If you’re looking for a breakfast option that is both nutritious and indulgent, this Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is the perfect choice. Combining the warm flavors of carrot cake and the wholesome goodness of oats, this dish is not only satisfying but also gluten-free and dairy-free. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting a weekend brunch, this recipe will surely impress.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (approximately 200g)
- 2 medium/large carrots (grated, about 200g)
- 1.5 cups oats (120g)
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 1.5 cups milk of choice (360ml)
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts (crushed, + more for topping, about 30g)
- 1/4 cup raisins (about 40g)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (about 2g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (about 5g)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1/2 cup yogurt (can be vegan, about 120g)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (can be vegan, about 30g)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup, about 15g)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish (20x20cm) with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the ripe bananas in the prepared baking dish and mash them with a fork until smooth. This will add natural sweetness to your baked oatmeal.
- Add the grated carrots, oats, vanilla protein powder, milk of choice, crushed nuts, raisins, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes or until the top is slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the baked oatmeal is cooling, prepare the frosting by combining the yogurt, cream cheese, and honey (or maple syrup) in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Once the baked oatmeal has cooled for a bit, spread the frosting over the top. Optionally, sprinkle more crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Slice into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your deliciously easy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal!
Nutritional Information and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories (varies based on ingredients used)
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Store Leftovers Properly: Allow leftover baked oatmeal to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. You can easily reheat individual servings in the microwave.
- Make it Sweeter or Spicer: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup. You can also ramp up the spice level with additional cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.
- Use Seasonal Variation: For a fruity twist, consider adding fresh blueberries or sliced apples for a variation to the standard carrot base. They not only add flavor but also increase the nutrient content.
Possible Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if you are avoiding nuts due to allergies. They provide a healthy crunch and additional nutrition.
- Fruit Explosion: Add diced pineapple or shredded coconut for a tropical twist to your Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal. These ingredients will complement the carrot flavor while adding extra sweetness and texture.
Enjoy this delightful and healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal as a wholesome breakfast or delicious snack!