Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe

Get ready to wake up to dessert-for-breakfast vibes with these irresistibly creamy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats! This recipe brings together all the spiced, nutty, and sweet flavors of classic carrot cake in a wholesome, make-ahead breakfast that feels like a special treat but is incredibly simple to toss together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Dessert for Breakfast: Get all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of carrot cake, but with nourishing, feel-good ingredients.
  • Easy Meal Prep: Simply prep your Carrot Cake Overnight Oats the night before, and enjoy a fuss-free morning with zero cooking required.
  • Protein-Packed: With protein powder, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds, this breakfast will actually fuel you and keep you satisfied.
  • Cheesecake Ganache Topping: A silky, tangy, and slightly decadent twist that takes these oats over the top!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of pantry staples transform into something so comforting and delicious! Each ingredient in these Carrot Cake Overnight Oats brings texture, natural sweetness, and those classic carrot cake vibes—you’ll be craving breakfast all night.

  • Certified gluten free oats: The heart of our overnight oats, absorbing flavor and creating a luscious, creamy base.
  • Almond milk: Adds creaminess and moisture without overpowering the delicate spices.
  • Chia seeds: Help thicken the oats and add a nutritious boost of fiber and omegas.
  • Vanilla protein powder: Brings sweet, vanilla notes and plenty of satisfaction; try a gentle protein like Vanilla Ice Cream Isolate for the silkiest texture.
  • Cinnamon & nutmeg: Absolutely essential for capturing that crave-worthy, warmly spiced carrot cake flavor.
  • Shredded carrots: Provide pops of color, moisture, and of course, a subtle natural sweetness.
  • Pecans, chopped: Add that irresistible, toasty crunch you always find in great carrot cake.
  • Raisins: Tiny bursts of chewy, fruity sweetness in every bite.
  • Greek yogurt: The creamy, tangy base for our cheesecake ganache—hello, “frosting” vibes!
  • White chocolate chips: Melt into the ganache for extra luscious flavor and a hint of decadence.
  • Cream cheese: For that signature carrot cake frosting taste—you’d never guess it’s breakfast!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The best part about Carrot Cake Overnight Oats is that you can tailor them to fit absolutely any craving or dietary need! This recipe is a gorgeous template for getting creative—swap, add, or leave out ingredients as you like.

  • Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based Greek-style yogurt and vegan cream cheese in your ganache for a breakfast that’s entirely dairy-free.
  • Nut-Free: Swap pecans for sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or simply leave them out for a school-safe, allergy-friendly version.
  • No Protein Powder: Skip the powder and add an extra spoon of Greek yogurt or a scoop of nut butter for a boost of creaminess.
  • Fruit Swaps: Try golden raisins, chopped dates, or even crushed pineapple for a fruity twist reminiscent of “Hummingbird Cake.”

How to Make Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Step 1: Mix Together the Oat Base

In a medium bowl or a sturdy jar with a lid, combine your oats, almond milk, chia seeds, protein powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, shredded carrots, chopped pecans, and raisins. Give everything a really thorough stir so every oat is coated and there are no pockets of dry powder or spices. Pop the mixture into the fridge for at least an hour—the chia seeds and oats need time to plump up and get creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake White Chocolate Ganache

While your oat base is chilling, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second increments, stirring until smooth. Add room-temperature cream cheese and Greek yogurt to the bowl, then whisk until silky and lump-free. This is your creamy “frosting” layer—try not to eat it by the spoonful before the oats are ready!

Step 3: Assemble and Chill Overnight

Take your thickened oat mixture and pour (or dollop) the cream cheese ganache right over the top. Smooth it out with a spoon or small spatula. Return your breakfast masterpiece to the fridge and let it sit overnight (or at least 4 hours) so the flavors meld and the ganache sets beautifully.

Step 4: Top and Enjoy!

When morning rolls around, all that’s left is to add your favorite toppings. Scatter on a few extra shreds of carrot and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch. Grab your spoon and get ready for the best breakfast you’ve had all week!

Pro Tips for Making Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

  • Shred Fresh Carrots: For the sweetest, tenderest texture, grate whole carrots yourself rather than using pre-shredded—the difference is huge!
  • Ganache Consistency: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a totally smooth, lump-free ganache that blends like a dream.
  • Overnight = Best Flavor: Let your Carrot Cake Overnight Oats rest at least 4 hours, but overnight is where the magic really happens and the flavors meld perfectly.
  • Customize Your Sweetness: Use a protein powder that’s slightly sweet or add a drizzle of maple syrup if you crave a sweeter start—taste as you go!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For the most inviting bowl, finish your Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with a flourish of extra carrot shreds, a little scattering of chopped pecans, and maybe a dusting of cinnamon or a couple of golden raisins. These garnishes not only add eye-catching color but also amplify the textures and flavors that make carrot cake iconic.

Side Dishes

Pair these overnight oats with a creamy oat or almond milk latte, a green smoothie, or—if you’re feeling extra—some gently roasted breakfast potatoes. The richness of the oats balances beautifully with something fresh and bright, like tangy citrus slices or a side of mixed berries.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Carrot Cake Overnight Oats in pretty glass jars for that classic “parfait” look, or layer the oats and ganache for a striped effect. Hosting brunch? Spoon the oats into ramekins, then set out a topping bar of nuts, dried fruit, and coconut so everyone can customize their bowl—such a fun twist for a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers will keep flawlessly in the fridge for up to four days. Store your assembled Carrot Cake Overnight Oats in an airtight container or jar—just keep the garnishes separate until serving to maintain their crunch and color.

Freezing

Overnight oats can technically be frozen, but for this recipe, I recommend enjoying them fresh from the fridge. The yogurt and cream cheese ganache may change in texture after thawing, so it’s best to make just enough for the week.

Reheating

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are meant to be savored cold, straight from the fridge, but if you like your breakfast warm, you can microwave the oats (not the ganache!) in 20-second bursts, stirring gently. Add the ganache topping and garnishes just before eating for the best experience.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular rolled oats instead of gluten free?

    Definitely! If dietary restrictions aren’t an issue, old-fashioned rolled oats work perfectly. Instant oats will get mushy and steel cut oats won’t soften enough, so stick with rolled for the best texture in your Carrot Cake Overnight Oats.

  2. What can I substitute for white chocolate in the ganache?

    If you can’t do white chocolate, try melting a little coconut butter or using dairy-free white baking chips. Or, skip it and increase the Greek yogurt and add a drizzle of honey for an extra-creamy, tangy “frosting.”

  3. I’m out of protein powder—will the recipe still work?

    Absolutely! The protein powder adds flavor and satisfaction, but you can simply omit it and add a splash more almond milk or a little extra Greek yogurt to keep the oats creamy.

  4. Can I double or triple the recipe for meal prep?

    Yes! Just multiply all the ingredients, mix in a large container, and then divide into individual jars or bowls. The oats keep beautifully for several days, so Carrot Cake Overnight Oats make breakfast meal-prep a breeze.

Final Thoughts

If you love making breakfast feel just a little bit special, Carrot Cake Overnight Oats will become your new favorite ritual. I hope you treat yourself to a cozy jar soon—they’re wholesome, satisfying, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face tomorrow morning!

Print
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Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 101 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Category: No-Cook
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A delightful and nutritious breakfast recipe that tastes like carrot cake but in the form of overnight oats. Creamy oats infused with chia seeds, vanilla protein powder, shredded carrots, and a mix of warm spices, topped with a luscious cheesecake white chocolate ganache.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Oats:

  • 1/2 cup certified gluten free oats
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp shredded carrots
  • 1 tbsp pecans, chopped
  • 1 tbsp raisins

Cheesecake White Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1/3 cup greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp white chocolate chips
  • 1.5 tbsp cream cheese

Instructions

  1. Oats: Add all oat ingredients to a bowl or jar. Stir well and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.
  2. Cheesecake White Chocolate Ganache: Microwave white chocolate in a small bowl. Mix in with Greek yogurt and room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Remove oats from the refrigerator, and pour cream cheese ganache overtop. Put back in the fridge overnight to set.
  3. Serving: In the morning, top with more carrot shreds and pecan pieces. Enjoy this delicious grab-and-go breakfast!

Notes

  • I used 1UP Nutrition Vanilla Ice Cream protein powder – use code BAILS at checkout for 20% off everything.

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