Carrot Cake Overnight Oats (Protein Recipe)
These carrot cake overnight oats are basically dessert for breakfast — in the best way. Loaded with fiber and whole grains, they get their cozy flavor from shredded carrots and cinnamon that gives total carrot cake vibes without the sugar crash.
Okay, I need you to trust me here — we’re taking carrot cake, overnight oats, and cheesecake… and mashing them into the ultimate high-protein breakfast that tastes like dessert but hits your macros.
These Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are cozy, creamy, loaded with texture, and honestly? Totally crave-worthy.
They’ve got all the classic carrot cake flavors — shredded carrots, warm cinnamon, a little nutmeg, raisins, and pecans — packed into a fiber-rich, gluten-free oat base. Then we top it with a cheesecake-style white chocolate ganache that sounds fancy but is actually stupid easy to make.
Whether you’re running out the door or need a post-workout snack that tastes like you’re cheating (but you’re not), this one’s about to be in your regular rotation.
And the best part? You can make it the night before, and it’s ready when you are.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CARROT CAKE OVERNIGHT OATS
You will need the following ingredients listed below to make the protein carrot oats (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full step-by-step instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):
- Certified gluten-free oats or quick oats – It’s not required to use gluten free for the recipe to work, but you can if you want to lower gluten content. Old-fashioned oats work but do not use steel cut oats as it will end up too chewy.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk – any plant milk will work here. Cashew milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or soy can be used and regular cow’s milk will do the job as well if you would prefer to use that.
- Chia Seeds
- Protein powder – one of the benefits of overnight oats is you can turn them into a protein-packed meal by simply adding in some protein power. My favorite protein powder is Gourmet Vanilla by PEScience and you can use code BAILEY at checkout.
- Carrot Cake Spices: a warming blend of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Shredded carrots
- pecans – walnuts would be a great substitution and I think pistachios would also be delicious.
- raisins – if you’re not a fan of raisins, use cranberries or simply skip them.
- white chocolate chips – you can use a vegan brand for dairy-free.
- Greek yogurt – a vegan yogurt such as a thick coconut yogurt would be the best vegan substitution here.
- cream cheese – you can use your favorite brand of vegan cream cheese.
- optional – pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond butter, unsweetened coconut flakes, a pinch of salt, etc.
HOW TO MAKE THE CARROT CAKE OVERNIGHT OATS
- Combine all of the oat ingredients in a bowl or jar and mix until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave. Then whisk in the Greek yogurt and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy — no lumps allowed!
- Once the oats have chilled, spoon the cheesecake ganache over the top and return to the fridge to set overnight.
- In the morning, garnish with extra shredded carrots and chopped pecans. That’s it — grab it and go!
FAQS
CAN I USE QUICK COOKING OATS INSTEAD?
Old fashioned rolled oats are typically the best type of oats for making overnight oats, but you can use quick cooking oats instead.
Do not use steel-cut oats in the carrot cake oatmeal because they won’t soften enough to eat just with milk, unfortunately.
HOW DO I STORE THE LEFTOVER CARROT CAKE OVERNIGHT OATS?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The ganache may firm up a little more over time, but the flavor gets even better. If you’re prepping for the week, keep the ganache separate and layer it fresh each morning for best texture!
CAN I BLEND THESE OVERNIGHT OATS?
Yes, you can make blended carrot cake overnight oats. Add oats, milk, protein powder, and spices to a blender and blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds or until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Fill into containers, stir in your carrot cake add-ins and refrigerate. Add the topping the next day.
HOW LONG DO THESE OVERNIGHT OATS NEED TO SOAK BEFORE YOU CAN EAT THEM?
Allow the oats to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. They can also be left in the fridge for up to 5 days.
IS THIS RECIPE GLUTEN-FREE?
Yep! Just double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free.
OTHER HEALTHY OATMEAL RECIPES YOU WILL WANT TO TRY
- Easy Blueberry Overnight Oats
- Gluten Free High Protein Carrot Cake Baked Oats
- Lemon Poppy Seed Baked Oats
- Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Biscoff Overnight Oats
- Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
These High Protein Carrot Cake Overnight Oats are the best oatmeal recipe for lovers of dessert for breakfast! Enjoy all the delicious flavors of carrot cake while getting the benefits from this healthy breakfast option.
Ingredients
FOR 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
FOR CHEESECAKE WHITE CHOCOLATE GANACHE
- 1/3 cup greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp white chocolate chips
- 1.5 tbsp cream cheese
Instructions
- Add all oat ingredients to a bowl or jar. Stir well and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.
- Microwave white chocolate in a small bowl. Mix in with Greek yogurt and room temperature cream cheese. I used a whisk to get rid of lumps.
- Remove oats from the refrigerator, and pour cream cheese ganache overtop. Put back in the fridge overnight to set.
- In the morning, top with more carrot shreds and pecan pieces! Grab and go!
Notes
I used PEScience Gourmet Vanilla protein powder - use code BAILEY at checkout for $$ off.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 526Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 151mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 8gSugar: 26gProtein: 30g
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
Do you have the nutritional analysis on this?
Hi Nicole,
So sorry but I do not!
I used my Weight Watchers app. Rounded up and down to keep it easy. 470 cals P= 28 C=61 F=22
Carrot cake is my favorite dessert so I KNEW I had to make these oats as soon as I saw them! Seriously THE BEST!
I can relate!! Thank you so much for the 5 star review I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!
LOVE THIS, I love all things carrot cake and this did not disappoint
I never leave comments and recipes but I’ve made this twice in one week. It’s an absolute hit in our house. I did substitute unsweetened coconut shavings instead of raisins.
I don’t normally leave reviews or comments but I just had to with this one. It was absolutely AMAZING!!!!! I have had this vanilla protein that I’ve been trying to use up, because no matter what I put it in, I just don’t like it. Well, I have found the winner with this recipe. Thank you!!!!
Hi Steff,
Thanks so much for this kind comment!! I really appreciate you leaving this review! SO glad you enjoyed them!!! 🙂
So good! I didn’t add white chocolate chips to the topping and added a full scoop of vanilla protein powder. Definitely recommend.