Recipe Name
Description: This Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake is a naturally sweet, satisfying, and wholesome breakfast dish packed with fiber, vitamins, and the comforting flavors of cinnamon, apple, and carrot. Made without any added sugar or flour, it’s a guilt-free way to start your day. This bake is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking with different fruits, nuts, and spices. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings – just bake it on the weekend and enjoy slices throughout the week. This recipe is a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables and fruit into your diet, making it appealing to both kids and adults. Enjoy this delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle your day!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (200g) rolled oats, chopped in a blender (or use oat flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk of your choice (almond, soy, oat, or dairy milk all work well)
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 9 dried apricots, rinsed with hot water and chopped
- 4 tablespoons raisins, rinsed with hot water
- 1 medium apple, grated (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are good choices)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bake cooks evenly. Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish (or similar size) with cooking spray, butter, or line it with parchment paper. This prevents the bake from sticking and makes for easier cleanup. If you’re using parchment paper, leave an overhang on the sides to lift the bake out easily after cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Oats: Place the rolled oats into a blender and pulse until coarsely chopped. You don’t want to grind them into a fine powder, just break them down a bit. Alternatively, you can use pre-made oat flour, which can be found in most grocery stores. Using chopped oats or oat flour helps to bind the ingredients together and creates a more tender texture in the bake.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped oats (or oat flour), baking powder, and cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed. This step is crucial for a light and airy texture in the finished bake. The baking powder helps the bake rise, and the cinnamon adds warmth and flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the milk for a smooth batter.
Step 5: Add the Grated Carrot and Apple: Add the grated carrot and grated apple to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Grating the carrot and apple ensures that they cook evenly and adds moisture and sweetness to the bake.
Step 6: Combine All Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the chopped apricots and raisins. Gently fold all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough bake. You want the dry ingredients to be moistened but not completely saturated.
Step 7: Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 8: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bake should be golden brown on top and set in the center. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool slightly in the baking dish before slicing and serving. This allows the bake to set properly and makes it easier to cut into clean slices.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a delightful experience that combines health, convenience, and delicious flavors. You’ll love that it is naturally sweetened, making it a healthy choice without sacrificing taste. The absence of refined sugar and flour makes it a great option for those watching their sugar intake or following a gluten-free diet (ensure your oats are certified gluten-free).
The combination of grated apple and carrots adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the bake, complemented perfectly by the chewy dried apricots and plump raisins. The warm spice of cinnamon ties everything together, creating a comforting and inviting aroma while it bakes.
It is incredibly easy to customize. Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or substitute other dried fruits like cranberries or dates based on your preference. A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds on top adds a boost of nutrition and visual appeal.
It’s a fantastic make-ahead option. Prepare the bake on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and easy breakfasts. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. This makes it a lifesaver for busy mornings when you don’t have time to cook.
It’s a great way to sneak in extra fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially for picky eaters. The grated carrots and apples blend seamlessly into the bake, adding nutritional value without being overpowering. It’s also a hit with both kids and adults.
Finally, the hearty texture and wholesome ingredients will keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime, preventing mid-morning cravings and energy crashes. It provides a sustained release of energy, making it the perfect fuel for a productive day.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm or Cold: This bake can be enjoyed warm straight from the oven or cold as a grab-and-go breakfast.
- Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a flavored yogurt for added protein and creaminess.
- Fruit: Top with fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or peaches for extra vitamins and flavor.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle with chopped nuts, seeds, or granola for added crunch and texture.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, drizzle with a small amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Warm Milk: Serve with a glass of warm milk (dairy or non-dairy) for a comforting breakfast.
- Nut Butter: Spread a thin layer of nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) on top for added protein and healthy fats.
Tips:
- Use Ripe Apples: Using ripe apples will enhance the natural sweetness of the bake.
- Soak the Raisins and Apricots: Soaking the raisins and apricots in hot water for a few minutes before chopping them plumps them up and makes them more moist and flavorful.
- Customize with Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to add different flavor profiles.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added texture and nutrition.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan option.
- Store Properly: Store leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This bake freezes well. Cut it into individual slices and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or microwave for a quick breakfast.
- Texture: The texture of the baked oatmeal should be soft and slightly moist. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk to the batter.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30-35 minutes Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving – will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 8-10 grams
- Sodium: 100-150 mg
Conclusion
The Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake is a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Its simplicity, adaptability, and nutritional benefits make it a perfect choice for a healthy and delicious breakfast. The natural sweetness of the apples, carrots, apricots, and raisins, combined with the warmth of cinnamon, creates a comforting and satisfying meal that will keep you fueled and ready for your day. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead breakfast option, a way to sneak in extra fruits and vegetables, or simply a healthy and delicious start to your morning, this bake is sure to please.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
A: While you can technically use steel-cut oats, it’s not recommended for this particular recipe. Steel-cut oats have a much chewier texture and require a longer cooking time. If you choose to use them, you’ll likely need to pre-cook them slightly before adding them to the batter and you may need to adjust the baking time and liquid content. The final texture will be significantly different and potentially less enjoyable. Rolled oats (or oat flour) provide a more tender and cohesive texture for this bake.
Q2: I don’t like raisins. What can I substitute them with?
A: Absolutely! Raisins can easily be substituted with other dried fruits like dried cranberries, chopped dates, chopped figs, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter treat. You can also use an equal amount of another type of chopped dried fruit, like cherries or blueberries. Experiment with your favorite flavors to find a combination you enjoy!
Q3: Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely add protein powder to this recipe to increase the protein content. I recommend using a vanilla or unflavored protein powder to avoid overpowering the other flavors. Start with about 1/4 cup and adjust the amount of milk as needed to maintain a good batter consistency. Keep in mind that adding protein powder may slightly alter the texture of the bake, making it a bit denser.
Q4: How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?
A: To make this recipe more appealing to children, consider adding a small amount of sweetness, such as a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips. You can also cut the bake into fun shapes using cookie cutters after it has cooled. Another trick is to involve them in the preparation process, such as letting them help measure ingredients or stir the batter.
Q5: What if I don’t have a 9×9 inch baking dish? Can I use a different size?
A: Yes, you can use a different size baking dish, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. If you use a larger dish, the bake will be thinner and will cook faster. If you use a smaller dish, the bake will be thicker and will require a longer baking time. Keep an eye on the bake and check for doneness using a toothpick.
I hope you enjoy making this recipe! If you try it, please let me know in the comments how it turns out. I love hearing from you! 😋 And, please, keep coming back for more delicious and healthy recipes!
