Baked Oatmeal with Carrots and Fruits

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or lightly coat it with butter or coconut oil to prevent the oatmeal from sticking.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the applesauce, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if using). Stir to combine the wet ingredients.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients:

• To the wet mixture, add the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
• Fold in the grated carrots and the mixed berries. If you’re using nuts, add them in at this point as well. The combination of the fruits, carrots, and oats will create a colorful, nutrient-packed mixture.

4. Transfer to the Baking Dish:

• Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. If you want to add a bit more sweetness, you can sprinkle a few extra berries or a drizzle of honey on top.

5. Bake the Oatmeal:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The oatmeal should be set and firm, not runny.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Once the oatmeal is baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow it to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice into portions.
• Serve warm with an extra drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture.

Tips for Perfect Baked Oatmeal with Carrots and Fruits

• Make it Vegan: This recipe is easily adaptable to a vegan diet. Simply use plant-based milk, like almond milk or coconut milk, and skip the honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sugar-free version.
• Use Frozen or Fresh Fruit: If fresh fruit isn’t available, you can use frozen berries or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly as frozen fruits may release more moisture.
• Add Protein: For a more filling breakfast, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the wet ingredients, or top the oatmeal with some Greek yogurt when serving.
• Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor with a dash of nutmeg or ginger. These spices pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the carrots and fruits, creating a warm, comforting aroma while baking.
• Meal Prep: This baked oatmeal keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply portion it out and reheat in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast on busy mornings.

Why This Baked Oatmeal is a Perfect Breakfast Choice

Baked oatmeal is an excellent breakfast choice because it’s not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. The oats provide a great source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full longer, while the carrots add a healthy dose of beta-carotene (good for your vision and skin). The fruits bring in vitamins, antioxidants, and a natural sweetness that makes this dish feel indulgent, without being too heavy on sugar.

This dish is also an excellent way to get some extra vegetables into your day, particularly if you or your kids are not big fans of eating veggies at breakfast time. The carrots blend in seamlessly with the oats and fruits, adding moisture and nutrition without overpowering the other flavors.

Conclusion

Baked Oatmeal with Carrots and Fruits is a wholesome, delicious breakfast that combines the comfort of baked oatmeal with the health benefits of fruits and vegetables. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for meal prepping, making it a go-to breakfast for any morning.

With its natural sweetness, vibrant colors, and perfect texture, this recipe is not only nutritious but also a treat for the taste buds. Whether you enjoy it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of yogurt, this baked oatmeal is sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation.

Give this recipe a try, and start your day with a warm, nourishing bowl of goodness!