Spring Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal (Printable)

Wholesome baked oats enriched with grated carrots, warm spices, and subtle sweetness in easy squares.

# 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)

# Method:

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. Mix thoroughly.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, raisins, and shredded coconut if using.
06 - Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface.
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 indulgence but holds up beautifully as a real breakfast, no apologies needed.
  • One pan, minimal cleanup, and the whole thing comes together in about an hour from start to finish.
  • You can eat it warm with coffee or pack it cold for the week, and it somehow tastes better on day three.
02 -
  • Don't skip grating the carrots finely; thick shreds will stay separate and chewy instead of melting into the oatmeal and adding moisture throughout.
  • The squares will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so pull them out when the center still feels just barely set—they firm up beautifully as they rest.
03 -
  • Grate your carrots while your oven is preheating so they're fresh and haven't started to oxidize and turn dark.
  • If your baking dish is deeper than standard, add a few extra minutes to the bake time and watch for the edges to turn golden rather than relying on the timer.
Return