This Flourless Oatmeal and Carrot Pie is a wonderfully healthy dessert that skips traditional ingredients like white sugar, flour, and butter, focusing instead on natural, wholesome ingredients. Combining oats, yogurt, carrots, and apples, this pie is packed with fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness from honey and fruits. The result is a moist, flavorful pie that’s perfect for those looking to indulge in a guilt-free dessert.
With its soft, tender crumb and the added crunch of walnuts on top, this pie is ideal for breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a light dessert. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of oats (130 g)
- 1 cup of natural yogurt (250 ml)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of honey or syrup (about 50 g)
- 2 carrots, finely grated (300 g)
- 2 apples, peeled and grated (320 g)
- Walnuts, to taste, for decorating
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oat and Yogurt Mixture
Start by combining the oats and natural yogurt in a mixing bowl. Stir well to ensure the oats are fully coated with the yogurt. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the oats to soften and absorb some moisture from the yogurt. This will create a creamy base for the pie without the need for flour.
2. Add the Eggs and Sweetener
Next, add the eggs to the oat and yogurt mixture. Whisk the eggs in thoroughly, as they will act as a binder, helping the pie hold together while baking. Then, pour in your chosen sweetener—honey or syrup. This provides the perfect amount of natural sweetness without relying on refined sugar. Mix everything well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
3. Grate the Carrots
Finely grate the carrots using a medium or fine grater. Carrots add natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely orange hue to the pie, making it both nutritious and visually appealing. Add the grated carrots to the batter and stir to combine.
4. Peel and Grate the Apples
Peel and grate the apples to add to the mixture. Apples not only contribute to the sweetness but also provide extra moisture, ensuring the pie stays tender and soft after baking. Stir the grated apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
5. Pour the Mixture into a Mold
Grease a pie mold or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, pour the prepared batter into the mold, using a spatula to spread it evenly. The batter should be thick but easy to work with.
6. Decorate with Walnuts
For a delicious crunch, decorate the top of the pie with walnuts. You can either chop the walnuts into smaller pieces or place them whole, depending on your preference. The walnuts not only add texture but also bring a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples and carrots.
7. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the oven is ready, place the pie in and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know the pie is done when it has a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The pie should be firm to the touch, with a slightly springy texture.
8. Let It Cool
Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the mold for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the pie to set, making it easier to slice and serve. After 10 minutes, transfer the pie to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Spices: For extra warmth and depth of flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Walnut Alternatives: If you prefer a different nut, feel free to swap the walnuts for almonds, pecans, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Moisture Balance: Since apples and carrots add a lot of moisture, be sure to grate them finely and gently squeeze out excess moisture before adding them to the batter.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Sugars: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
Conclusion
This Flourless Oatmeal and Carrot Pie is a light, healthy, and naturally sweetened treat that’s perfect for those looking to indulge without compromising on nutrition. With its combination of oats, carrots, and apples, it’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome option for any time of the day. The natural sweetness from honey and fruits, paired with the crunch of walnuts, creates a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
