Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal (Printable)
Warm spiced baked oatmeal with grated carrots, raisins and walnuts - an easy, nourishing breakfast for six.
# What You Need:
→ Grains & Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups rolled oats
02 - 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 - ¼ teaspoon salt
→ Fruits & Vegetables
06 - 1½ cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
07 - ½ cup raisins or chopped dates
08 - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 2 cups milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
12 - 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
# How-To:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or coconut oil.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - Add the finely grated carrots, raisins, and chopped walnuts to the dry mixture. Toss gently to coat and distribute evenly throughout.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
05 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
06 - Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing lightly to create a uniform layer.
07 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.
08 - Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm on its own or topped with a dollop of yogurt.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It tastes like carrot cake but passes as a legitimate, nourishing breakfast that you can prep in fifteen minutes flat.
- The leftovers reheat beautifully, so Monday morning you just warm a square and feel like someone cared enough to make you something special.
02 -
- Do not skip greasing the dish, because baked oatmeal clings stubbornly to bare glass and you will lose half your beautiful squares trying to dig them out.
- For a vegan version, swap the eggs for two flax eggs and use your favorite plant milk, and the texture stays remarkably tender and satisfying.
03 -
- Squeeze the grated carrots gently in a clean towel if they seem very wet, because excess moisture can make the bake soggy instead of custardy.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for three minutes before adding them, because that one extra step transforms them from fine to absolutely unforgettable.