Description
Have cake for breakfast with this healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal. Packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and wholesome gluten-free oats, it is a nutritious start to the day that tastes like a dessert. This recipe is naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it perfect for meal prep or a cozy weekend brunch.
Ingredients
— Dry Ingredients —
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (ensure certified gluten-free)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon sea salt
— Wet Ingredients —
1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or any dairy-free milk)
⅓ cup pure maple syrup
1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
— Mix-ins —
¾ cup freshly grated carrots
⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
¼ cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or pie plate with coconut oil or cooking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir well.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir to combine thoroughly.
5. Add Mix-ins: Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and raisins (if using).
6. Bake: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
7. Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt.
Notes
Oats: It is crucial to use ‘Rolled Oats’ or ‘Old Fashioned Oats’ for the best texture. Quick oats may become too mushy.
Vegan Option: To make this vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins).
Frosting Idea: For a true carrot cake experience, top with a mixture of dairy-free cream cheese and a little maple syrup.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 31
