This Oatmeal Carrot & Apple Bake is a warm, nutritious, and delicious dish that makes for the perfect breakfast or snack. Packed with oats, grated carrots, apples, dried apricots, and raisins, it’s a fiber-rich and comforting treat. The touch of cinnamon adds warmth, while the stevia provides a light sweetness, making this bake a healthy alternative to traditional desserts.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
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Servings: 6
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Calories per Serving: Approximately 180 kcal (varies with sweetener used)
Full List of Ingredients
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2 cups (200 g) rolled oats
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 cup (240 ml) milk of your choice
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1 carrot, grated
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9 dried apricots, rinsed with hot water
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4 tablespoons raisins, rinsed with hot water
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1 apple, diced
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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3 eggs
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4 tablespoons stevia or other sweetener
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Vanilla extract, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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18 cm casserole dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Prepare the Oats
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Place the rolled oats in a blender and pulse until they reach a finer consistency. This will create a smoother texture for the bake.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a large bowl, combine the chopped oats and baking powder. Stir well to distribute the baking powder evenly.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
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Add the milk, grated carrot, rinsed dried apricots, rinsed raisins, diced apple, cinnamon, eggs, stevia (or other sweetener), vanilla extract, and olive oil to the dry mixture.
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Mix everything until well combined.
5. Pour into Casserole Dish
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Grease an 18 cm casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
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Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
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Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing.
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Serve warm or at room temperature for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 180
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Fat: 7g
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Protein: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 26g
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Fiber: 5g
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Sugars: 10g
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Sodium: 150mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This oatmeal bake is inspired by traditional baked oatmeal recipes, often enjoyed as a warm, comforting breakfast. The addition of carrots, apples, and dried fruit brings both natural sweetness and extra nutrients, making this a healthy and filling option for breakfast or as a snack.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is perfect for starting your day on a healthy note.
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Customizable: You can easily swap out the fruit and sweetener to suit your taste. Add more dried fruits, nuts, or even seeds for variety.
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Easy to Make: With minimal prep time, this bake is quick to assemble and requires just one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Health Benefits
This oatmeal bake is full of health benefits:
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Oats provide soluble fiber, which is great for heart health and digestion.
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Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health.
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Apples and raisins add natural sweetness and are packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
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Olive oil provides healthy fats that promote brain and heart health.
Serving Suggestions
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With Yogurt or Almond Butter: Serve with a dollop of natural yogurt or almond butter for extra creaminess and protein.
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Top with Fresh Berries: Add fresh berries on top for added flavor and an antioxidant boost.
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Serve with Coffee or Tea: Pair with your favorite hot beverage for a complete, satisfying breakfast or snack.
Cooking Tips
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Use Any Milk: Feel free to use any milk (dairy or plant-based) depending on your preference. Almond milk, oat milk, or cow’s milk all work well.
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Adjust the Sweetener: Adjust the amount of stevia or other sweetener based on your preference for sweetness.
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Blend Oats for a Smoother Texture: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the oats into a finer powder. If you prefer more texture, pulse them less in the blender.
Variations to Try
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Add Nuts: Stir in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a crunchy texture and additional healthy fats.
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Use Different Fruit: Swap out the apples and apricots for other fruits like berries, bananas, or peaches.
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Make it Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk for a vegan version.
Conclusion
This Oatmeal Carrot & Apple Bake is a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it warm or at room temperature, this bake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, once cooled, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
4. Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute stevia with honey, maple syrup, or any other sweetener of your choice.
5. Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, use flax eggs or chia eggs as a substitute for the eggs in this recipe.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can I add other vegetables to the bake?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato for a different flavor.
8. Can I make this without coconut flakes?
Yes, you can skip the coconut flakes if you prefer, or replace them with nuts or seeds.
9. Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried apricots?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots, but the texture and sweetness may differ. You may want to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe.
10. Can I make this into muffins instead of a bake?
Yes, you can divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.