Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of warm spices, sweet carrots, and creamy oats, all without lifting a finger in the morning. This Crock Pot Carrot Cake Oatmeal recipe transforms your slow cooker into a magical breakfast maker, delivering a dish that tastes like your favorite dessert but is wholesome enough to start your day. I’ve dreamt of perfecting this recipe for years, and now, I’m thrilled to finally share this incredible creation with you!

Ultimate Crock Pot Carrot Cake Oatmeal: Your New Favorite Overnight Breakfast

Inspired by the delightful flavors of my Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies, I couldn’t help but wonder if that same irresistible taste could be captured in a comforting bowl of slow cooker oatmeal. As a huge enthusiast of slow cooker recipes, the idea of an overnight carrot cake oatmeal became a delightful obsession, constantly brewing in the back of my mind. It’s funny how some recipes stick with you, a culinary goal you just haven’t quite gotten around to. Do you have those too? Those dream dishes you long to create but keep putting off?

For me, mastering croissants and macarons has been another long-standing ambition. Perhaps they’ll make it onto my next “life list” now that I’ve successfully checked off my 40 before 40 goals! It was quite a journey, and the feeling of accomplishment is truly wonderful. But today, the spotlight is on this fantastic slow cooker carrot cake oatmeal—a recipe I can finally celebrate bringing to life!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Slow Cooker Carrot Cake Oatmeal

This isn’t just another oatmeal recipe; it’s a game-changer for your breakfast routine. Here’s why this Crock Pot Carrot Cake Oatmeal is destined to become a household favorite:

• Effortless Overnight Preparation: Simply combine the ingredients the night before, set your slow cooker, and wake up to a perfectly cooked, warm breakfast. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal!
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with the goodness of steel-cut oats, fresh carrots, and warming spices, it’s a nutritious way to fuel your day. You control the amount of sweetness and fat, making it easily customizable to your dietary needs.
• Deliciously Indulgent Flavor: It truly tastes like a slice of carrot cake in a bowl, but without the guilt! The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with sweet carrots and pecans creates a comforting and satisfying flavor profile.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields a generous amount, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping breakfasts for the entire week. Leftovers reheat beautifully.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the spices, sweeteners, and toppings to suit your personal preferences. Add more nuts, different dried fruits, or a dollop of cream cheese frosting (for a real treat!).
• Cozy & Comforting: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of spiced oatmeal on a chilly morning. This recipe brings that comforting feeling with an exciting twist.

Are you convinced yet? Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible breakfast dream a reality!

Essential Ingredients for Your Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable slow cooker breakfast. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich flavors and creamy texture of our carrot cake oatmeal.

Main Ingredients:

• Steel-Cut Oats: The star of the show! Steel-cut oats are less processed than rolled oats, resulting in a chewier texture and a richer, nuttier flavor that holds up wonderfully in the slow cooker. They’re perfect for overnight cooking.
• Water & Milk: This combination provides the liquid base for the oats to absorb and cook slowly, resulting in a perfectly tender consistency. You can use any milk you prefer – dairy or non-dairy (almond, soy, oat milk all work beautifully).
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds a touch of luxurious richness and creaminess, making the oatmeal truly decadent. Feel free to substitute with half-and-half or even more milk for a lighter version.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, & Nutmeg: These are the classic carrot cake spices that bring warmth, depth, and that signature aromatic flavor. Using ground spices is convenient, but freshly grated ginger and nutmeg will elevate the flavor even further.
• Butter: A small amount of butter enhances the flavor and contributes to the smooth texture.
• Maple Syrup: Our natural sweetener of choice. Maple syrup offers a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the spices and carrots beautifully. You can adjust the quantity to your taste or substitute with brown sugar or honey.
• Carrots (Grated): The essential ingredient! Freshly grated carrots soften during cooking, adding natural sweetness and moisture. Make sure they are finely grated for the best texture.
• Raisins: Sweet and chewy, raisins are a classic carrot cake add-in. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit them or swap for another dried fruit like cranberries or chopped apricots.
• Pecan Pieces: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, mimicking the texture of a traditional carrot cake. Walnuts are also an excellent alternative.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla always brightens and rounds out the overall flavor profile.

Recommended Equipment:

• Crock Pot (Slow Cooker): For this recipe, we highly recommend using a slow cooker equipped with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature is a lifesaver, ensuring your oatmeal cooks perfectly without overcooking, even if you’re not there to turn it off right away.
• Parchment Paper: An optional but highly recommended tool for incredibly easy cleanup!

How to Make Crock Pot Carrot Cake Oatmeal: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious breakfast is surprisingly simple. Just a few steps in the evening, and your morning will be transformed!

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: For the easiest cleanup, line the pot of your slow cooker with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface and prevents oatmeal from sticking to the sides.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients EXCEPT for the pecan pieces. Stir everything together thoroughly until well mixed.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the oatmeal mixture evenly into your prepared slow cooker.
4. Cook Overnight: Set your slow cooker to the “low” setting and cook for 4 to 5 hours. If your slow cooker has an automatic “warm” setting, it will transition to that once cooking is complete, keeping your oatmeal perfectly hot until you’re ready to serve.
5. Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, stir the oatmeal. Ladle generous portions into bowls. Drizzle with additional maple syrup if desired, and sprinkle the pecan pieces over the top for added crunch and flavor.
6. Enjoy: Serve warm, optionally with a splash of extra milk or cream for an even richer experience.

Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Achieving that ideal creamy, flavorful oatmeal is easy with these helpful tips:

• Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Seriously, it’s a game-changer for cleanup. Oatmeal can stick to the slow cooker insert, but parchment paper makes it a breeze to remove the cooked oats without scrubbing.
• Use Steel-Cut Oats: While rolled oats can be used, steel-cut oats provide the best texture for slow cooking. They maintain their integrity and offer a satisfying chewiness that rolled oats might lose, becoming mushy.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: The amount of liquid can vary slightly based on your slow cooker and desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner oatmeal, add a little more milk or water during cooking or when serving. For a thicker consistency, reduce the liquid slightly next time.
• Finely Grate Carrots: Ensure your carrots are finely grated so they soften completely and integrate seamlessly into the oatmeal, providing flavor without a raw crunch.
• Overnight Cooking: For an overnight cook, aim for 6-8 hours on “low,” especially if your slow cooker tends to cook at a lower temperature. Always do a test run to find the sweet spot for your specific appliance.
• Stir Before Serving: Give the oatmeal a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors and achieve a consistent texture.
• Customize Sweetness: Taste the oatmeal before adding extra maple syrup. Everyone has a different preference for sweetness, so adjust it to yours.

Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions

This Crock Pot Carrot Cake Oatmeal is fantastic on its own, but it’s also wonderfully versatile!

Add-ins and Toppings:

• Cream Cheese Glaze: For a truly decadent treat, whisk together a small amount of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk or vanilla extract. Drizzle over the warm oatmeal.
• Extra Nuts: Beyond pecans, consider adding chopped walnuts, almonds, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
• Dried Fruits: Dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or dates can add another layer of sweetness and chewiness.
• Fresh Fruit: Sliced bananas, diced apples, or berries make excellent fresh toppings.
• Seeds: A sprinkle of chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds can boost the nutritional content and add texture.
• Nut Butters: A swirl of almond butter or peanut butter offers extra protein and flavor.
• Brown Sugar: A sprinkle of brown sugar adds a caramelized note.

Serving Ideas:

• Serve alongside fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a heartier breakfast.
• Enjoy it as a comforting dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique twist.
• Pack individual portions for easy grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making slow cooker oatmeal:

• Can I use regular rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats?

  While possible, steel-cut oats are highly recommended for this recipe. Rolled oats tend to become very soft and mushy when cooked for an extended period in a slow cooker. If you must use rolled oats, significantly reduce the cooking time to 1-2 hours on low and monitor closely.

• Can I make this recipe vegan?

  Absolutely! Simply substitute dairy milk with your favorite non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat milk) and replace the heavy whipping cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Use a vegan butter substitute or omit it if preferred.

• How long does Crock Pot Carrot Cake Oatmeal last?

  Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s an excellent option for meal prepping your breakfasts for the week.

• How do I reheat leftover oatmeal?

  Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency, as it will thicken in the fridge. You can also reheat it gently on the stovetop.

• Can I prepare this in advance and just turn on the slow cooker in the morning?

  You can definitely prep all the dry ingredients and grate the carrots the night before. Store the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately in the fridge. In the morning, combine everything in the slow cooker and start cooking. This isn’t ideal for an immediate morning meal, but good if you want to delay cooking until you’re awake.

Other Delightful Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of convenient and delicious breakfast options, especially those made in your slow cooker, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:

• Crock Pot Ham and Cheese Grits
• Slow Cooker Greek Frittata
• Crock Pot Spicy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Casserole
• Slow Cooker Apple Raisin French Toast
• Crock Pot Pumpkin Oatmeal

Explore all of our vegetarian slow cooker recipes, copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our extensive collection of Crock Pot Recipes for more culinary inspiration!

Connect With Us!

Don’t miss out on more delicious recipes and kitchen tips! Follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for daily inspiration and our latest posts.

Tried this recipe? Share a photo and mention @TammileeTipsLife on Instagram – we love seeing your creations!

This recipe was originally shared on August 7, 2016, and has been thoroughly updated in January 2021 to provide the best and most comprehensive guide.