If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome breakfast that tastes like a cozy hug on a chilly morning, this Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake is about to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Imagine tender baked oats, ribbons of sweet carrot, juicy apple, and the warmth of cinnamon and maple—the kind of nourishing, naturally sweet breakfast you can slice and share. This colorful satisfying bake is not only filling but also packed with nutrients, making it the kind of breakfast you’ll feel good about starting your day with. Whether you prep it ahead to snag a quick bite during the week or bake it fresh for a lazy weekend brunch, the Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake has a way of winning over just about everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this breakfast bake is in its simplicity: each ingredient layers in flavor, texture, and even a little color! Even if your pantry is looking sparse, you’ll likely have most of these on hand.
- Old-fashioned oats: The heart and soul of the bake, giving you that signature chewy texture and keeping you full for hours.
- Baking powder: A touch of baking powder lifts the oats, making the bake pleasantly soft rather than dense.
- Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon dials up the coziness and brings out the natural sweetness of the apples and carrots.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch provides subtle warmth and depth, making each bite even more comforting.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and enhancing both the sweet and spice notes.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Helps everything meld together; choose your favorite to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Maple syrup or honey: Adds natural sweetness and a mild, caramel-like note; either works beautifully!
- Eggs: Act as a binder, holding the whole bake together for easy slicing.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla ties in all the bakeshop magic and makes the bake smell irresistible.
- Apple, grated: The grated apple melts into the oats, delivering sweetness and moisture with every forkful.
- Grated carrot: It adds color, natural sweetness, and just enough veggies to kickstart your day.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Nuts bring crunch and a lovely nutty flavor—feel free to skip for a nut-free bake.
- Coconut oil or melted butter: Richens the texture and infuses the bake with comforting flavor.
How to Make Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 8×8-inch baking dish a light coating of cooking spray or a swipe of butter to keep sticking at bay. This simple prep step ensures that every square of your Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake releases beautifully later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the old-fashioned oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the dry components first helps evenly distribute all those warm spices so that every bite is infused with flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, pour in the milk, maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter. Use a whisk to bring everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This is where the aroma really starts to build—the vanilla, maple, and egg blend is irresistible!
Step 4: Stir Everything Together
Add the wet mixture to the dry oats mixture, stirring until all the oats are moistened. Then, gently fold in the grated apple, carrot, and nuts (if you’re feeling nutty today). This is the moment where the bake takes on its personality—colorful, textured, and sweet.
Step 5: Bake
Pour your oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Your kitchen will smell like a dream—the kind of inviting scent that makes everyone wander in, spoon at the ready.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow your Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake to cool slightly in the pan. This makes slicing easier and lets all those flavors settle together. Plate up a warm square and prepare to swoon over every bite.
How to Serve Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake
Garnishes
This bake is already brimming with flavor, but a little garnish can bring your breakfast to life! Try a drizzle of extra maple syrup, a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of more chopped nuts for crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of cinnamon or a handful of fresh berries adds color and pizzazz.
Side Dishes
A steaming mug of coffee or spiced chai pairs beautifully with the Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake. For a heartier spread, add crispy bacon or savory vegetarian sausage patties. Some crisp apple slices or a medley of citrus segments on the side lighten the meal and complement the bake’s sweet notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting brunch, cut the bake into tidy squares and serve on a pretty platter, or bake it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also layer reheated squares in parfait glasses with yogurt and fruit for an eye-catching breakfast trifle. The Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake is truly versatile when it comes to presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store wonderfully: simply place any cooled squares in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors deepen over time, making your breakfast even more crave-worthy as the week goes on!
Freezing
To freeze, cut the bake into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and stash in a freezer-safe container or bag. This makes for a fantastic grab-and-go option on busy mornings—just defrost and reheat when you need a wholesome breakfast fix.
Reheating
Pop single squares of the Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds until warmed through, or reheat in a low oven to crisp the top. You can always add a splash of milk if the oats need a little extra moisture after chilling.
FAQs
Can I make Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), use non-dairy milk, and opt for maple syrup instead of honey. Go with coconut oil instead of butter for a 100 percent plant-based breakfast.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
You can, though the texture will be a bit softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned oats give the bake its signature hearty bite, but quick oats work in a pinch—just keep an eye on the bake as the cooking time might be slightly shorter.
How can I make this bake nut-free?
It’s easy to make a nut-free version: simply skip the walnuts or pecans, and use any nut-free milk you prefer. The Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake is just as delicious without the nuts!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! To serve a crowd, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. The baking time will stay about the same, but keep an eye on the center to ensure it’s set before pulling it from the oven.
Is it okay to grate the apple and carrot in advance?
Certainly! You can grate them the night before and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Give them a quick toss before adding to the batter so everything bakes up nice and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
This Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake truly feels like a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a way that’s both comforting and nourishing. It’s the kind of recipe that can brighten any morning, and once you try it, you might just find yourself baking it again and again. Set your table, share a square (or two!), and savor how delicious mornings can be.
Print
Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your day with a wholesome and delicious Apple, Carrot, and Oat Breakfast Bake that’s perfect for meal prep. This baked oatmeal is filled with cozy spices, sweet apple, and nutritious carrots, making it a satisfying and nutritious breakfast option.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, grated
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk milk, maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter.
- Combine mixtures: Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in grated apple, grated carrot, and nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in individual portions.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- You can use almond milk and skip the nuts for a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
