Dessert for breakfast? Yup! This carrot caked baked oats recipe combines the deliciousness of carrot cake and the wholesomeness of oatmeal to provide a tasty, quick and healthy breakfast recipe. High in fiber, protein and nutrients, this breakfast will keep you full for hours. This baked oatmeal comes together quickly and can easily be made ahead for meal prep.
What is Baked Oatmeal?
Baked oatmeal is like a fancier version of oatmeal. It is made by combining oats, liquid, sweeteners, fruit and a binder (like chia or flax seeds) and baking in the oven. Baked oatmeal is a versatile recipe. Ingredients can be easily subbed in or out. For example, I follow a plant-based diet so instead of eggs I used chia seeds combined with water to make a “chia egg”.
Why You’ll Love These Carrot Cake Baked Oats:
- Healthy twist: I’ve taken the classic indulgence of carrot cake and turned it into a nutritious breakfast option. With wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, shredded carrots, and bananas you can feel good about starting your day with this treat.
- Protein-packed: Thanks to the addition of yogurt, peanut butter and walnuts, these baked oats are loaded with protein, helping you stay fuller for longer and fueling your body with the energy it needs.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add in an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or dried cranberries for extra sweetness, or swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds. The possibilities are endless!
- Make-ahead: You can easily prepare a batch of these carrot cake baked oats ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a quick and convenient breakfast option throughout the week. Just reheat them in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Kid-approved: Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist these delicious baked oats. They’re a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your little one’s diet without them even realizing it!
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Baked Oats
- Oats – the star ingredient, filling and high in fiber. Be sure to use old fashioned oats (not quick oats or steel cut oats) and make sure they are gluten free if you follow a gluten-free diet.
- Carrots – a great source of vitamins and minerals. Carrots are high in beta carotene which your body converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to keep your skin, bones and teeth healthy and is also great for the immune system
- Chia or flax seeds – works as a binder in the recipe (instead of eggs). Also high in omega 3 fatty acids and fiber.
- Peanut butter – add moisture and richness instead of using butter or oil. Provides additional protein and healthy fats.
- Bananas – add moisture and sweetness. Also works as a binder.
- Maple syrup – adds sweetness, feel free to sub alternatives like agave nectar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar in place of the maple syrup
- Yogurt – I recommend a high protein yogurt like Kite Hill Greek Yogurt to increase the protein in this recipe.
- Applesauce – adds moisture and sweetness
- Plant milk – I prefer soy or Ripple Pea milk because they are higher in protein and that is what I usually have on hand. Feel free to sub alternatives like almond milk or cashew milk.
- Vanilla extract – adds a nice flavor
- Cinnamon – a warming spice, great for oatmeal. You can also add nutmeg or ginger.
- Baking powder – acts as a leavening agent, creating a light and fluffy texture
- Salt – enhances the overall flavor
- Raisins – add sweetness and texture. A great compliment to cinnamon. Feel free to omit it if you are not a fan.
- Walnuts – adds healthy fats, protein and texture. Feel free to sub in any nut or seed that you prefer or omit altogether.
How to Make Carrot Cake Baked Oats
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease an 8-inch square pan or baking dish.
Step 2:
Make your chia or flax egg.
Step 3:
Mix the chia egg, banana, peanut butter, maple syrup, yogurt, applesauce, and milk together in your baking dish.
Step 4:
Add in the oats, baking powder, carrots, raisins, walnuts and cinnamon.
Step 5:
Bake for about 40-45 minutes until golden in color.
Step 6:
Let cool for 10-15 minutes and enjoy!
Topping Ideas for Carrot Cake Baked Oats
- Maple syrup to add some extra flavor
- Fresh fruit like diced apple or sliced bananas
- Yogurt which adds extra protein and the tangy flavor is a great compliment to the rich flavor of the baked oats
- Nuts like walnut or pecans for some crunch and flavor
More Recipes to Try!
High Protein Vegan Overnight Oats
High Protein Vegan Buddha Bowls with Sweet Potato and Tofu
FAQs for Carrot Cake Baked Oats
I would avoid using steel-cut oats as they have a different texture and cooking time compared to rolled oats. That being said, if you really want to use steel cut oats, I would recommend trying this recipe out: Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal.
Certainly! You can omit the peanut butter and walnuts if you have a nut allergy. You can replace the peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter, and simply omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for added texture.
Yes, absolutely! You can ensure this recipe is gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. Most oats are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur during processing, so it’s essential to look for certified gluten-free oats if you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
If you prefer not to use bananas or if you’re allergic to them, you can substitute them with unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado for a similar binding effect and moisture. Keep in mind that this substitution may slightly alter the flavor and sweetness of the baked oats.
Yes, you can freeze these baked oats for later. Once they have cooled completely, slice them into individual portions and place them in a freezer-friendly storage container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer bag. They should last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave them until warmed through.
If you prefer your baked oats to be sweeter, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or add a few tablespoons of a sweetener of your choice, such as honey or coconut sugar. Alternatively, you can decrease the amount of sweetener if you prefer a less sweet breakfast option.
Yes, if you’re not following a vegan diet or if you don’t have chia or flax seeds on hand, you can use eggs instead. Simply use two eggs in place of the chia or flax egg. This substitution will also add extra protein to the recipe.
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spices in this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even a dash of cloves for extra warmth and flavor. A teaspoon of pumpkin spice seasoning would also be a great addition.
These baked oats will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days when stored in an airtight container. Simply reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through before enjoying.
Carrot Caked Baked Oats
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 5 Tablespoon water
- 2 medium bananas
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 3 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup vegan yogurt
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup soy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease an 8-inch square pan or baking dish.
- Make your chia or flax egg by combining chia seeds with the water. Set aside to thicken for 10 minutes.
- Mash your bananas in the baking dish and add in the chia egg, peanut butter, maple syrup, yogurt, applesauce, and milk together in your baking dish.
- Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Fold in the carrots, raisins, and walnuts.
- Place in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes until golden in color and toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm or portion it out for meal prep.
Notes
- If you follow a gluten-free diet, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Nutrition facts per serving: 410 calories, 16 g protein, 51 g carbohydrates, 8 grans fiber and 19 grams fat.
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Leave me a comment below if you have any questions!
