Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

By Adam Fisher

Dietitian Reviewed: Erin McNamara, RDN, LDN, CLT

Recipe Developed for Health eCooks

Photographed By: Adam Fisher

This Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is packed with warm spices, grated carrots, ripe bananas, and crunchy, toasted pecans for a cozy, satisfying bite. Thanks to a rich blend of vanilla whey protein powder, chia seeds, milled flaxseed, and nonfat Greek yogurt, it’s high protein breakfast recipe that is perfect for healthy meal prep or festive holiday brunches. Moist and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, it delivers the mouthwatering flavor of freshly baked carrot cake with a nourishing twist. Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt and garnished with fresh sprig of mint.

What ingredients do you need to make this healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal?

This healthy breakfast casserole combines a hearty blend of gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, grated carrots, ripe bananas, maple syrup, eggs and more to a create a delicious carrot cake-inspired dish. Each bite is packed with warm spices, toasted pecans, and a touch of lemon zest.

• Gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats

• Vanilla whey protein powder (or vanilla plant-based protein powder of choice)

• Chia seeds

• Milled flaxseed

• Chopped pecans

• Unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)

• Eggs

• Pure maple syrup

• Pure vanilla extract

• Grated carrots

• Ripe bananas

• Lemon zest

• Warm spices

  • Cinnamon

  • Nutmeg

  • Cardamom

  • Ginger

• Nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt

• Fresh mint

Grab these kitchen tools before you begin making this breakfast casserole

• Non-stick cooking spray

• 9x13-inch baking dish or 2-quart casserole dish

• Large mixing bowl

• Rubber spatula

• Fork

• Measuring utensils

  • 1 cup measuring cup

  • ½ cup measuring cup

  • ¼ cup measuring cup

  • Teaspoon

  • ¼ teaspoon

  • 1 cup liquid measuring cup

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal ingredient swaps and additions

If you are like me, I like to change things up a bit when I make a recipe more than once. Whether it's trying out different healthy ingredients or being a bit naughty and making the recipe more decadent, it can be tasty surprise. Below are a variety of ingredient suggestions that will take this Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal to the next level! I suggest going the naughty route so you can enjoy this recipe as a dessert!

Ingredient Substitutions

• Almond milk: Instead of using a plant-based, non-dairy milk, use whole milk for a rich and creamy texture.

• Pecans: If you prefer a different kind of nut for this recipe, feel free to use chopped walnuts or sliced almonds in place of the pecans. Both taste great in this casserole!

• Maple syrup: Although I prefer maple syrup in this recipe, using other natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar are perfectly good substitutes. Please note, I have not tried making this recipe with either substitute, but I imagine using either of them would affect the flavor slightly.

• Lemon zest: One of my favorite additions to this recipe is lemon zest, which adds a bright pop of flavor. However, I find that orange zest makes for a delicious swap. It adds a bit more depth of flavor and really brings out the warmth of the spices.

• Greek yogurt: If Greek yogurt is not your thing, feel free to use regular vanilla yogurt instead. Also, instead of yogurt, add an almond butter or peanut butter drizzle for extra flavor and protein.

• Whey protein powder: I enjoy adding whey protein powder to recipes for a big bump of protein. However, if you are vegan or vegetarian, plant-based protein powders work perfectly in this recipe. It's an easy way to add more flavor and protein to most recipes!

Additional Ingredients

• Dark brown sugar: If you have a sweet tooth, add a ¼ cup dark brown sugar in addition to the maple syrup for an even richer sweetness.

• Dried cranberries: Whenever I make carrot cake, I always enjoy adding dried cranberries into the mix. They add just a touch of tart sweetness that compliments the warm spices perfectly. If dried cranberries are not your speed, feel free to swap them with raisins.

• For serving: When I think of carrot cake, I immediately think of cream cheese frosting. So if you are looking to go all in with this recipe, serve this warm baked oatmeal with a dollop of homemade cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. And why stop there?! Top it off with some fresh whipped cream!

Storing Leftover Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

If you are making this recipe for meal prep or if you have leftovers after hosting a brunch, transfer the baked oatmeal to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you do not think you will get to enjoying it within a week, separate it into individual servings in small airtight containers for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.