Description: A comforting and nourishing breakfast bake packed with the goodness of oats, apples, carrots, and dried fruit, perfect for a wholesome start to your day. This recipe is naturally sweetened, flourless, and easily customizable to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (200g) rolled oats, finely chopped in a blender or food processor (see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (240ml) milk of your choice (almond, soy, oat, or dairy milk all work well)
- 1 medium carrot, grated (about 1/2 cup)
- 9 dried apricots, rinsed with hot water and chopped into small pieces
- 4 tablespoons raisins, rinsed with hot water (golden or dark raisins)
- 1 medium apple, grated (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- Optional additions: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseed meal, drizzle of honey or maple syrup (if desired)
- For greasing the baking dish: 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×9 inch square baking dish with butter or coconut oil. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides of the dish evenly to prevent the bake from sticking. You can also line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Oats Place the rolled oats in a blender or food processor. Pulse until the oats are finely chopped but not completely turned into flour. This helps to create a smoother texture for the bake. Alternatively, you can use oat flour if you prefer, but finely chopping the rolled oats provides a slightly coarser, more rustic texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the chopped oats, baking powder, and cinnamon. Whisk together to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed. This is important for the bake to rise properly.
Step 4: Prepare Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, grated carrot, chopped apricots, raisins, and grated apple. Make sure the eggs are well beaten and the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bake. If using optional additions like nuts, seeds, or a sweetener, fold them in at this stage.
Step 6: Bake Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bake is golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the bake to firm up and makes it easier to cut into squares.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake is a winner for so many reasons:
- Healthy and Nutritious: It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, fruits, and vegetables, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Naturally Sweetened: The sweetness comes from the apple, carrots, and dried apricots, making it a healthier alternative to sugar-laden breakfast options. If you feel the need for more sweetness add maple syrup or honey
- Flourless and Gluten-Free (if using certified gluten-free oats): This recipe is perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or who are looking to reduce their flour intake.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different fruits, nuts, seeds, or spices.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this bake in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and easy breakfast during the week.
- Delicious and Satisfying: The combination of flavors and textures makes this breakfast bake incredibly enjoyable and satisfying. It’s a great way to start your day with a smile.
Cooking Rating
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips:
- For a moister bake, add an extra 1/4 cup of milk.
- If you don’t have dried apricots, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries or cherries.
- To prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom of the bake, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
30-35 minutes
Total Time:
45-50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
This Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace a healthier, more wholesome way of starting your day. With its blend of nourishing ingredients, customizable options, and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast during the week or a special treat for the weekend, this bake is the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly delightful breakfast experience.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats? While you can use steel-cut oats, the texture will be quite different. Steel-cut oats are much chewier and will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. I recommend sticking with rolled oats for the best results, and make sure to chop them finely in a blender.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! This breakfast bake is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.
- What kind of apple is best to use in this recipe? I recommend using a variety of apple that holds its shape well when baked, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. These apples are also naturally sweet and flavorful.
- Can I add protein powder to this recipe? Yes, you can add protein powder to this recipe. I suggest adding about 1/4 cup of your favorite protein powder to the batter. You may need to add a little extra milk to compensate for the added dryness.
- Can I freeze this breakfast bake? Yes, you can freeze this breakfast bake. Let it cool completely, then cut it into individual squares and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
