These Carrot Cake Baked Oats are a tasty twist on breakfast! With real carrots, warm spices, and a delicious protein frosting, they feel like dessert but are totally healthy.
Who knew healthy could be this fun? I love to make these for a cozy morning treat. Top with nuts or even a sprinkle of coconut for extra yum! You’ll want to save some for later! 🥕🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These provide the base for the baked oats. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Instant oats can be used, but they may make the final product mushier.
Grated Carrots: Fresh carrots add moisture and sweetness. If you’re short on time, pre-grated carrots work, though I recommend freshly grating them for the best flavor.
Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce keeps the dish moist and adds natural sweetness. You can substitute it with mashed bananas for a different flavor and extra sweetness.
Milk: Use any milk you like, be it dairy or plant-based (like almond or oat milk). I tend to use almond milk for its light flavor.
Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder enhances the frosting’s flavor. You could swap it for chocolate protein powder if you want a richer taste.
How Can I Make Sure My Baked Oats Are Cooked Perfectly?
To ensure your baked oats come out fluffy and nice, follow these steps:
- Mix your dry and wet ingredients separately before combining to avoid lumps and ensure even blending.
- Don’t overmix when folding in the grated carrots and nuts; a gentle fold keeps your oats airy.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes.
Letting the oats cool slightly before adding the frosting helps it set better on top. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Carrot Cake Baked Oats with Protein Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Baked Oats:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (plus extra for topping)
For the Protein Frosting:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. Allow for about 10 minutes for cooling before spreading the frosting. You’ll have a wholesome dessert ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a baking dish (around 8×8 inches) and either grease it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent the baked oats from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a big bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything well together so that the dry ingredients are nicely mixed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients and Carrots:
Now, add in the grated carrots, unsweetened applesauce, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract to your bowl of dry ingredients. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Fold in the Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, making sure to save some for the topping later. This will add a nice crunch to your baked oats!
5. Bake the Oats:
Pour the oat mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is nicely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Protein Frosting:
While your baked oats are cooling, let’s whip up the protein frosting! In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, protein powder, honey or maple syrup (to taste), and vanilla extract. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
7. Frost the Oats:
Once the baked oats have cooled slightly, spread the protein frosting generously over the top. This creamy layer will make your tasty treat even more delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with the extra chopped nuts for a nice finish. You can serve these warm or chilled—either way, they’re a delightful and healthy dessert. Enjoy your delicious carrot cake baked oats!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can substitute quick oats for rolled oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different. Quick oats tend to absorb more liquid and may create a denser baked oatmeal. If you use quick oats, you might want to reduce the baking time slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free rolled oats. Check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze portions for later! To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt for the Frosting?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt, sour cream, or a plant-based yogurt for a vegan option. Just adjust the sweetness with honey or maple syrup to your preference for a smooth, creamy frosting!
