Looking for a healthy, delicious, and protein-packed dessert or breakfast dish? This Carrot Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Custard Bake is your answer. A naturally sweet, fluffy custard packed with nutrients, it blends the earthy sweetness of carrots with the creamy tang of cottage cheese, the texture of oats, and the subtle warmth of cinnamon. Baked to perfection and optionally sweetened with stevia, this custard is gluten-free, sugar-conscious, and ideal for those who want to indulge while staying mindful of health.
Whether you’re serving it as a nourishing start to your day, a post-workout recovery snack, or a comforting dessert, this bake is as versatile as it is satisfying. And best of all? It uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
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Yield: Serves 4–6
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Cuisine: Health-conscious, European-inspired
Ingredients
For the Custard:
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2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
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Water (as needed, for cooking the carrots)
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 cup (240 ml) carrot broth (reserved from cooking carrots)
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1 cup cottage cheese
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1 tsp cinnamon (additional)
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½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
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Stevia or other sweetener, to taste (optional)
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3 egg whites
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1 cup oatmeal (rolled oats)
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1 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Prepare the Carrots
Peel and finely grate the carrots. Place them in a saucepan and cover with just enough water to submerge them. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, or until the carrots are soft and tender. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid (carrot broth), then drain the rest and set aside both the broth and carrots to cool slightly.
Prepare the Custard Base
Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. In a large bowl, mix the cooked carrots with the cottage cheese and reserved carrot broth. Add the additional teaspoon of cinnamon, vanilla extract (if using), and sweeten with stevia to taste. Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
Add the Egg Whites and Oats
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the carrot and cottage cheese mixture. This helps to make the custard light and fluffy. Then add the oatmeal and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the custard mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface. The mixture should fill about two-thirds of the dish to leave room for rising.
Bake the Custard
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is firm. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the dish cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing into squares. It can be served warm or at room temperature and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy it plain, or drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or yogurt for added richness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 170
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Protein: 11 g
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Carbohydrates: 17 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Fat: 7 g
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Sugars: 4 g (naturally occurring from carrots and oats)
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Sodium: 220 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This custard bake is inspired by traditional Eastern European baked puddings and health-conscious bakes that prioritize wholesome, unprocessed ingredients. Carrots have long been used in desserts throughout Europe and Asia, from carrot halwa in India to carrot cakes in the West. Combining cottage cheese and oats with carrots gives this bake a modern nutritional upgrade while staying rooted in comfort food traditions. It’s becoming increasingly popular among wellness bloggers and healthy eating enthusiasts for its clean ingredients and versatility.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No refined sugar: Sweetened naturally with carrots and optional stevia.
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Protein-rich: Egg whites and cottage cheese make it ideal for muscle recovery.
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Gluten-free friendly: Just use certified GF oats.
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Comfort food made clean: Like dessert but good for you.
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Great meal prep: Bake ahead and enjoy it all week.
Health Benefits
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Carrots provide beta-carotene for eye and skin health.
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Cottage cheese is a low-fat protein source, rich in calcium.
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Oatmeal supports digestion and heart health with its fiber.
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Egg whites offer clean protein with no fat or cholesterol.
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Cinnamon helps balance blood sugar and adds antioxidants.
This combination supports immunity, muscle building, healthy skin, and sustained energy. It’s an especially great option for vegetarians seeking more protein.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
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Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or nutmeg before baking.
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Top with chopped walnuts or raisins for added texture.
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Enjoy chilled as a post-workout snack or light dessert.
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Pair with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the carrots: Make sure they’re soft but not mushy.
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Not whisking the egg whites enough: They should form soft peaks for proper lift.
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Skipping the carrot broth: It adds flavor and helps bind the custard.
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Using quick oats: Stick to rolled oats for the right texture.
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Over-sweetening: Taste the base before adding stevia—carrots add a lot of natural sweetness on their own.
Pairing Recommendations
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Drinks: Chai tea, almond milk latte, or green tea
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Toppings: A dollop of skyr or labneh, a handful of berries, or pumpkin seeds
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Side Dishes: Serve alongside a leafy green salad or scrambled eggs for brunch
Cooking Tips
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Blend the carrot and cottage cheese mixture for an ultra-smooth custard.
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Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth.
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Let the bake cool slightly before slicing to help it hold its shape.
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Bake in muffin tins for portable, individual portions.
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Use silicone molds for easy release and less oil.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Baked Oatmeal with Apple and Cinnamon
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Carrot Cake Oat Cups
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Cottage Cheese Pancakes
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Sweet Potato Breakfast Bake
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Baked Rice Pudding with Raisins and Almonds
Variations to Try
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Savory Version: Omit cinnamon and stevia; add chopped spinach, scallions, and herbs.
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Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs instead of egg whites and plant-based cottage cheese.
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Fruit Twist: Add chopped apple or pear to the batter.
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Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or slivered almonds for crunch.
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Tropical Style: Mix in unsweetened shredded coconut and a splash of pineapple juice.
Ingredient Spotlight: Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is often underrated in baking. It’s a powerhouse of protein and calcium, and its creamy, slightly tangy flavor works beautifully in both sweet and savory recipes. In this dish, cottage cheese not only adds richness but also keeps the custard moist without needing cream or butter. Choose low-fat or full-fat depending on your preference—either works well.
Conclusion
The Carrot Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Custard Bake is a wholesome, guilt-free dish that proves healthy eating can be flavorful and comforting. With its naturally sweet base, protein-rich ingredients, and airy texture from egg whites, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between. Easy to make, versatile, and deeply satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your clean-eating collection.