There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm slice of baked oatmeal, especially when it combines the rich flavors of carrot cake. Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is an innovative and nutritious dish that brings together the best aspects of breakfast and dessert. If you are looking for a sweet but wholesome way to start your day, you have landed on the right recipe.
Why We Love This Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Recipe
One of the biggest reasons you will adore this Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is its versatility. It serves as a delightful breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a guilt-free dessert. The marriage of oats and the flavors of carrot cake means you can enjoy it any time of day. The recipe allows you to indulge in a delightful treat while still maintaining a balanced diet.
Additionally, the preparation is quite simple. You do not need special baking skills; rather, you just need a handful of wholesome ingredients, a bowl, and a baking dish. There’s minimal mess, and the ingredients are generally easy to find in your pantry or local grocery store. This flexibility and ease make it a go-to recipe for both busy weekdays and leisurely weekends.
Let’s explore the ingredients you will need to whip up this delicious baked oatmeal.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
To create your Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 eggs
- 2.5 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup milk
- 1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups oats (quick, minute, or rolled)
- 1/2 cup unflavoured collagen powder
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon all spice (optional)
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots (about 1 large carrot)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped, optional)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for frosting)
- 3 tablespoon cream cheese (softened, for frosting)
- 2 tablespoon honey (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
These ingredients blend beautifully, combining natural sweetness and nutrients to create a satisfying meal.
How to Make Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
Now that you have the ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making this delightful dish:
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8.5×8.5-inch square baking dish to ensure your oatmeal doesn’t stick.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, take your unsweetened applesauce and whisk it together with the eggs until well combined. Next, add the honey, milk, and vanilla extract into the mixture. Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth combination.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Now, add the oats, collagen powder, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and ground ginger to the bowl. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed with the wet mixture.
Incorporate Add-Ins: Gently fold in the shredded carrots, raisins, chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut if you decided to include them. These additions will provide that classic carrot cake texture and flavor.
Bake: Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and place it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. You know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare Frosting: While the oatmeal is baking, get started on the yogurt frosting. In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Cool and Serve: Once your Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is finished baking, allow it to cool slightly. Top with the yogurt frosting, then slice it into six equal pieces for serving.
Enjoy this wholesome dish warm, and savor the wonderful blend of flavors with every bite.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
Serving this baked oatmeal is as enjoyable as making it. You can present it in various ways:
Basic Slices: Serve each slice as-is, topped with a generous scoop of the yogurt frosting. The contrast between the warm oatmeal and the cool frosting creates a delightful balance.
Garnish: For added flavor and visual appeal, consider garnishing each slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few nuts, or a drizzle of additional honey.
Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh fruit like bananas, berries, or apple slices to bring a refreshing touch to your meal. Both the fruit and baked oatmeal complement each other perfectly.
Meal Prep: If you’re prepping for a busy week ahead, serve slices in individual containers. They make for a nutritious grab-and-go breakfast.
With these serving ideas, you can enjoy your Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal in countless delicious ways.
Expert Tips for Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
To ensure your baked oatmeal turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
Reduce Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet treat, feel free to reduce the honey. The natural sweetness of the applesauce and shredded carrots may be enough for you.
Use Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, freshly shredded carrots. Avoid pre-packaged shredded carrots, as they may not offer the same taste.
Oat Type: Choose your oats wisely. Quick oats are great for a smoother texture, while rolled oats offer a chewier bite. You can also blend the two for a balance of textures.
Add Spices: If you enjoy spices, feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, or even cloves in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Bake Time: Keep an eye on your oatmeal while it’s in the oven. Every oven is different, so check for doneness around the 25-minute mark and adjust accordingly based on how it looks.
Following these tips will not only enhance your Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal but also ensure that your kitchen experience is hassle-free and enjoyable.
How to Store Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
If you have leftover Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal, you can store it easily:
Refrigerate: After it has cooled completely, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave.
Warming Up: Reheat your slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. This brings back that comforting warmth reminiscent of fresh-baked oatmeal.
Variations of Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
The beauty of this Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal recipe is its flexibility. Here are some variations you can explore to make it your own:
Nut-Free: If you or anyone you serve has nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts. You can replace them with seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch.
Dairy-Free: Substitute cow’s milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. You can also use dairy-free yogurt for the frosting.
Add Protein: Increase the protein content by adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture. Make sure to adjust liquid proportions as needed.
Fruity Twist: Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots along with the carrots for an additional layer of flavor and sweetness.
Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice mixes. Adding cardamom or even a pinch of cayenne can introduce an exciting complexity to your dish.
By experimenting with these variations, you can tailor your Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal to cater to your specific taste preferences.
FAQ
What is Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal?
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast dish that combines oats, shredded carrots, and warming spices typically found in traditional carrot cake. It’s baked to perfection and can be topped with a delightful yogurt frosting.
How do I store leftover Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly, and they can last for up to three months.
Can I make Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap cow’s milk for any plant-based milk, and use dairy-free yogurt for the frosting to make it suitable for those avoiding dairy.
How long does it take to bake Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal?
Typically, it takes about 25-30 minutes to bake your Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal. Keep an eye on it, and make sure a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
Equipment
- 8.5×8.5-inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 pieces eggs
- 2.5 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup milk
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups oats quick, minute, or rolled
- 1/2 cup unflavoured collagen powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2.5 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 1/8 teaspoon all spice optional
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots about 1 large carrot
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped, optional
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut optional
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt for frosting
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese softened, for frosting
- 2 tablespoons honey for frosting
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8.5×8.5-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce and eggs until well combined. Add honey, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- Add oats, collagen powder, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and ground ginger. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in shredded carrots, raisins, walnuts, and shredded coconut if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the frosting by whisking together Greek yogurt, cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once baked, allow to cool slightly before topping with frosting. Slice into six pieces and serve warm.
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