Spring Carrot Cake Oatmeal (Print Version)

Wholesome baked oatmeal squares with carrots, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness for any time enjoyment.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1½ cups milk, dairy or unsweetened plant-based
08 - ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
09 - ¼ cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
10 - 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins

11 - 1¼ cups finely grated carrots, approximately 2 medium carrots
12 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
13 - ⅓ cup raisins, optional
14 - ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
05 - Fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, raisins, and shredded coconut if using, until evenly distributed throughout batter.
06 - Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are golden brown.
08 - Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into 9 squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like indulgent carrot cake but won't leave you feeling guilty at 7 a.m.
  • The oats stay tender and almost custard-like, nothing dry or cardboard-y about them.
  • You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning while coffee brews.
02 -
  • Don't skip grating the carrots finely—chunky pieces won't cook through and can feel unpleasant, but when they're thin they almost vanish and make the whole thing moist.
  • The batter should be thick like chunky oatmeal, not pourable like pancake batter, so if yours seems too wet you can sprinkle in a few more oats.
03 -
  • Make sure your carrots are finely grated on the small holes of a box grater—anything coarser will cook unevenly and leave tough pieces in your squares.
  • If you're using dried fruit, consider soaking the raisins in warm water for five minutes before folding them in so they're plump and flavorful instead of hard little pebbles.
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