Carrot Cake Overnight Oats: A Healthy Breakfast Treat in a Jar

Carrot Cake Overnight Oats bring together the warm flavor of spiced carrot cake and the convenience of a breakfast in a jar. With rolled oats, shredded carrots, Greek yogurt, raisins, and cinnamon, this recipe offers a healthy breakfast that feels like dessert. If you’re searching for oats recipes, carrot overnight oats, or breakfast options that fit clean eating habits, this one checks every box. It’s quick to prep, high in fiber, and easy to customize.

A good overnight oats recipe starts with the right ratio. This one keeps it at a 1:1:½ base of oats, milk, and yogurt. That means one cup rolled oats, one cup milk, and half a cup of Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds creaminess and light tang, while the oats soften without getting mushy.

The key difference here is the carrot. It brings moisture, subtle sweetness, and texture. Grating the carrot finely matters. If it’s too coarse, it stays too crunchy. If it’s too wet, it throws off the balance. I tried both, and the finely grated version won every time.

The spice blend helps it taste like carrot cake, but not like a scented candle. Just cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg is all it takes. Anything more, and you lose the oat flavor entirely.

The Ingredients and What They Do

Rolled oats give structure. I don’t use quick oats for this. They break down too much and turn pasty.

Greek yogurt offers protein and a thicker consistency. If you need a dairy-free option, a coconut or almond-based yogurt works, but the texture becomes looser.

Shredded carrot brings fiber, color, and the nod to actual carrot cake. You don’t taste “vegetable.” What you get is soft chew and a hint of natural sugar.

Maple syrup sweetens without clashing with the spices. I used 2 tablespoons, but you can adjust this up or down. Honey works too, though the flavor becomes a bit sharper.

Walnuts add crunch and richness. If you want something softer, chopped pecans are a great swap.

Raisins give chew. I’ve tested golden raisins and standard ones. Both work, but golden raisins feel lighter and fruitier.

You’ll also want cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. The salt is quiet but necessary. It keeps the oats from tasting flat.

For a similar healthy option with tropical notes, try Coconut Cream Pie Overnight Oats.

The Carrots Matter More Than You Think

If you use bagged pre-shredded carrots, they stay hard and don’t blend in. Hand-grated carrots make a difference. A small hole box grater works best.

I’ve also tried grating in advance and storing them. They dry out overnight. Always shred fresh right before mixing.

Texture changes if you overload them. More than ½ cup and the oats don’t hydrate as evenly.

Making the Oats Step by Step

Once the ingredients are prepped, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, and carrots in a medium bowl or straight into your jar.

Stir in maple syrup, raisins, spices, vanilla, and salt. The spices should be evenly dispersed so every bite tastes warm and spiced, not clumpy.

Fold in chopped walnuts last. They’re more pleasant if they stay slightly firm, not soggy.

Cover and refrigerate. At least 4 hours is necessary. I leave mine overnight, which works well for meal prep.

Another great make-ahead idea for mornings is Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats. It has a creamier, fruit-forward profile.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Dry texture means not enough liquid. Add 2–3 tablespoons milk, stir again.

Sour taste? That’s likely from old yogurt. Always taste it before using.

Grainy oats? Check your brand. Use rolled oats, not steel-cut or quick-cooking.

Spices clumping? Mix dry spices separately before adding. Or sift them directly over the bowl.

If you like spiced breakfast options, Apple Pie Oatmeal gives similar comfort in a different form.

Easy Ways To Adapt This Recipe

Add 1 tablespoon chia seeds to thicken it more. You’ll also get an omega boost.

Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a deeper cake flavor. Just a few drops do the trick.

Swap raisins with chopped dates for a softer, richer taste.

Add 2 tablespoons of crushed pineapple for a carrot-pineapple version. Drain it well.

Storing and Eating Later

In the fridge, it keeps for 3 days in a sealed jar. After that, the carrots get too soft.

Don’t leave it on the counter overnight. Always refrigerate.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this one. The yogurt separates and the carrot texture breaks down.

Eat it cold or let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes to take the chill off.

Helpful Testing Notes

Use a wide-mouth jar if you plan to eat directly from it. Easier to stir and top.

Whisk the spices with milk before combining. This makes them blend smoother.

Always taste the mixture before chilling. You can adjust the syrup or vanilla at that point.

Don’t add toppings before storing. Wait until morning.

For a slightly richer option, Tiramisu Overnight Oats uses coffee and cocoa layers and keeps well in the fridge too.

How To Serve It

Spoon it into a small bowl with extra yogurt and a drizzle of maple. Top with a few extra walnuts for crunch.

Add thin carrot ribbons for color. Sprinkle on cinnamon before serving. Layer in a parfait glass with yogurt and granola for a breakfast jar.

Save This Recipe and Join the Conversation

If you love easy healthy breakfast in a jar recipes, pin this one to your Healthy Breakfast or Oats Recipes board.

Let me know in the comments what you added or changed. I’d love to hear how it turned out.