Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

Combine the comforting essence of a classic dessert with the nutritional benefits of a wholesome breakfast in this Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal. This recipe is a meal-prep favorite, offering a hearty and flavorful start to your day that the whole family will love.

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This easy-to-make dish is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious snack or a prepared morning meal. With warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, every bite feels like a treat while providing lasting energy.

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)
• 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
• 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 the best results, use a box grater to finely grate the carrots so they soften perfectly during baking. Ensure you use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats to achieve the ideal chewy texture that baked oatmeal is known for.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tbsp water) and use a non-dairy milk. You can also swap the walnuts for pecans or omit them entirely to make the dish nut-free.

Serviervorschläge

Serve a warm slice of this oatmeal with a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup. This dish keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days; simply reheat individual portions in the microwave as needed for a quick breakfast.

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Enjoy this wholesome, easy-to-prepare breakfast that brings the delicious flavors of carrot cake to your table in a healthy, baked oatmeal format.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This baked oatmeal stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Portion into individual containers and reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.

→ What milk works best?

Dairy milk provides the creamiest texture, but unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk all work wonderfully. Coconut milk adds extra richness. Just avoid sweetened varieties since maple syrup provides the sweetness.

→ How do I know when it's done baking?

The oatmeal is finished when the center feels set and no longer jiggles, typically around 35 minutes. The top should be golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, not wet.

→ Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. You can decrease the maple syrup to ¼ cup or substitute mashed banana for half the sweetener. The raisins also provide natural sweetness. Just note that reducing sweetener affects the final texture slightly.

→ What toppings pair well?

Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped apples complement the warm spices. A drizzle of extra maple syrup, nut butter, or toasted coconut flakes add delicious finishing touches.

→ Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, this freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely, cut into portions, and wrap individually in plastic or place in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen in the microwave.