Carrot Cake Baked Oats

The moment I first tried Carrot Cake Baked Oats, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. It was a chilly autumn morning, the kind where the leaves danced with hues of fiery orange and mellow yellow outside my window. I wanted something warm and comforting, yet energizing. As I combined the wholesome ingredients, the vibrant colors of shredded carrots and the aromatic spices filled my kitchen with a cozy scent that felt like a warm hug. The thought of indulging in a bowl of baked oats, reminiscent of my favorite carrot cake, made my mouth water with anticipation.

As I slid the ramekins into the oven, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the joys of autumn—crisp air, pumpkin-spiced everything, and, of course, the comforting flavors of warm pastries. When the timer chimed, I opened the oven door to reveal two golden-brown creations, puffed up and inviting. The rich smell of cinnamon and baked oats wafted through the air, making it impossible to resist taking a bite immediately. I topped them with a sprinkle of extra raisins and a dollop of yogurt, and just like that, breakfast transformed into a moment of pure bliss.

It’s a simple recipe that not only satisfies a sweet tooth but also provides the nutrition needed to kickstart the day. The best part? You can enjoy this dish any time of the year, but it feels especially perfect in the fall when we crave warmth and comfort. Trust me, this Carrot Cake Baked Oats is a delightful start to any morning, and it may just become your new favorite breakfast!

Ingredients Required for Carrot Cake Baked Oats

When creating the Carrot Cake Baked Oats, it’s all about the harmony of wholesome ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in crafting a dish that’s not only tasty but also nutritious. The blend of oats, carrots, and spices creates a delightful flavor profile, while the apple sauce ensures moisture, making each bite irresistibly soft.

• ¾ cup smooth unsweetened apple sauce – This ingredient adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the oats fluffy and tender.
• 2 tablespoons milk of choice – Whether you prefer dairy or plant-based, milk enriches the batter and adds creaminess.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder and enriches the texture, giving that satisfying cake-like consistency.
• 2 to 3 teaspoons maple syrup – A touch of natural sweetness to balance the flavors; adjust according to your taste!
• ⅔ cup rolled oats or quick oats – The hearty base that gives the dish its satisfying texture and fiber.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – This spice infuses warmth and depth, making it reminiscent of classic carrot cake.
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder – Essential for leavening, ensuring the baked oats rise beautifully in the oven.
• Pinch of salt – Enhances all the flavors, bringing the dish together perfectly.
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated – Adds texture and flavor; about a heaping cup of grated goodness!
• ¼ cup raisins – Sweet little bursts of flavor that complement the carrots wonderfully.
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips or ¼ cup chopped pecans – The choice is yours! White chocolate adds a sweet creaminess, while pecans provide a delightful crunch.

How to Assemble Carrot Cake Baked Oats

Assembling Carrot Cake Baked Oats is a delightful process. Each step is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the experience of creating something wonderful. Let’s dive into the easy steps that bring this recipe to life!

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly grease two 8 to 10 ounce oven-safe ramekins. This ensures that your oats won’t stick and will have a lovely golden-brown finish.

2. In a blender, add the apple sauce, milk, egg, maple syrup, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It should resemble a batter, thick yet pourable.

3. Next, stir in the finely grated carrot, raisins, and either white chocolate chips or chopped pecans until well combined. This step introduces delightful bits of texture to the smooth batter, making each bite exciting.

4. Transfer the batter into the greased ramekins. Feel free to fill them to the brim, as they will puff up in the oven. If you’d like, top with additional carrots, oats, and white chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.

5. Place the ramekins on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake until the oats have puffed up and started to pull away from the edges of the ramekin, roughly 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.

6. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. These Carrot Cake Baked Oats are delightful warm or even at room temperature, allowing the flavors to settle beautifully.

Recipe Notes about Carrot Cake Baked Oats

As you embark on your journey with Carrot Cake Baked Oats, here are a few tips to make your experience even better!

• Storage: Leftover baked oats can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual servings for a quick breakfast option. Just let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze.
• Pairing: Enjoy these baked oats with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for a delicious balance.
• Gluten-Free Options: If needed, ensure to use gluten-free oats for a safe and delightful breakfast.
• Flax Egg Alternative: To make this egg-free, use a flax egg made from one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with two tablespoons of almond milk.

Pairing Suggestions for Carrot Cake Baked Oats

The Carrot Cake Baked Oats are fantastic on their own but can be paired beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas for a burst of flavor and nutrients.
• Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, creating a well-rounded breakfast.
• Nut Butter: Drizzling almond or peanut butter over the top enhances the dish with healthy fats and extra richness.
• Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of spiced tea or coffee complements the flavors of the baked oats perfectly.
• Seasonal Additions: In colder months, consider serving with a hot drink like chai or a spiced latte for warmth.
• Brunch Gatherings: These baked oats are perfect for brunch with friends, paired with light salads or savory items.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Carrot Cake Baked Oats are a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert in a healthier format. They’re not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients, making them perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it may just become your go-to morning indulgence. Enjoy each bite knowing you’re treating yourself to something special!

Carrot Cake Baked Oats

The ultimate comfort food, Carrot Cake Baked Oats combines wholesome ingredients into a deliciously moist and satisfying breakfast. With the perfect balance of spices and sweetness, it's an easy weeknight treat that will leave you craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup smooth unsweetened apple sauce
• 2 tablespoons milk of choice
• 1 egg egg
• 2 to 3 teaspoons maple syrup see note
• ⅔ cup rolled oats or quick oats see note
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 medium carrot finely grated (about ? heaping cup)
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips or ¼ cup chopped pecans

Equipment

• Grater
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Blender
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly grease two 8 to 10 ounce oven-safe ramekins.
2. Add apple sauce, milk, egg, maple syrup, oats, baking powder, cinnamon and a pinch of salt to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the carrot, raisins and white chocolate chips or pecans until combined.
4. Transfer the batter to the greased ramekins and top with additional carrots, oats and white chocolate chips, if desired.
5. Bake on the center rack until the baked oats have puffed up and started to pull away from the edge of the ramekin and toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean, about 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Tip 1: Not all oats are gluten-free, so be sure to look for gluten-free certified oats if you need them.
• Tip 2: Two teaspoons of maple syrup is just barely sweet, and an extra teaspoon makes it a bit more cakelike.
• Tip 3: Want to make this without the egg? We tested this with a “flax egg”, made from 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 2 tablespoons almond milk.
• Tip 4: Leftover baked oats will keep at room temperature for about 3 days.

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.