I’ve been making this Oatmeal Apple Carrot Bake for years, perfecting it through countless Sunday morning baking sessions. It combines wholesome ingredients into a deliciously nutritious treat that my family requests weekly.

Growing up in a household where breakfast was considered the most important meal of the day, I learned early on that mornings deserved something special. This Oatmeal Apple Carrot Bake recipe came to life during one particularly chilly autumn weekend when I wanted to create something both nourishing and comforting for my family. The combination of sweet apples, earthy carrots, and hearty oatmeal struck the perfect balance – not too indulgent, yet satisfying enough to feel like a treat. Over the years, it’s become our go-to weekend breakfast, with everyone gathering around the table as the warm cinnamon aroma fills our kitchen. What makes this oatmeal bake special is its versatility – equally delicious fresh from the oven or prepared ahead for busy mornings. Ready to create a new family favorite?

Why You’ll Love This Oatmeal Apple Carrot Breakfast Bake

Having tested countless breakfast recipes over the years, I can confidently say this oatmeal bake stands out for its perfect balance of nutrition and comfort-food appeal. It originated from my grandmother’s apple cake recipe, though I’ve added carrots and reduced the sugar to create a healthier morning option.

Packed with nutritious ingredients that keep you satisfied until lunch, including fiber-rich oats, fresh carrots, and apples
Make-ahead friendly – prepare it the night before and simply reheat portions throughout the week for quick breakfasts
Customizable to dietary needs – works beautifully with non-dairy milk alternatives and can accommodate various substitutions
Kid-approved despite being packed with vegetables – the natural sweetness makes it a hit with picky eaters
Perfect balance of flavors with warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and earthy carrots creating a cozy breakfast experience
Versatile serving options – enjoy it warm with yogurt, cold as a snack, or warmed with a drizzle of maple syrup

As my husband always says, “This oatmeal bake makes vegetables taste like dessert for breakfast – but I don’t feel guilty eating it!”

Ingredient Note List

Rolled Oats: I always use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats because they maintain their texture during baking and provide that perfect hearty chew in the final oatmeal apple carrot bake.

Carrots: Freshly grated carrots add natural sweetness and moisture to the bake, plus they incorporate vegetables into breakfast in a deliciously disguised way.

Apples: I prefer using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples in this recipe as they hold their shape during baking while adding either balanced sweetness or a pleasant tartness to the oatmeal bake.

Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce helps bind the ingredients while adding natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for excessive oil in the recipe.

Milk: Any type of milk works wonderfully in this recipe, though I find oat milk or almond milk creates a particularly nice flavor profile in this oatmeal apple carrot bake.

Honey or Maple Syrup: I typically use maple syrup for its rich flavor that complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully, though honey works equally well for a different flavor dimension.

Brown Sugar: The molasses content in brown sugar adds depth and a caramel-like richness that enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and apples.

Oil: I prefer using melted coconut oil for its subtle sweet flavor, but any neutral vegetable oil works perfectly fine in this recipe.

Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and binding, helping the oatmeal bake hold together while adding protein to make this a more complete breakfast option.

Cinnamon: I always use Ceylon cinnamon for its warm, complex flavor that elevates the entire dish and makes the kitchen smell absolutely heavenly while baking.

How to Make Oatmeal Apple Carrot Bake?

Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish with a bit of coconut oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2. In my largest mixing bowl, I combine the rolled oats, freshly grated carrots, diced apples, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, giving everything a good stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3. My grandmother taught me to whisk wet ingredients separately, so in another bowl, I thoroughly mix the applesauce, milk, sweetener, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until they’re well combined and slightly frothy.

Step 4. I’ve found that pouring the wet mixture into the dry ingredients all at once, then folding gently with a spatula, prevents overmixing while ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 5. When adding optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts or raisins, I gently fold them in at the very end to maintain their texture and ensure they’re distributed throughout the bake.

Step 6. I transfer the batter to my prepared baking dish, taking care to spread it evenly with a spatula so the oatmeal bake cooks uniformly.

Step 7. My perfect baking time is exactly 32 minutes, but I always recommend checking with a toothpick inserted in the center – it should come out clean with perhaps a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8. I’ve learned through experience that allowing the oatmeal bake to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing helps it set properly, making for cleaner, more presentable servings.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store leftover Oatmeal Apple Carrot Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays deliciously fresh for up to 5 days. For best results, I let it cool completely before covering to prevent condensation from making the top soggy.

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, I recommend wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. In my experience, they maintain their quality for up to 3 months in the freezer, making this recipe perfect for meal prep.

For reheating, I’ve found that 20-30 seconds in the microwave works perfectly for individual portions, restoring that just-baked warmth. For a more indulgent approach, I sometimes place a square in a small oven-safe dish, add a tablespoon of milk over the top, and heat at 325°F for about 10 minutes, then enjoy it alongside a slice of our Banana Cream Cake. which brings back the moist, freshly-baked texture.

What to Serve with Oatmeal Apple Carrot Bake

Greek Yogurt with Honey: The cool, tangy yogurt creates a delightful contrast with the warm oatmeal bake, while adding extra protein to make this a more substantial breakfast. Or try pairing it with a side of Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing for a refreshing touch.

Fresh Berries: I always keep seasonal berries on hand to serve alongside this bake – the bright, juicy flavor complements the warm spices and adds beautiful color to your breakfast plate.

Nut Butter Drizzle: My family loves when I warm a little almond or peanut butter to drizzle over their serving – it adds healthy fats and protein while creating a decadent breakfast experience. For a cozy twist, enjoy it with our Apple Cocoa Bake on the side.

Coffee or Chai Tea: The warm spices in this oatmeal apple carrot bake pair beautifully with a robust cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea, making for a cozy morning ritual.

Crispy Bacon: For weekend brunch, I often serve this sweet oatmeal bake with a side of crispy bacon – the sweet-savory combination is absolutely irresistible and pleases everyone at the table.

FAQs

Can I make this oatmeal bake dairy-free?

Absolutely! I’ve made this countless times with almond milk and coconut oil instead of dairy milk and butter, and it turns out just as delicious.

How can I increase the protein content?

I recommend adding a quarter cup of hemp seeds or chopped nuts to the batter, or serving each portion with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

In my experience, steel-cut oats require more liquid and longer cooking time, so I don’t recommend substituting them directly in this oatmeal apple carrot bake recipe.

Will quick oats work in this recipe?

I’ve tried quick oats, and while the recipe still works, the texture becomes much softer and less defined than with old-fashioned rolled oats.

Can I reduce the sugar content?

Many home cooks successfully make this with just the maple syrup or honey and omit the brown sugar completely, especially if your apples are particularly sweet.

How do I know when it’s perfectly baked?

I always look for golden brown edges pulling slightly away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center coming out clean.

Oatmeal Apple Carrot Bake

A wholesome and delicious treat made with oats, apples, and carrots, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 9 squares

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

baking dish
mixing bowls
whisk
measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Ingredients

2 cups Rolled oats Base ingredient providing fiber and texture.
1 cup Grated carrots Adds moisture and sweetness.
1 cup Diced apples Peeled and cored for sweetness and flavor.
1/2 cup Unsweetened applesauce Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
1/2 cup Milk Dairy or non-dairy, for moisture.
1/4 cup Honey or maple syrup Natural sweetener.
1/4 cup Brown sugar Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
1/4 cup Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil For moisture and richness.
2 large Eggs Provides structure and moisture.
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
1/2 teaspoon Baking powder Helps the bake rise.
1/2 teaspoon Baking soda Helps with leavening.
1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.
1/2 cup Chopped nuts or raisins Optional for added texture and flavor.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish (9x9 inches or similar size).
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, grated carrots, diced apples, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, milk, honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts or raisins.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature, perfect for breakfast or a snack!

Notes

Enjoy your Oatmeal Apple Carrot Bake, a nutritious and delightful dish that’s perfect for any time of the day!

Keyword Carrot Bake, Healthy Snack, Oatmeal Bake

Homemade Oatmeal Apple Carrot Bake Recipe – Healthy Breakfast Treat