Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal (Printable)
A cozy morning treat combining spiced carrot flavors with hearty oats, loaded with wholesome ingredients
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
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 salt
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
08 - ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
09 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
10 - 1½ cups freshly grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
11 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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 nonstick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
04 - Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
05 - Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, raisins, and shredded coconut (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
06 - Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
07 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.
08 - Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving warm.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- It tastes like dessert but fuels you like a proper breakfast, which feels like getting away with something sneaky and wonderful.
- The leftovers reheat beautifully, so one batch on Sunday means easy mornings for the rest of the week.
02 -
- Squeeze the grated carrots in a clean towel before adding them if they seem very wet, because excess moisture can make the center soggy.
- Check the oatmeal at the 30 minute mark because ovens vary wildly and the difference between perfectly set and slightly overdone is only a few minutes.
03 -
- Toast the nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them because that one extra step transforms the entire flavor of the dish.
- Use the fine side of your grater for the carrots so they practically disappear into the oatmeal, making even the carrot skeptics in your life happy.