Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (Printable version)

A wholesome make-ahead breakfast combining classic carrot cake flavors with creamy oats, warming spices, and optional frosting for effortless mornings.

# What you need:

→ Oats Base

01 - 1 cup rolled oats
02 - 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
04 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

→ Mix-ins

06 - 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
07 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
08 - 1/4 cup raisins
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
11 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Toppings

13 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
14 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup
15 - Additional nuts, carrots, or coconut flakes as desired

# How To:

01 - In a medium bowl or large jar, combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
02 - Add grated carrot, walnuts or pecans, raisins, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until completely incorporated throughout the oat mixture.
03 - Cover the container and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours, allowing the oats and chia seeds to fully absorb the liquid and develop flavors.
04 - Before serving, combine softened cream cheese and maple syrup in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy.
05 - Stir the refrigerated oats well in the morning. Divide the mixture evenly between two bowls or jars. Top with cream cheese mixture and additional nuts, grated carrot, or coconut flakes as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get all the cozy flavors of carrot cake without turning on your oven or spending hours baking
  • The oats and chia seeds keep you full for hours while tasting like a treat
02 -
  • The texture will seem too loose when you first mix it, but chia seeds need time to work their magic
  • Grating the carrot finely is the difference between eating oatmeal and eating something with strange crunchy bits
03 -
  • Use a box grater rather than a food processor for the carrots, you want them grated not pulverized
  • Let the cream cheese frosting sit at room temperature while the oats chill for easier spreading

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