This healthy carrot cake baked oatmeal is a great way to start your day. It combines all the flavors of carrot cake into a healthy, nutritious breakfast that will keep you full all morning.
Nutritious and delicious, this is a breakfast that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. It combines whole-grain oats with all the delicious flavors of carrot cake – raisins, coconut, walnuts and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, and of course, loads of freshly grated carrots. Top this baked oatmeal with Greek yogurt and a touch of maple syrup for a healthier way to mimic the traditional cream cheese frosting that is normally added to carrot cake.
This recipe is also great to make-ahead for meal prep. It bakes in about 30 minutes and can easily be reheated during the week for an easy breakfast. It comes together in one bowl too for easy clean-up.
Ingredients:
This recipe uses ingredients that you likely already have stocked in your kitchen.
Eggs- eggs work as a binder to keep the oatmeal together so it is easy to slice and also adds protein. Eggs contain high-quality protein along with iron, choline, selenium, and so many other essential nutrients.
Brown sugar – brown sugar works so well with the carrots and spices in this recipe. If you want to use maple syrup, for a less refined sugar option, that will also work perfectly.
Milk – dairy or plant-based milks would all work well in this carrot cake baked oatmeal.
Rolled oats – rolled oats, as opposed to quick or instant oats, work best for baked oatmeal. Quicker cooking options will get too gummy during baking and give the oatmeal a less desirable texture.
Baking powder – helps the oatmeal stay light and provides a bit of lift to it.
Cinnamon and cloves – these traditional spices used in carrot cake add great aroma and flavor to this recipe.
Carrots – grate your carrots using a box grater or food processor. One large carrot, or about 1 cup shredded carrot is needed. Carrots are nutritious and naturally sweet and work so well in baked good. Bonus – they are so economical all year.
Raisins – a very controversial ingredient in carrot cake! Use them or leave them our based on your preference.
Walnuts – another traditional ingredient in carrot cake. They add a bit of crunchy texture and healthy fat to this oatmeal.
Coconut – coconut is used sometimes in carrot cake and works so well with the other flavors. You can leave it out. Opt for unsweetened coconut so the baked oatmeal does not get overly sweet.
Greek yogurt – top the oatmeal with plain Greek yogurt before serving and maple syrup if desired. This is a healthy way to mimic the cream cheese frosting traditionally used on carrot cake. It also adds a bit of extra protein and extra satisfaction to this recipe.
Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
Equipment
- 1 baking dish about 8×8 or equivalent
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 cups milk
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 1 large carrot)
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- Greek yogurt (optional), for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.
- Add all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Pour into the baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until the oatmeal is set.
- Serve warm. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired or additional milk.
Notes
More baked oatmeal recipes:
I love baked oatmeal and have several versions of it on my website that are equally delicious and nutritious!
