What is more convenient than having your breakfast ready for you as soon as you wake up? With this Slow Cooker Carrot Cake Oatmeal, you’ll be treating yourself from the get go! It’s such a cozy and filling way to start your day, but without the morning time commitment.

carrot cake slow cooker oatmeal

You will need:
  • Large flake oats. I feel like these keep their shape and texture better than quick oats, but you can use what you prefer!
  • Carrot. It wouldn’t be carrot cake without it, right?!
  • Milk. Feel free to use dairy milk or a plant-based beverage. If you choose a non-dairy option, consider soy or a fortified product that provides a bit of extra protein compared to almond, oat or coconut milk.
  • Brown sugar. This gives a bit of a molasses-y taste and sweetness.
  • Dried coconut. I prefer using sweetened coconut over unsweetened because I enjoy the taste, but again, use whatever you have or like better.
  • Vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. These are to really round out the flavour profile.
carrot cake slow cooker oatmeal
How I prepare the oatmeal:
  1. Timing is key here. You don’t want to turn on the slow cooker too early so that the oats are cooked at 3am. But you also don’t want the preparation of this recipe to eat into your nighttime routine. So first, take note of when you’re going to wake up at the following day. Then count backwards about 8-9 hours and start your prep then. 
  2. One thing to keep in mind is that if you are preparing this in the evening but still have a couple of hours before you are going to turn on the slow cooker, wait to add the wet ingredients. If added too soon without cooking, the oats will soak up the liquid and you will end up with overnight oats. Not a terrible compromise but just not what this recipe is intending. 
  3. The second biggest take-home is to grease your slow cooker pot well! I have regretfully chinced out on this and paid the price in heavy duty dish washing. 

carrot cake slow cooker oatmeal

This Slow Cooker Carrot Cake Oatmeal can be prepared in mere minutes before you jump into bed, resulting in a creamy and comforting oatmeal in the morning. Give this a try the next time you are anticipating a busy morning and feel energized for the rest of the day!

carrot cake slow cooker oatmeal

You will also enjoy these make-ahead breakfasts for busy mornings:

If you make this Slow Cooker Carrot Cake Oatmeal, I would love to see your comment and rating below. It also makes my day seeing your creations of my recipes on Instagram- don’t forget to tag @allnutrition.rd!

carrot cake slow cooker oatmeal

Slow Cooker Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Servings: 3
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Author: Ashlen Leonard
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup large flake oats
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup dried coconut, flaked
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Toppings

  • Walnuts
  • Dried coconut
  • Ground flax seeds
  • Hemp hearts
  • Maple syrup

Instructions
 

  • Grease the inside of the slow cooker with oil or cooking spray.
  • Add the oats, carrot, brown sugar, coconut, cinnamon and salt and mix together.
  • Pour in the milk and vanilla extract and stir again until well combined.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and turn on low heat. Allow the oatmeal to cook for ~8 hours.
  • After the cooking time, mix again to further combine the possible moisture on top of the oats. Serve the oatmeal with desired toppings (my favourites are walnuts, coconut and hemp hearts for some extra protein). Enjoy!