Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal (Print Version)
Warm spiced oatmeal baked with carrots, walnuts, and cinnamon for a cozy morning meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Components
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 - ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
→ Wet Components
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 cups whole milk or non-dairy milk
08 - ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
09 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
10 - 1½ cups freshly grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
11 - ½ cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
12 - ½ cup raisins
13 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
05 - Fold the grated carrots, chopped nuts, raisins, and shredded coconut (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed throughout.
06 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
07 - Bake on the center rack for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.
08 - Allow the baked oatmeal to cool in the dish for 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like carrot cake but you can eat it every single morning without a single ounce of guilt.
- Meal prepping this on Sunday means breakfast is handled for nearly the entire work week.
02 -
- Do not skip greasing the dish, because baked oatmeal clings stubbornly and you will lose half your breakfast to the pan.
- Squeeze excess moisture from the grated carrots before adding them or the bake can turn soggy in the center.
03 -
- Let the baked oatmeal cool completely before covering and refrigerating so condensation does not make it soggy.
- Toast the nuts in a dry pan for three minutes before adding them because that one small step transforms the entire dish.