Carrot cake overnight oats are healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and made with no refined sugar! This quick and easy meal prep breakfast idea is great for busy families. They’re made with pantry staples like rolled oats, yogurt, chia seeds, shredded carrots, raisins, and maple syrup. These dessert oats are reminiscent of classic carrot cake!

carrot cake overnight oats in a jar with yogurt and chia seeds

By now, you probably already know I’m a big fan of dessert for breakfast. Try my Cookie Dough Overnight Oats and Healthy Funfetti Pancakes, and you’ll instantly understand why. If you have a sweet tooth like me, these carrot cake overnight oats must be next up on your list!

This dessert oatmeal can, of course, be enjoyed for both breakfast and dessert. It has the sweet and creamy flavor of carrot cake, but it’s loaded with nutrition in every bite. The simple recipe is made with healthy ingredients like rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, and shredded carrots.

Best part? It’s a quick make-ahead breakfast, so the oats are instantly ready first thing in the morning. From start to finish, it only takes about 5 minutes to make at night. That’s right – this is a life changing breakfast for anyone on a busy schedule.

These carrot cake overnight oats are:

  • Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free
  • Sweet, creamy, comforting, and satisfying
  • An easy meal prep breakfast for busy families
  • High fiber // 8 grams per serving
  • Reminiscent of the classic carrot cake dessert!
carrot cake overnight oats in a jar with chia seeds and yogurt

Ingredients in carrot cake overnight oats

  • Oats: Use rolled oats for overnight oatmeal. They are great for soaking because they’re steamed and flattened. Don’t use steel cut or instant oats.
  • Milk: Use any type of milk, whether it’s non-dairy or dairy. I suggest oat milk or almond milk.
  • Yogurt: I highly recommend making these carrot cake overnight oats with yogurt. You can use non-dairy or dairy yogurt, and a vanilla flavor will taste best. If you want to omit this ingredient altogether, that’s ok.
  • Carrot: Use store bought shredded carrots or simply shred carrots yourself at home. They are loaded with nutrients, like vitamin A and vitamin K.
  • Maple syrup: We’ll use maple syrup to keep the oatmeal refined sugar-free. Alternatively, you can use honey or agave nectar. If you don’t mind some refined sugar, brown sugar tastes delicious!
  • Raisins: Raisins are often used in carrot cake, so we’ll add a spoonful to these oats. You can use regular raisins or golden raisins.
  • Chia seeds: These seeds expand while soaking, which helps give the oats a creamy texture. They’re also high fiber and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Cinnamon: This anti-inflammatory spice is a key ingredient in carrot cake, so of course we’re using it for this recipe.
  • Vanilla extract: Add a dash of vanilla extract to make it taste like dessert.
  • Salt: Just a pinch of salt is needed to enhance the other ingredients.
ingredients for carrot cake overnight oats on a marble serving board

How to make overnight oats with carrots

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, add rolled oats, milk, yogurt, shredded carrot, maple syrup, raisins, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to a jar. Mix the ingredients together, then seal with a lid.

Next, store the oats in the refrigerator overnight or at least 4 hours.

The next morning (or whenever you are ready to eat), remove the lid and stir the oats. If desired, add a splash of milk to thin the consistency.

Enjoy the oats directly out of the jar or transfer them to a bowl. Add any toppings of your choosing, like almond butter, granola, and raisins. Enjoy!

ingredients for carrot cake overnight oats in a mason jar
a hand holding a spoon mixing carrot cake overnight oats in a jar

Recipe variations for carrot cake overnight oats with yogurt

Easily customize these dessert oats with your choice of mix-ins and toppings. Try any of the ideas below.

  • Medjool dates: If you don’t like raisins, try chopped medjool dates instead.
  • Nut butter: Add a boost of healthy fats with a spoonful of nut butter. Choose almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter. If you need a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead.
  • Protein powder: If you want to consume a high protein breakfast, mix a scoop of protein powder into the oats. I recommend a vanilla flavor for this recipe.
  • Cocoa powder: If you love chocolate, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or cacao power.
carrot cake overnight oats in a jar with yogurt and chia seeds

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are overnight oats good for weight loss?

Yes, oats can be included in a healthy weight loss journey. They are low calorie and high fiber, which helps keep you full for hours. However, remember it’s important to consider the other foods you’re consuming and lifestyle factors.

Are overnight oats healthier than oatmeal?

Oftentimes, they are equally healthy. The answer depends on the other ingredients in the recipe. These carrot cake overnight oats are healthy, but my regular oatmeal recipes are too.

Is overnight oats better with milk or yogurt?

I suggest using both milk and yogurt every time you make overnight oatmeal. These two ingredients help create a super creamy consistency.

How to store carrot cake overnight oatmeal

It is best to enjoy carrot cake overnight oats within 24 hours. However, you can keep them stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.Tightly seal them in a jar with a lid.

carrot cake overnight oats in a jar with a spoon inside it

More dessert overnight oats recipes

If you try these Carrot Cake Overnight Oats, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
carrot cake overnight oats in a jar with yogurt and chia seeds

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Kaylie Grace
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Mix
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Carrot cake overnight oats are a healthy, vegan, and gluten-free breakfast recipe! They’re great for meal prep and busy families. The easy recipe is made with yogurt, chia seeds, shredded carrots, raisins, and maple syrup. Enjoy them for breakfast on the go or as a healthy treat. This dessert oatmeal recipe tastes like carrot cake! #overnightoats #overnightoatmeal #oatmeal #oatmealrecipe #carrotcake #breakfastdessert #dessertforbreakfast #porridge #mealprep #veganbreakfast #healthybreakfast


Ingredients

Units Scale

Overnight Oats

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup non-dairy milk or milk
  • 1/4 cup non-dairy vanilla yogurt or dairy yogurt (optional, but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey, agave, etc)
  • 1 tbsp raisins
  • 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Optional Toppings

  • Almond butter
  • Granola
  • Raisins

Instructions

  1. Add rolled oats, milk, yogurt, shredded carrot, maple syrup, raisins, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to a jar. Mix ingredients together, then seal with a lid.
  2. Store oats in the refrigerator overnight (or at least 4 hours).
  3. The next morning (or whenever you are ready to eat), remove the lid and stir the oats. If desired, add a splash of milk to thin the consistency.
  4. Enjoy the oats directly out of the jar or transfer them to a bowl. Add any toppings of your choosing, like almond butter, granola, and raisins. Enjoy!

Notes

  • How to store: These oats are best enjoyed within 24 hours. However, you can keep them stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Be sure they are tightly sealed with a lid to maintain freshness.
  • Toppings: Serve with any of your favorite toppings, like almond butter, granola, and raisins.
  • Nutrition information below is made without toppings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 68g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 7.5g

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and love!