These Carrot Cake Baked Oats taste like a decadent slice of bakery carrot cake, but they are secretly packed with wholesome ingredients, fiber, and protein. It’s a cozy, warm, single-serving (or easily doubled) breakfast that feels like dessert first thing in the morning!
Here is an easy, foolproof recipe that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
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The Oat Base:
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½ cup rolled oats (or oat flour)
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½ cup grated fresh carrots (finely grated so they blend right into the batter)
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½ medium ripe banana, mashed (or ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce)
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⅓ cup milk of choice (almond, oat, or dairy milk)
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1 large egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
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1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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The Spices & Extras:
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp baking powder
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A pinch of salt
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1 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (plus a few extra for topping)
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1 tbsp raisins or unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
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The Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional, but highly recommended!):
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2 tbsp plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (or softened light cream cheese)
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1 tsp maple syrup or a pinch of powdered sweetener
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A tiny splash of vanilla extract
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Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Dish
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease a small oven-safe ramekin (about 6 to 8 oz) or a small baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients & Carrots
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In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
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Stir the finely grated fresh carrots directly into the wet mixture.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
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Add the rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the bowl.
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Stir well to combine everything into a thick batter.
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Fold in your chopped pecans/walnuts and raisins (if using).
4. Bake
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Pour the carrot cake oat mixture into your prepared ramekin. Top with a few extra chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set and fluffy (like a soft cake).
5. Make the Quick Frosting & Serve
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While the oats are baking, mix together the Greek yogurt (or cream cheese), maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
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Once the baked oats are out of the oven, spread or dollop the creamy frosting right over the warm top, sprinkle with a few extra pecans, and dig in!
Pro-Tips for Success
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Finely Grate the Carrots: Use the smaller holes of a box grater for your carrots. Finely shredded carrots soften completely as they bake, melting into the oats rather than feeling crunchy.
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Meal Prep Friendly: You can easily double or triple this recipe, pour the batter into a greased baking dish, and bake it for meal prep throughout the week!
