Healthy Carrot Baked Oatmeal

Featured in Morning Meal Ideas.

Enjoy a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food with this Healthy Carrot Baked Oatmeal. Delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and nutrition, it’s made from rolled oats, maple syrup, shredded carrots, and warming spices like cinnamon and ginger. Almond milk brings a creamy texture, while crunchy pecans and plump raisins add delightful layers of flavor and texture. Perfect as a breakfast treat or dessert, this baked oatmeal is easy to prepare and refined-sugar free, making it a guilt-free indulgence the whole family can enjoy.

Fatiha
Updated on Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:58:03 GMT
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A square white dish with a square of food in it. | zestplate.com

This cozy carrot cake baked oatmeal transforms morning breakfast into something truly special. The warming spices and natural sweetness create a nutritious dish that feels like dessert but fuels your day with wholesome ingredients.

I first created this recipe when trying to get my nieces to eat more vegetables at breakfast. They gobbled it up and now request "cake for breakfast" whenever they visit. The combination of familiar carrot cake flavors with hearty oatmeal makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

  • Rolled oats: form the hearty base and provide filling fiber
  • Baking powder: helps create a lighter texture in your baked oatmeal
  • Cinnamon and ginger: bring classic carrot cake warmth
  • Salt: enhances all the flavors
  • Almond milk: keeps it dairy free and adds subtle nuttiness
  • Eggs: provide structure and protein
  • Maple syrup: adds natural sweetness with complex flavor
  • Vanilla extract: enhances the dessert like quality
  • Shredded carrots: add moisture natural sweetness and nutrients
  • Raisins: bring bursts of natural sweetness throughout
  • Chopped pecans: add wonderful texture and healthy fats

How To Make Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

Prepare the baking dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease an 8×8 casserole dish. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier. A light coating of cooking spray works perfectly.
Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl combine the rolled oats baking powder cinnamon ginger and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout the oats.
Prepare the wet mixture:
In a separate medium bowl whisk together the almond milk eggs maple syrup and vanilla extract until well combined. The eggs should be fully incorporated with no visible streaks.
Add the mix ins:
Fold in the freshly shredded carrots and half of both the raisins and pecans into the wet mixture. The carrots should be finely shredded using the small holes of a box grater for the best texture.
Combine everything:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry oat mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly moistened. Avoid overmixing which can make the texture too dense.
Bake to perfection:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and gently press down to ensure all oats are soaked in liquid. Sprinkle the remaining raisins and pecans on top and press them lightly into the surface. Bake uncovered for 40 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

The shredded carrots are truly the star of this dish. I like to hand grate them just before mixing for the freshest flavor and most moisture. My grandmother always said that freshly grated carrots make all the difference in carrot cake and the same applies here. The natural sweetness they release during baking creates the most wonderful aroma throughout your kitchen.

This baked oatmeal keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply cover the cooled baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. For longer storage you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat gently warm in the microwave for about 60 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through.

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A white bowl with a slice of cake and a dollop of whipped cream. | zestplate.com

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this baked oatmeal straight from the oven or dress it up with delicious toppings. Try a dollop of Greek yogurt a drizzle of almond butter or even a splash of warm almond milk poured over top. For a more decadent version add a small drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of coconut flakes. This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit on the side especially berries or sliced bananas. For brunch serve alongside a simple fruit salad and coffee for a complete meal.

Ingredient Swaps

This recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to what you have on hand. Replace almond milk with any milk you prefer oat coconut or dairy all work well. Swap the pecans for walnuts almonds or even sunflower seeds for a nut free version. Not a fan of raisins? Try dried cranberries chopped dates or even chocolate chips for a more dessert like treat. The maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar. You can even add a mashed ripe banana to the wet ingredients for extra natural sweetness and moisture.

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A glass dish filled with a mixture of rice, nuts, and carrots. | zestplate.com

The History Behind Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Carrot cake itself has fascinating origins dating back to medieval times when sweeteners were expensive and scarce. Carrots were used as a natural sweetener in desserts throughout Europe. The modern American carrot cake gained popularity during World War II when sugar was rationed. This baked oatmeal variation combines the beloved spice profile of traditional carrot cake with the nutritional powerhouse of oatmeal creating a breakfast that honors both tradition and modern nutritional wisdom. It represents the best of comfort food reimagined for everyday wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute almond milk with any non-dairy or regular milk of your choice, such as oat milk, soy milk, or cow’s milk.

→ How do I make it gluten-free?

Ensure the rolled oats you use are certified gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions for a quick and convenient meal.

→ What can I substitute for pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds can be used in place of pecans, depending on your taste or dietary preferences.

→ Can I skip the raisins?

Yes, you can omit raisins or replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates if you prefer.

Healthy Carrot Baked Oatmeal

Wholesome baked oatmeal with carrots, maple syrup, and pecans.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Breakfast

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: ~

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten free if necessary)
02 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1 3/4 cups almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
07 2 eggs
08 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
09 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
10 3/4 cup shredded carrots
11 1/2 cup raisins
12 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or other nut)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8 casserole dish. Adjust cooking time if using a different size dish.

Step 02

In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.

Step 03

In a separate medium bowl, stir together the almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

Step 04

Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 05

Fold in the shredded carrots and half of the raisins and pecans.

Step 06

Pour the mixture into the greased dish, pressing down to ensure the oats are soaked. Sprinkle the remaining raisins and pecans on top, and press down lightly.

Step 07

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.

Step 08

Let the baked oatmeal cool for 5 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

  1. Certified gluten-free rolled oats are recommended if a strict gluten-free diet is required.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8×8 casserole dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Cheese grater
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans) and eggs. Ensure no cross-contamination for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180.5
  • Total Fat: 7.9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 23.6 g
  • Protein: 3.8 g