As a busy professional juggling work deadlines and family meals, I appreciate breakfasts that come together effortlessly the night before. Carrot Cake Overnight Oats deliver that cozy carrot cake vibe with warm spices and tender grated carrots, all soaked into creamy rolled oats for a no-fuss morning treat. The subtle sweetness from maple syrup and mix-ins like raisins and walnuts makes every spoonful feel indulgent yet nourishing.

This recipe fits seamlessly into hectic routines, prepped in just minutes for two servings that hold up well. People love how it mimics dessert for breakfast without the guilt, and leftovers stay fresh for a few days in the fridge. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts or yogurt for a personal touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: Whip up Carrot Cake Overnight Oats in under 10 minutes the night before for a ready-to-eat breakfast.
Flavorful and Healthy: Warm cinnamon and nutmeg blend with grated carrots for a spiced, cake-like taste packed with fiber and protein.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for busy moms, it stores easily and softens overnight into a creamy texture everyone enjoys.
Customizable Mix-Ins: Add walnuts, raisins, and coconut for crunch and chew, or swap for dietary needs like vegan options.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy dessert-inspired oats that feel rich but keep things light and nourishing.

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Ingredients

The ingredients in Carrot Cake Overnight Oats come together to capture the essence of classic carrot cake in a simple, no-bake form, with oats providing creaminess and spices adding warmth. Choosing fresh, high-quality items like crisp carrots and pure maple syrup elevates the natural flavors and ensures a satisfying texture.

Rolled oats: Form the base that absorbs the liquid overnight for a soft, hearty texture.
Vanilla almond milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor while keeping the mixture light.
Vanilla Greek yogurt: Contributes protein and tanginess to balance the sweetness.
Finely grated carrots: Bring moisture, natural sweetness, and the signature vegetable element.
Pure maple syrup: Provides gentle sweetness without overpowering the spices.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, aromatic notes central to the carrot cake inspiration.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy depth that enhances the overall spice profile.
Shredded unsweetened coconut: Offers a chewy texture and tropical hint reminiscent of cake toppings.
Chopped walnuts: Deliver crunch and nutty richness for contrast.
Raisins: Provide bursts of chewiness and concentrated fruit sweetness.

Note: The complete list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl or mason jars, mix the rolled oats with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk them together to evenly distribute the spices, ensuring every bite carries the warm flavors. This step sets the foundation for the Carrot Cake Overnight Oats’ signature taste.

Step 2: Stir in Wet Components

Add the finely grated carrots, pure maple syrup, vanilla Greek yogurt, and vanilla almond milk to the oat mixture. Stir everything until it’s uniform and well combined, creating a creamy base. The carrots will start to infuse moisture right away.

Step 3: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the raisins, chopped walnuts, and shredded unsweetened coconut. This incorporates the classic carrot cake texture without overmixing, preserving the nuts’ crunch. Distribute them evenly for balanced flavors in each serving.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the mixture tightly and place it in the refrigerator to let the oats soften and flavors meld. Allow at least 8 hours for the best results, as the soaking transforms the texture into something tender and cohesive. No cooking is needed, making it ideal for no-bake breakfasts.

Step 5: Top and Serve

In the morning, give the Carrot Cake Overnight Oats a quick stir if needed, then top with an extra dollop of yogurt or sprinkle of walnuts. Serve it cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing start. Adjust sweetness with more maple syrup if desired.

Pro Tips for Success

Grate Carrots Finely: Use a fine grater on fresh carrots to ensure they blend smoothly and release moisture without chunky bits.
Whisk Spices Evenly: Thoroughly mix cinnamon and nutmeg into the oats first to avoid clumps and distribute warm flavors uniformly.
Stir for Uniformity: Combine wet ingredients well to prevent separation overnight, resulting in a consistently creamy texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before refrigerating and add extra maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter profile.
Use Fresh Mix-Ins: Chop walnuts and add raisins just before folding to maintain their crunch and chewiness.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Garnishes

I like to finish Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with a swirl of extra vanilla Greek yogurt for added creaminess, or a light dusting of cinnamon to enhance the warm aroma. A few extra chopped walnuts on top bring a satisfying crunch that contrasts the soft oats beautifully. These simple touches make it feel like a treat without much effort.

Side Dishes

Pair your oats with fresh sliced apples or a handful of berries on the side for a burst of juicy brightness that complements the spiced flavors. A warm cup of herbal tea or black coffee rounds out the meal nicely, keeping things light yet satisfying. This combo works well for a quick family breakfast on the go.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the oats into portable mason jars for an on-the-go option, layering the mix-ins visibly for an appealing look. I sometimes divide it into bowls and drizzle a touch of maple syrup in a zigzag pattern to mimic cake icing. Presenting it this way adds a fun, dessert-like vibe to your morning routine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store Carrot Cake Overnight Oats in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. If separation happens, just give it a good stir before enjoying to restore the creamy consistency. This makes it easy to grab a serving during a hectic week.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the oats into freezer-safe jars or bags and freeze for up to a month, though the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. I recommend thawing them overnight in the fridge to maintain the best flavor and consistency. Avoid refreezing once thawed to preserve quality.

Reheating

Serve Carrot Cake Overnight Oats cold as intended for the freshest taste, but if you prefer warmth, microwave a serving for 20-30 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let it sit at room temperature briefly or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring to avoid drying out the edges. Cover with a lid during any warming to keep it moist.