If the oats become too thick after sitting in the fridge, you can stir in a bit of milk or water to loosen them before eating. For added freshness, consider waiting to add toppings like nuts or seeds until just before serving.
FAQ
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats, but keep in mind that they have a finer texture and may become mushier compared to rolled oats. If you prefer a chewier texture, stick with old-fashioned or rolled oats.
How can I adjust the recipe to be vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, use dairy-free alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk, and opt for vegan yogurt and cream cheese substitutes. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as vegan-friendly sweeteners.
What if I don’t like the texture of grated carrots?
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can finely grate the carrots or use carrot puree instead. Alternatively, you can blend the carrots into the oat mixture for a more uniform consistency.
Can I add other mix-ins to the oats?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different mix-ins such as raisins, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, or even spices like nutmeg or ginger. Customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
How long should I let the oats sit before eating?
For the best results, let the oats sit in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the oats to fully absorb the liquid. If you’re short on time, at least two hours will work, though overnight is ideal.
Can I heat the overnight oats?
Yes, if you prefer a warm breakfast, you can heat the oats in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before adding any toppings. Just be sure to stir them well and check the temperature before eating.
What should I do if the oats are too thick?
If your oats are too thick after chilling, simply stir in a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency before serving.
More easy and healthy breakfast recipes
- The Best Oatmeal Flour Pancakes Recipe
- Healthy Banana Blackberry Oatmeal Muffins (made with just 5 ingredients)
- Easy and Healthy Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
- The BEST Healthy Mug Cake Recipes (easy and healthy desserts)
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Box Grater
- Overnight Oats Jar (or Tupperware)
Ingredients
- 1 Carrot
- 50 g Oats
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ½ tbsp Liquid Sweetener
- ½ cup Milk
- Raisins and Walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese "Frosting"
- 25 g Cream Cheese
- 80 g Yogurt
- ½ tbsp Liquid Sweetener
Instructions
- Start by peeling and grating your carrot.
- In a bowl, mix oats, cinnamon, sweetener, grated carrots, milk, and raisins and walnuts if using.
- Divide the mixture into jars or containers, ensuring the oats are covered with milk or water.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, yogurt, and sweetener for the frosting.
- Top each jar with the cream cheese frosting and optional raisins and walnuts.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Stir before serving. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Meal-Prep: To make more than one portion, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of portions you want to make.
- Make Ahead: These oats can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a convenient breakfast.
- Customize: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like raisins, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free milk, yogurt, and cream cheese substitutes to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Texture Adjustments: If the oats are too thick, stir in a bit of milk or water before serving.
- Warm Up: For a warm breakfast, microwave the oats for 30-60 seconds before adding toppings.
Nutrition
Let me know on the comments below if you make this Yogurt Plum Cake!
