Carrot cake has a special place in the hearts of many. Its delightful combination of earthy carrots, warm spices, and creamy richness is synonymous with celebrations and cozy evenings. Growing up, carrot cake wasn’t just a dessert; it was a tradition. From birthdays to springtime brunches, its presence brought joy to the table. Imagine waking up to all of those nostalgic flavors—only this time, it’s in a nutritious, make-ahead breakfast. Carrot Cake Overnight Oats offer the perfect balance of indulgence and health, combining the comforting essence of the dessert with the wholesome goodness of oats.
This recipe is the ultimate way to elevate your mornings, whether you’re in a rush or savoring a slow start. It’s versatile, packed with nutrients, and incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, the cream cheese-inspired topping adds a decadent touch that will make you feel like you’re eating dessert for breakfast, guilt-free. Perfect for meal prepping or as a treat for special mornings, these oats are here to make your breakfast routine exciting again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dessert for Breakfast: Who doesn’t want to enjoy carrot cake for breakfast without compromising on health? This recipe lets you indulge in your favorite dessert flavors first thing in the morning.
- High in Protein: With a scoop of protein powder and creamy Greek yogurt, these oats are a powerhouse of nutrition, keeping you full and fueled throughout the day.
- Convenient and Make-Ahead: Prep the night before, and you’ll wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or leisurely weekend mornings.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins, this recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, toppings, and mix-ins to suit your taste. Whether you love extra spice, nuts, or raisins, this recipe adapts to your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Oats:
- ½ cup certified gluten-free oats
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ scoop vanilla protein powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons shredded carrots (finely grated for better texture)
- 1 tablespoon pecans (chopped, or substitute with walnuts)
- 1 tablespoon raisins
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
- 1.5 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra shredded carrots
- Chopped pecans
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
How to Make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Step 1: Prepare the Oats
- In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the oats, almond milk, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Fold in the shredded carrots, pecans, and raisins. These add texture and recreate the classic flavors of carrot cake.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or jar. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and become soft and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cream cheese to the melted white chocolate and mix until fully combined. The result should be a rich, velvety consistency.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. This topping is what gives the oats that signature “carrot cake frosting” vibe.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
- Remove the oats from the fridge and give them a gentle stir to incorporate any settled ingredients.
- Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the oats. For a visual and textural boost, garnish with a sprinkle of extra shredded carrots, chopped pecans, or a light dusting of cinnamon.
- Serve the oats chilled for a refreshing breakfast or warm them gently in the microwave for a minute if you prefer.
Helpful Tips
- Oat Texture: Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the creamiest results. Steel-cut oats won’t soften enough, and instant oats may become too mushy.
- Sweetness Adjustments: The raisins and protein powder add natural sweetness, but if you prefer a sweeter breakfast, add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or agave.
- Nut Substitutions: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you have allergies.
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and cream cheese to make this recipe completely vegan. Ensure your protein powder is also plant-based.
- Meal Prep: These oats keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making them an excellent option for meal-prepping.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- Grating Carrots: Use finely grated carrots for a smooth texture that blends well with the oats.
- Layer for Style: Layer the oats and cream cheese topping in jars for a beautiful presentation.
- Extra Protein: Add Greek yogurt or top with nuts for a protein boost.
- Spice It Up: Customize with a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.
Nutritional Information
A single serving of Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (with cream cheese topping) provides approximately:
- Calories: 524
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 141mg
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 29g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without protein powder?
Absolutely! Protein powder is optional. You can replace it with an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt for added creaminess or leave it out altogether.
Can I make these oats ahead for the entire week?
Yes, you can! Prepare individual servings in jars for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What if I don’t like raisins?
No problem! Swap them for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or simply omit them.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, any milk will work—dairy or plant-based. Coconut milk will add a richer, tropical twist, while oat milk enhances the creaminess.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store the assembled oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: While not ideal due to the texture changes, you can freeze the oats (without the topping) in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Carrot Cake Overnight Oats, you’ll definitely enjoy these other wholesome breakfast ideas:
Conclusion
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are more than just breakfast—they’re a delightful way to begin your day with warmth, nostalgia, and nourishment. Whether you’re a fan of meal-prepping or simply crave a quick yet indulgent breakfast, this recipe delivers on every front. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and downright delicious. Go ahead, treat yourself to a little carrot cake magic first thing in the morning!
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Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
Description
Carrot cake has a special place in the hearts of many. Its delightful combination of earthy carrots, warm spices, and creamy richness is synonymous with celebrations and cozy evenings. Growing up, carrot cake wasn’t just a dessert; it was a tradition. From birthdays to springtime brunches, its presence brought joy to the table. Imagine waking up to all of those nostalgic flavors—only this time, it’s in a nutritious, make-ahead breakfast. Carrot Cake Overnight Oats offer the perfect balance of indulgence and health, combining the comforting essence of the dessert with the wholesome goodness of oats.
This recipe is the ultimate way to elevate your mornings, whether you’re in a rush or savoring a slow start. It’s versatile, packed with nutrients, and incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, the cream cheese-inspired topping adds a decadent touch that will make you feel like you’re eating dessert for breakfast, guilt-free. Perfect for meal prepping or as a treat for special mornings, these oats are here to make your breakfast routine exciting again.
Ingredients
For the Oats:
- ½ cup certified gluten-free oats
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ scoop vanilla protein powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons shredded carrots (finely grated for better texture)
- 1 tablespoon pecans (chopped, or substitute with walnuts)
- 1 tablespoon raisins
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
- 1.5 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra shredded carrots
- Chopped pecans
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oats
- In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the oats, almond milk, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Fold in the shredded carrots, pecans, and raisins. These add texture and recreate the classic flavors of carrot cake.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or jar. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and become soft and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cream cheese to the melted white chocolate and mix until fully combined. The result should be a rich, velvety consistency.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. This topping is what gives the oats that signature “carrot cake frosting” vibe.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
- Remove the oats from the fridge and give them a gentle stir to incorporate any settled ingredients.
- Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the oats. For a visual and textural boost, garnish with a sprinkle of extra shredded carrots, chopped pecans, or a light dusting of cinnamon.
- Serve the oats chilled for a refreshing breakfast or warm them gently in the microwave for a minute if you prefer.
Notes
- Grating Carrots: Use finely grated carrots for a smooth texture that blends well with the oats.
- Layer for Style: Layer the oats and cream cheese topping in jars for a beautiful presentation.
- Extra Protein: Add Greek yogurt or top with nuts for a protein boost.
- Spice It Up: Customize with a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.