Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with Maple Cream Cheese Swirl

Carrot cake’s spice-and-carrot charm finds a make-ahead breakfast home in these overnight oats. Grated carrots and warm cinnamon mingle with creamy oats, finished with a maple cream cheese swirl that echoes the classic frosting.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep

Estimate for one serving

• 445 cal
• 16g protein
• 58g carbs
• 18g fat
• 9g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or dairy milk
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup packed finely grated carrots
• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/3 cup raisins or chopped dates
• 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
• 4 oz softened cream cheese
• 1 Tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

1. 1In a large mixing bowl combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, grated carrots, maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Stir thoroughly so every oat is coated and no dry pockets remain.
2. 2Fold in the raisins and half of the chopped walnuts. Divide the mixture evenly among four 12-ounce jars or containers, packing it down lightly.
3. 3In a small bowl beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining maple syrup and powdered sugar until smooth and pipeable or spoonable.
4. 4Dollop or swirl maple cream cheese mixture on top of each jar of oats. Sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the cream cheese.
5. 5Seal the jars and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight (up to 4 days). The oats will soften and the carrots will mellow into classic carrot-cake flavor.
6. 6In the morning give each jar a gentle stir to marble the cream cheese through the oats, or leave the swirl on top for presentation.
7. 7If the oats seem too thick, loosen with an extra splash of milk. Taste and add a tiny extra drizzle of maple if you want more sweetness.
8. 8Serve cold straight from the jar or microwave 45–60 seconds for a warm version. Enjoy with a spoon, making sure to get cream cheese, oats, and walnuts in every bite.