Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
Warm Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is a dessert-inspired breakfast that’s high in fiber with no added sugar for a filling breakfast you can prep ahead for busy mornings.
Gluten Free, Nut Free, Peanut Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free
Happy New Year!!! Welcome to 2020 – a new decade, with plenty of possibilities ahead of you… including some delicious ones coming your way from moi!
I’m doing things a bit differently this year. I’m creating a Recipe Of The Month (ROTM). Every month I’ll feature a new ingredient throughout the month with a feature ROTM. If you make the ROTM and share on social media (and tag me), you’ll automatically be entered to WIN a prize from me!
So let’s get started with this Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal…
Baked oatmeal is one of my FAVORITE breakfasts. There’s nothing better than waking up to a cozy, warm slice of baked oatmeal that you just reheat and eat!
That’s right… there’s basically NOTHING for you to do in the morning to enjoy a balanced, nourishing breakfast if you make this ahead.
Make ahead breakfasts are the best because mornings are hectic!
Instead of giving yourself an excuse for why you were over-hungry by lunch (and we know being over-hungry is never a good idea!), set yourself up for SUCCESS!
- Make breakfast the night before (if no time for an oatmeal bake, try overnight oats – they’re even quicker!)
- Go to sleep with a glass of water on your nightstand to hydrate as soon as you wake up
- Lay out your clothes so you don’t have to think twice about what to wear (including your gym clothes)
- Pack your work bag in advance
- Spend some time on food prep so you don’t have to worry about having healthy options available
By spending 5 minutes mixing together ingredients you may already have in your kitchen and 30 minutes of hands-off baking time, you can prep an easy breakfast that’s nourishing, well-balanced, and of course, delicious!
Here’s what you need to make this Nut Free Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal:
Rolled Oats – Oats contain filling fiber (click here for a primer on this important nutrient), plus MAGNESIUM, which is a nutrient most Americans don’t eat enough of, but is important for HUNDREDS of uses in the body. I’m a big fan of these allergy-friendly oats or these organic oats.
Chia Seeds – I like to call these a “nutritious trifecta” because they contain healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber-filled carbs – the 3 macronutrients you need for a well-balanced diet. I use these allergy-friendly chia seeds.
Raisins – For a naturally sweet addition without added sugar, raisins are dotted throughout this Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal.
Carrots – As one of the sweetest veggies, carrots fit seamlessly into breakfast oatmeal bake. Hey, if you can include carrots in desserts, why not breakfast too? I’m all for getting a veggie boost at breakfast!
Cinnamon – If you’re just building your spice cabinet, be sure to add cinnamon. It’s not only delicious, but helps balance blood sugar as well. This is important in recipes that contain starchy carbohydrates, like baked oatmeal.
Milk or Non-Dairy Milk Alternative – Moisten your oatmeal bake with 2 cups of milk, or any non-dairy milk alternative. My favorite alternative these days is pea milk (like Ripple) because it’s packed with protein.
Eggs – Eggs are the glue in this recipe. If you’re looking for an egg-free oatmeal bake, try this vegan recipe (YUM!). I haven’t tested an egg-free alternative for this version… yet!
Nut Free Breakfast Ideas
Of course, my version of carrot cake anything (like these waffles) is NUT FREE. I personally have food allergies, and know many of you reading do as well. Nut free carrot cake can be just as delicious as a nutty version (or at least I assume so).
If you don’t have allergies, feel free to add a handful of walnuts or any other nut you enjoy in carrot cake.
If you’re looking for more nut free breakfast ideas, I have an entire page full of em… CLICK HERE! You’ll find sweet and savory, make ahead and make now recipes, plus everything in between!
And now I’m so excited to be adding one more to the collection…
This Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is…
- Made with just 7 ingredients
- Easy to make in 10 minutes + 30 minutes hands-free baking time
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great to grab and go
- Full of fiber
- Free from added sugar
- Allergy-friendly (*contains eggs*)
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 2 cups milk or non-dairy milk alternative (like soy milk, pea milk, etc.)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Optional: maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- In a large bowl mix together oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix in shredded carrots, milk, eggs, and raisins. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl so the mixture is well-mixed.
- Pour into a 9 x 9 baking dish, or a 9-inch circular pie dish (as pictured). If desired, drizzle with pure maple syrup before baking for an added hint of sweetness.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Let cool before cutting and serving.
- Store leftovers (once cooled) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze leftovers, wrapped in plastic wrap in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Don’t Forget to PIN IT…
XO