This nutritious oatmeal carrot pie combines the wholesome goodness of oats, fresh vegetables, and natural sweeteners to create a deliciously satisfying dessert that’s both healthy and indulgent. Perfect for those seeking a lighter alternative to traditional carrot cake, this recipe delivers incredible flavor while providing essential nutrients and fiber.
Ingredients
For 8-10 servings:
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (100g / 3.5 oz)
- 1 cup natural Greek yogurt (240g / 8.5 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (30ml / 1 fl oz)
Fresh Produce
- 2 medium carrots (200g / 7 oz), peeled and grated
- 2 medium apples (300g / 10.6 oz), peeled and diced
- 60g / 2 oz / 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (for topping and decoration)
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (20 minutes)
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Grease a 23cm (9-inch) round springform pan or pie dish with a light coating of oil or butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the vegetables and fruit by washing them thoroughly. Peel the carrots and grate them using the medium holes of a box grater or food processor. The grated carrots should be fine but not mushy.
Step 3: Peel and core the apples, then dice them into small, uniform pieces approximately 0.5cm (1/4 inch) in size. Smaller pieces ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks from disrupting the pie’s texture.
Step 4: Roughly chop the walnuts into bite-sized pieces, reserving some larger pieces for the final decoration. Toast them lightly in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.
Mixing and Assembly (15 minutes)
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, natural yogurt, and honey until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy with no lumps of yogurt remaining.
Step 6: Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 7: Gradually fold in the rolled oats, stirring gently until they are completely incorporated. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes so the oats can begin to absorb the liquid and soften slightly.
Step 8: Add the grated carrots and diced apples to the oat mixture, folding gently until the vegetables and fruit are evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick but moist, with visible pieces of carrot and apple throughout.
Step 9: Fold in half of the chopped walnuts, reserving the remainder for topping. This adds texture throughout the pie while ensuring a beautiful presentation.
Baking Process (45 minutes)
Step 10: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The surface should be relatively smooth, with the mixture reaching the edges of the pan uniformly.
Step 11: Sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts evenly over the top of the pie, gently pressing them into the surface to help them adhere during baking.
Step 12: Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be set and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Step 13: Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan or transferring from the pie dish.
Step 14: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the structure to set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
Nutritional Information
Per slice (1 of 10):
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 12g (naturally occurring)
- Calcium: 85mg
- Vitamin A: 140% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.3g
Total preparation time: 80 minutes (35 minutes prep + 45 minutes baking) Yield: 8-10 slices
This healthy pie provides excellent sources of beta-carotene from carrots, fiber from oats and apples, protein from yogurt and eggs, and healthy fats from walnuts. It’s significantly lower in sugar and calories compared to traditional carrot cake while maintaining rich, satisfying flavors.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Flavor Variations
Spiced Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, and a pinch of cardamom for a warming spice blend reminiscent of traditional carrot cake.
Citrus Twist: Include the zest of one orange or lemon in the batter and add a simple glaze made from powdered erythritol and citrus juice for the top.
Tropical Variation: Replace apples with diced pineapple and add unsweetened coconut flakes. Use macadamia nuts instead of walnuts for a tropical flavor profile.
Chocolate Chip Addition: Fold in 60g dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent treat that still maintains the healthy base.
Dietary Modifications
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) and use plant-based yogurt such as coconut or almond yogurt.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the Greek yogurt with thick coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt for the same creamy texture without dairy.
Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free maple syrup or stevia equivalent, and rely on the natural sweetness from carrots and apples. Add an extra tablespoon of applesauce for moisture.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, as this recipe is naturally gluten-free when using proper oats.
Ingredient Substitutions
Yogurt Alternatives: Unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or pumpkin puree can replace yogurt, though the texture will be slightly different.
Nut Options: Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work wonderfully in place of walnuts. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds provide a nut-free alternative.
Sweetener Swaps: Agave nectar, date syrup, or mashed dates can replace honey for different flavor profiles and vegan compatibility.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store this oatmeal carrot pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as the ingredients meld together. For longer storage, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serve slices at room temperature or slightly warmed. The pie pairs beautifully with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or a light dusting of cinnamon. For special occasions, serve with a small scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt or a cream cheese frosting made with reduced-fat cream cheese.
This pie makes an excellent breakfast option, afternoon snack, or healthy dessert. It’s perfect for potluck gatherings, school events, or any time you want to offer a nutritious treat that doesn’t taste like health food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie without eggs? Yes, substitute each egg with a flax egg or use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious. Commercial egg replacers also work well following package directions.
Why is my pie too moist or not setting properly? Ensure your carrots are well-drained after grating, and don’t overmix the batter. If your yogurt is very thin, strain it for 30 minutes before using. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate and bake until a toothpick comes out with minimal crumbs.
Can I prepare this pie ahead of time? Absolutely! This pie actually tastes better the next day as flavors develop. You can bake it up to 2 days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. It’s also freezer-friendly for up to 3 months when wrapped properly.
How do I prevent the walnuts from burning on top? If the nuts are browning too quickly during baking, tent the pie loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking time. You can also add the nuts halfway through baking rather than at the beginning.
Is this recipe suitable for diabetics? This pie is lower in sugar than traditional desserts and uses natural sweeteners, making it a better option for blood sugar management. However, it still contains natural sugars from fruit and honey. Consult with a healthcare provider about incorporating it into a diabetic meal plan, and consider reducing or eliminating the added honey.
This oatmeal carrot pie proves that healthy desserts can be every bit as satisfying and delicious as their traditional counterparts. With its moist, tender crumb, natural sweetness, and nutrient-dense ingredients, it’s a guilt-free treat that nourishes your body while satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of wholesome oats, fresh vegetables, and protein-rich yogurt creates a dessert that’s as suitable for breakfast as it is for an after-dinner treat.
