Starting the day with carrot cake? Count me in! These carrot cake overnight oats have all the flavors of your favorite dessert but in a creamy, wholesome breakfast. The warm spices, shredded carrots, and hint of maple syrup make every bite taste like a treat, while Greek yogurt and oats keep it filling. This make-ahead breakfast is perfect for busy mornings when you need something quick, nutritious, and—let’s face it—way more exciting than a bowl of cereal!

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

Overnight oats are a game-changer for anyone who wants a satisfying breakfast without the morning effort. You mix everything together the night before, let the oats soak up all the goodness in the fridge, and wake up to a ready-to-eat meal. This version takes inspiration from my Carrot Bundt Cake, adding warm spices and shredded carrots for a subtly sweet and spiced flavor. It’s great for meal prep, easy to customize, and works as a breakfast or midday snack.

Why you’ll love these Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Effortless Breakfast:
Just mix, chill, and enjoy! No cooking required, and it’s ready when you wake up.
Tastes Like Dessert:
All the comforting flavors of carrot cake in a wholesome, nourishing breakfast.
Customizable:
Adjust the sweetness, swap the milk, or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.

Up close of carrot cake overnight oats with greek yogurt on top and peanut butter dripping down the side of the glass.

A Spoonful of Cake? Yes, Please!

Carrot cake is one of those sneaky desserts that makes you feel good while eating cake. It has veggies, so it must be good for you, right? That’s the energy we’re bringing to these carrot cake overnight oats—except this version actually is healthy. Packed with fiber, protein, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s the best kind of breakfast trickery.

Ingredients Needed for Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Rolled oats – These give the best texture for overnight oats, softening perfectly without getting mushy.
Milk – Use any kind you like—dairy, almond, oat, or coconut all work.
Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and a boost of protein to keep you full longer.
Maple syrup or honey – A natural sweetener that brings out the warm flavors of the spices. Feel free to use liquid stevia or your favorite sweetener here.
Vanilla extract – A little splash enhances the cake-like flavor.
Cinnamon & nutmeg – Essential for that classic carrot cake taste.
Shredded carrots – The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and a bit of texture.
Chia seeds (optional) – Helps thicken the oats and adds extra fiber.
Chopped walnuts (optional) – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Overnight Oats.

How to make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a jar.

Add oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a jar.

Grated carrots and chia seeds added to the jar with the oat mixture.

Stir in shredded carrots and chia seeds if using.

All the ingredients for carrot cake overnight oats mixed together in a jar.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Greek yogurt and peanut butter being added to the jar with the overnight carrot cake oats.

Before serving, top each jar with more Greek yogurt, sprinkle with walnuts, and drizzle with peanut butter.

Variations

Protein-Packed: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder to make it extra filling. This not only adds more protein but also gives the oats a creamier texture.
Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts and try adding sunflower seeds or extra chia seeds for crunch. You can also add shredded coconut for a different kind of texture.
Extra Creamy: Use coconut milk for a richer texture and subtle coconut flavor. If you like a thicker consistency, use canned coconut milk instead of the carton variety.
Dessert-Inspired: Mix a spoonful of cream cheese and maple syrup with the Greek yogurt for a ‘frosting’ effect. This brings the full carrot cake experience to your breakfast.
Warm Version: Heat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you prefer a cozy, warm breakfast. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it from getting too thick.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Style: Enjoy straight from the jar with a spoon. Simple, quick, and delicious.
Topped with Crunch: Sprinkle with extra walnuts, pecans, or granola for added texture and a little extra bite.
Drizzle of Goodness: Add a little extra maple syrup or honey on top of the yogurt for extra sweetness.
Fruit Boost: Serve with sliced bananas, pineapple chunks, or raisins to complement the carrot cake flavors.
On-the-Go: Transfer to a travel container for an easy breakfast wherever you are. Perfect for busy mornings when you need a grab-and-go meal.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Carrot Cake Overnight Oats?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before eating and add more milk if needed.

Can I freeze Carrot Cake Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in individual portions in airtight containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Stir well before eating to restore the creamy consistency.

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Two mason jars filled with carrot cake overnight oats with greek yogurt on top and peanut butter dripping down the side of the glass.

Tips & Tricks

Use Fresh Carrots: Freshly shredded carrots have the best flavor and texture—pre-shredded ones can be a little dry and tough.
Adjust Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, use a sweetener like liquid stevia or add more maple syrup or honey. You could also mix in mashed banana for natural sweetness.
Make It Thicker: Chia seeds help thicken the oats, but you can also reduce the milk slightly for a denser consistency.
Mix Well: Stir everything thoroughly before refrigerating to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and nothing settles at the bottom.
Grab-and-Go: Make multiple jars at once so you have breakfast ready for a few days. Just grab one and head out the door!

More Carrot Cake Recipes

FAQ

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, but they will have a much softer texture since they absorb liquid faster, which some people prefer.
Do I have to use Greek yogurt? No, but it adds creaminess and protein. You can substitute with regular yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
Can I make this sugar-free? Yes! Skip the maple syrup and sweeten with mashed banana or a few drops of liquid stevia.
How long do overnight oats last in the fridge? They stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Any longer and the texture can start to break down.
Can I make this without chia seeds? Absolutely. The chia seeds help thicken the mixture, but they are completely optional.
What’s the best way to serve overnight oats? Cold straight from the fridge is the easiest, but you can warm them up if you prefer a softer, cozier texture.
Can I use a different type of milk? Yes! Any milk—dairy or non-dairy—works in this recipe, so use whatever fits your preference.
Can I add raisins? Definitely! Raisins add a natural sweetness that pairs well with the spices and shredded carrots.
How do I make it even more filling? Add a scoop of protein powder, a spoonful of nut butter, or an extra serving of Greek yogurt for extra protein and healthy fats.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, just scale up the ingredients and divide into multiple containers for easy meal prep.