This Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is a warm and cozy dish, perfect for breakfast! It’s packed with sweet carrots, cinnamon, and nuts, making each bite like a hug in a bowl.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just mix everything in one bowl, bake, and it’s ready in no time. Plus, the smell while it’s baking is simply amazing! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of the baked oatmeal. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they’ll change the texture. Steel-cut oats aren’t ideal for this recipe since they need longer cooking time.
Milk: Any milk works here! I usually use almond or oat milk for a nutty flavor, but cow’s milk is great too. You can also use unsweetened milk to keep it less sugary.
Carrots: Fresh, finely shredded carrots are key for sweetness. If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-shredded carrots. You could also use zucchini for a twist, just squeeze out excess moisture.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans add crunch and richness. If anyone has nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. You can also skip them entirely for a nut-free version!
Sweeteners: Maple syrup gives a lovely flavor, but honey or agave work too. For a lower sugar option, consider using mashed bananas or applesauce instead.
How Do You Ensure Your Baked Oatmeal is Just Right?
Getting the right texture for baked oatmeal is crucial! You want it to be fluffy yet firm. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Don’t overmix when combining wet into dry; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Baking it until just set is key! Keep an eye on it; if the center isn’t wobbly and the top is golden, it’s done.
- Let it cool a bit before serving. It will firm up as it cools.
With these tips, you’ll have a fantastic Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal that everyone will love!
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: cream cheese or yogurt for drizzle/topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. You’ll have a warm, comforting breakfast ready in just over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or an oven-safe dish of a similar size. This helps prevent sticking!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Mix it well so that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Whisking the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until it’s well mixed. This ensures a smooth batter when combined later!
4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together until just combined—but don’t overdo it, as a few lumps are okay!
5. Adding Carrots and Nuts:
Fold in the shredded carrots and half of the chopped nuts into the mixture. This adds delicious texture and flavor to your oatmeal.
6. Pouring into the Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Top with the remaining chopped nuts for an extra crunch when baked.
7. Baking Time:
Pop it in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and the top is a lovely golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Optionally, you can drizzle with cream cheese frosting or yogurt before serving to add a creamy touch!
9. Enjoy Each Bite!
Slice and serve warm. Enjoy your delightful Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal as a wholesome breakfast or snack!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While you can use quick oats in a pinch, they will change the texture of the baked oatmeal, making it softer and more mushy. Rolled oats provide a better structure and bite!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the eggs with 1/2 cup of applesauce or 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water. Also, ensure you’re using plant-based milk and maple syrup.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning. It might need an extra few minutes in the oven if baked straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold, topped with yogurt!
