Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

My roommate caught me grating carrots at 11pm once and looked genuinely concerned. I explained I was making breakfast for tomorrow and her confusion only deepened. Now she asks me to make extra whenever she smells cinnamon in the apartment.

Last week I accidentally doubled the maple syrup because I was distracted by a podcast. Turns out there is such a thing as too sweet, even for carrot cake lovers. Now I measure carefully and let the raisins do the heavy lifting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best texture, instant oats turn into mush overnight
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: Any milk works but almond keeps it light and lets the spices shine
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: This makes it creamy and adds protein without making it taste like yogurt
• 2 tbsp chia seeds: These little seeds plump up and create the most satisfying pudding texture
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey: Just enough sweetness to round out the carrots without being dessert
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes everything taste homemade
• 2/3 cup grated carrot: One medium carrot does the trick, grate it finely so it softens
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Toast them first if you want next level flavor
• 1/4 cup raisins: These plump up overnight like tiny flavor bombs
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Do not skip this, its the whole carrot cake experience
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg: Freshly grated makes a difference but ground works fine
• Pinch of ground ginger: Just a little warmth in the background
• Pinch of salt: Brings out all the sweet and spicy flavors

Instructions

Mix your base:

Combine oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla in a bowl or jar. Stir until you cannot see any dry oats anymore.

Add the good stuff:

Fold in the grated carrot, nuts, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Keep mixing until the cinnamon turns everything a light orange color.

Let it work its magic:

Cover your container and stick it in the fridge for at least 6 hours but overnight is better. The chia seeds will swell up and the oats will soften into something like custard.

Check the consistency:

Give it a good stir in the morning. If it looks like thick paste, splash in a little more milk until it loosens up.

Make it pretty:

Spoon into bowls and top with whatever makes you happy. Extra yogurt, coconut, more nuts, or another drizzle of maple syrup.

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My partner started stealing half of my batch when I was not looking, so now I just double the recipe from the start. It is become our thing to sit on the weekend with matching jars and talk about the week ahead.

Make It Your Own

I have tried swapping the raisins for chopped dried pineapple and it transported me straight to a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting vibes. Shredded apple works too if you want something less sweet but still fruity.

Meal Prep Magic

Sundays I make three jars at once and they last perfectly until Wednesday. The flavors actually get better after a day or two as everything marries together in the fridge.

Serving Ideas

Sometimes I heat it up for 30 seconds when the weather is gloomy and warm oats just sound better. Other days I eat it straight from the jar while running out the door.

• Try a dollop of peanut butter on top for extra protein
• A sprinkle of shredded coconut makes it feel fancy
• Fresh berries on the side cut through the richness

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There is something profoundly satisfying about waking up to breakfast that is already waiting for you, especially when it tastes like cake but fuels you like a champion.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats will work but may become mushier after soaking overnight. Rolled oats maintain better texture and provide more satisfying chewiness in the final dish.

→ How long do these oats last in the refrigerator?

These overnight oats stay fresh refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and intensify after sitting for 24 hours, making them perfect for meal prep.

→ Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. Use any plant-based milk instead of almond milk. The texture remains creamy and delicious.

→ Do I need to cook the grated carrots first?

No cooking required. The grated carrots soften during the overnight soaking process while maintaining a pleasant texture. Raw carrots add freshness and natural sweetness to each bite.

→ Can I reduce or omit the sweetener?

Yes. The raisins and carrots provide natural sweetness. Try reducing maple syrup to 1 tablespoon or omit entirely if you prefer less sweet morning oats.

→ What milk alternatives work best?

Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk all work wonderfully. Coconut milk creates the richest texture while oat milk adds natural creaminess and subtle sweetness.