Save The morning my daughter caught me grating carrots into my oatmeal bowl, she looked at me like I had finally lost it. But then she smelled the cinnamon wafting from the oven and asked if she could have the first bowl. Now she requests this carrot cake baked oatmeal every Sunday, and honestly, it has transformed our weekday breakfast chaos into something genuinely peaceful.
Last winter when my sister visited, she walked in during that final ten minutes of cooling time and immediately demanded to know what I was making. We ended up eating it straight from the baking dish with two spoons, standing in the kitchen in our pajamas, and she texted me three days later saying she had already made it twice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: These hold up better during baking than quick oats, giving you that perfect chewy texture
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon & ½ tsp nutmeg: This warm spice combo is what transforms ordinary oats into something magical
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the oatmeal puff up just slightly so its not dense or heavy
- ¼ tsp salt: A little bit enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors
- ½ cup chopped walnuts: Totally optional, but that subtle crunch makes each bite more interesting
- ¼ cup shredded coconut: Another optional add-in that adds texture and a tiny tropical note
- 2 cups milk: Dairy or nondairy both work beautifully, so use whatever your family prefers
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together and give the baked oatmeal structure
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey: Just enough natural sweetness without sending your sugar through the roof
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Always splurge on the good stuff here since it shines in simple recipes
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter: Adds richness and helps prevent the oatmeal from drying out
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots: About two medium carrots, and grate them finely so they almost disappear into the oats
- ½ cup raisins: Little bursts of sweetness that make every bite feel like a treat
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9x9 baking dish with a little butter or oil
- Whisk the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, walnuts, and coconut until well mixed
- Mix the wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil until smooth
- Add the carrots and raisins:
- Stir them into the wet mixture so they are evenly distributed throughout
- Combine everything:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until all the oats are coated
- Bake until golden:
- Spread the batter in your prepared dish and bake for about 35 minutes until the center is set
- Let it rest:
- Cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing, which helps it hold its shape perfectly
Save This recipe became my go-to when I started training for a half marathon and needed something substantial but not heavy. Now even on non-running days, I find myself craving that comforting combination of warm spices and hearty oats.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this baked oatmeal is how adaptable it is to whatever you have in your pantry. Sometimes I swap the raisins for chopped dried apricots, and during apple season I will add half a grated apple along with the carrots.
Storage Solutions
I always cut the entire pan into six squares immediately after cooling and store them in individual containers. This makes mornings so much easier since you can just grab one, maybe add a splash of milk, and microwave for about a minute.
Serving Suggestions
While this is delicious on its own, a dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds protein and makes it feel even more decadent. On weekends I like to drizzle a little extra maple syrup and maybe add some fresh berries.
- A warm cup of coffee or tea alongside makes this feel like a real treat
- Crumble a square over yogurt for a different texture experience
- Top with a spoonful of peanut butter if you need extra staying power
Save There is something deeply comforting about having a wholesome breakfast ready to go, especially when it tastes like dessert but fuels you properly for whatever the day throws at you.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → Can I make carrot cake baked oatmeal vegan?
Yes, simply replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water) and use any unsweetened non-dairy milk instead of dairy milk.
- → How long does baked oatmeal stay fresh?
This baked oatmeal keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Individual portions reheat beautifully in the microwave.
- → What type of oats work best for this dish?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the ideal texture. Steel-cut oats become too chewy, while instant oats may turn mushy during baking.
- → Can I freeze carrot cake baked oatmeal?
Yes, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- → What toppings work well with this breakfast?
Greek yogurt adds protein, a drizzle of maple syrup enhances sweetness, fresh fruit brings brightness, or a dollop of nut butter offers extra richness.