Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Ever thought your breakfast routine needed a glow-up? Let me introduce you to my go-to, warming carrot cake baked oatmeal recipe that’s basically like having your dessert and eating it too, all before 9 AM!

Begin your morning routine with my Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal, a splendid melange of healthful rolled oats and the warm, sunny flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. I really love how grated carrots and sweet raisins harmonize in this recipe and that nuts add such a satisfying crunch.

Oats are a whole grain, which means they have lots of fiber and protein, and when you bake them, they kind of puff up and get all warm and cozy inside. Is it breakfast?

Is it dessert? Either way, it’s your new favorite way to eat oats.

Ingredients

• Rolled Oats: High in fiber, provide sustained energy, promote heart health.
• Grated Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, add natural sweetness, boost vitamin A.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener, adds depth of flavor, contains antioxidants.
• Walnuts: Good source of omega-3s, supports brain health, add crunchy texture.
• Raisins: Add sweetness, provide iron, rich in natural sugars.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth, may reduce inflammation, boosts flavor complexity.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Moistens oats, natural sweetener, replaces some added fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 2 cups milk of choice
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup raisins
• ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional)

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to bake at 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch dish for baking by applying a light layer of grease to it.

2. Combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.

3. Stir in the grated carrots until evenly incorporated throughout the oat mixture.

4. In another mixing bowl, combine the milk, pure maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce, and whisk together until smooth.

5. Combine the wet ingredients and the dry ingredients until they are well incorporated.

6. Walnuts or pecans, raisins, and coconut, if using, should be folded in gently.

7. Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

8. Cook in the oven that has been preheated to the temperature of 350°F (177°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the top crust is golden and the center jiggle test comes back with a firm set. If you have an instant-read thermometer, the middle of the pie should measure 145°F (63°C) when it is done.

9. Take out of the oven and let cool for a few moments before cutting.

10. Serve warm. You may top it with yogurt, extra nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Mixing bowls (2)
4. Whisk
5. Spatula or large spoon
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Grater
9. Cooking spray or brush (for greasing)
10. Instant-read thermometer (optional)

FAQ

• Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?You can, of course, use instant oats if that is what you have on hand, but the end result will have a different texture. Instant oats yield a softer consistency.
• How do I store leftovers?Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Can I make this recipe vegan?Indeed, flax eggs—composed of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal and 2.5 tablespoons water—and a plant-based milk alternative can be used.
• Is it possible to make this recipe sugar-free?Omitting the maple syrup or honey and using a sugar-free syrup alternative can significantly reduce the sugar content of this recipe.
• Can I add more spices?You can change the spices by adding ginger or allspice if you want more flavor.
• What can I use instead of applesauce?If you would rather, you can use mashed banana or extra grated carrot as a substitute.
• Is this dish suitable for freezing?Portioned, baked oatmeal can be frozen for one month. If you want to eat some that you’ve frozen, take it out of the freezer, put it in the refrigerator, and let it thaw overnight.

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute quick oats for the rolled oats, but be careful; the texture might be a little different.
Replace maple syrup or honey with one of these in equal amounts: agave nectar, brown sugar.
You have the option of using almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk as a substitute for milk.
Replace the applesauce with mashed bananas for a different flavor profile.
For the walnuts or pecans that are chopped, you can use chopped almonds or leave them out entirely, and it will still be fine (I’d say it’ll be more than fine!) if you choose this nut-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Milk Choice: Use almond milk or coconut milk for a richer flavor that complements the spices well. If you prefer creaminess, whole milk or a creamy plant-based option will enhance the texture.