Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
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Craving a breakfast that’s easy and exciting? These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are prepped the night before and packed with flavor from grated carrot, pineapple, maple syrup, and warm spices. No cooking required! Just mix, chill, and enjoy. It’s the perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings.
You’re in for a treat with this one. I took classic overnight oats and gave them a fun little twist inspired by one of my favorite desserts: carrot cake. I’m telling you, this is such a delicious and flavorful way to start the day.
Overnight oats are one of my go-to breakfasts, especially as the weather warms up. I love that they come together the night before, so there’s one less thing to think about in the morning. No cooking, no fuss. Just stir everything together and pop it in the fridge. They are also a filling and nutritious breakfast that can be customized with whatever flavors and ingredients you enjoy or are craving.
This carrot cake version has been on repeat for me lately, and I think you’re going to be just as hooked. Let’s get to it!
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe
- If you enjoy carrot cake, this will be a fun and unexpected way to delight in those cozy flavors during the morning. The combination of grated carrot, pineapple, maple syrup, and warm spices gives this an almost dessert-like quality. And yet, it’s still a nourishing and wholesome start to your day.
- Overnight oats are incredibly easy to prepare. Everything comes together in one bowl with no cooking required, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your morning. Just mix it up the night before and you’re set. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, meal prep, or those times when you just want something ready to go.
- The flavor and texture are truly something special. The oats soak up all the goodness overnight, becoming soft and creamy, while the carrot and pineapple add brightness and a little natural sweetness. The toppings, like toasted coconut, raisins, and a dollop of yogurt, bring a satisfying contrast that makes each bite interesting.
- It’s flexible and easy to customize. You can adjust the sweetness, swap in your favorite milk or yogurt, or add nuts for a little crunch. This recipe is a great base, so you can make it your own depending on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for!
Looking for more overnight oats recipes? Let me help! I have two other recipes on the blog including Classic Overnight Oats and Fall Harvest Overnight Oats.
Ingredients
Before stirring together these Carrot Cake Overnight Oats, we’ll gather the required ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
- Old Fashioned Oats – These serve as the base of the recipe, softening overnight to create a creamy and hearty texture that keeps you full.
- Finely grated carrot – Adds natural sweetness, a bit of texture, and that signature carrot cake flavor.
- Crushed pineapple – Brings juicy sweetness and just the right amount of tartness to brighten up the oats.
- Greek yogurt – Makes the oats extra creamy while adding protein and a bit of tang.
- Milk – Helps to soften the oats and blend everything together; use dairy or non-dairy depending on your preference.
- Chia seeds – These tiny seeds help thicken the oats and provide fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
- Maple syrup – A natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with the warm spices and ties the whole recipe together.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor and a little something extra to bring it all together.
- Ground cinnamon – A must for that cozy, classic carrot cake flavor.
- Ground nutmeg – Just a pinch gives the oats a warm and subtle spice note.
- Toasted coconut – Sprinkled on top, this adds a little crunch and nutty flavor that plays off the tropical notes in the pineapple.
- Raisins – Optional, but they add a sweet, chewy bite that fits right in with the carrot cake theme.
How To Make
It’s time to assemble this overnight oats recipe. I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, grated carrot, crushed pineapple, Greek yogurt, milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least four hours.
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- When ready to serve, give the oats a stir and spoon into jars or bowls.
- Top with toasted coconut, a few raisins, and extra carrot if desired. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup also makes a nice finishing touch.
And that’s it. Easy, right? These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are a go-to when you want something that feels homemade and comforting but requires almost no effort. I have a feeling you too are going to love these oats!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats aren’t a great fit for this recipe as they require more liquid and a much longer soak time. For the best texture and a creamy consistency, old fashioned oats (also called rolled oats) are the way to go.
How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?
They’ll keep well for about four to five days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re making a big batch, consider portioning it out into jars or containers for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Just use a dairy-free yogurt (like almond or coconut-based) and your preferred non-dairy milk. The flavor and texture will still be delicious, and you can adjust the sweetness if needed based on the yogurt you choose.
What’s the best way to toast the coconut?
You can toast it in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it’s golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Baked Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins
- Homemade Granola
- Ricotta Toast with Three Jams
- Berry Banana Smoothie Bowl
- Breakfast Fruit Salad with Yogurt
I hope this Carrot Cake Overnight Oats recipe becomes a new favorite in your breakfast lineup. It’s fun and delicious to take a food such as carrot cake and turn it into something you can eat on a random Tuesday morning. Right? I wonder what other flavor variations I could try.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to know what you think, so please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup finely grated carrot
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plus more for garnish, if desired
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- Toasted coconut, raisins, and additional carrot for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, grated carrot, crushed pineapple, Greek yogurt, milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least four hours.
- When ready to serve, give the oats a stir and spoon into jars or bowls.
- Top with toasted coconut, a few raisins, and extra carrot if desired. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup also makes a nice finishing touch.