Pin It Enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic dessert in a wholesome breakfast format with this Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal. It is a meal-prep friendly solution that combines nutrient-dense rolled oats with the aromatic spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it perfect for busy mornings or a healthy snack.
Pin It This recipe provides a satisfying texture thanks to the combination of old-fashioned oats, crunchy walnuts, and plump raisins. Finely grated carrots add natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring every slice is tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- Vegetables & Fruit
- 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, mix the oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, walnuts, and coconut.
- Step 3
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil.
- Step 4
- Add the grated carrots and raisins to the wet mixture and stir to combine.
- Step 5
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Step 6
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Step 7
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Step 8
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a vegan version of this dish, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs by mixing 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 5 tablespoons of water. Use your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk to keep it plant-based.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to swap the walnuts for pecans or sunflower seeds for a different crunch. If you need a nut-free option, simply omit the walnuts and coconut entirely. You can also adjust the sweetness by alternating between maple syrup and honey.
Serviervorschläge
Serve individual slices warm with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt and a light drizzle of maple syrup. For extra freshness, top your bowl with fresh fruit or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pin It With 265 calories and 6 grams of protein per serving, this Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is a fantastic way to start your day with energy. It's a versatile dish that transitions perfectly from a hearty breakfast to a satisfying afternoon snack.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make carrot cake baked oatmeal ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish is ideal for meal prep. Bake the full batch, portion into individual servings, and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to five days. Reheat each portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before serving.
- → What type of oats work best for baked oatmeal?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the ideal texture—tender yet hearty. Instant oats may become too mushy during baking, while steel-cut oats require significantly longer cooking time and more liquid.
- → How do I know when baked oatmeal is done?
The oatmeal is ready when the center is set and no longer jiggles, typically around 35 minutes at 350°F. The top should appear golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- → Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
While possible, quick oats will create a softer, more porridge-like texture. For best results with the proper texture and structure, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats as specified.
- → How can I make this vegan?
Replace the two large eggs with a flax egg mixture: combine 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 5 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes until thickened. Use non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk in place of dairy milk.
- → What toppings pair well with carrot cake baked oatmeal?
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein. A drizzle of maple syrup enhances sweetness. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped pecans provide texture and flavor contrast. For a true dessert-like experience, add a dollop of whipped cream.