This wholesome baked oatmeal recipe is a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional breakfast options. Packed with natural sweetness from apples, carrots, raisins, and dried apricots, it’s a satisfying and comforting dish you’ll love making again and again. It’s hearty, gently sweet, moist on the inside, golden on the outside, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re preparing it for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy snack, this fruit- and fiber-packed bake is the perfect make-ahead meal.
One of the best things about this baked oatmeal is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and fresh produce, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor, naturally sweet, and nourishing. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free oats), low in added sugar, and ideal for both adults and kids.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Cuisine: Global, with rustic European influence
Ingredients
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Raisins: 2.82 oz (80 g)
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Dried apricots: 8–10 pieces
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Oatmeal (rolled oats): 2 cups (200 g)
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Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
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Milk (any type): 1 cup (200 ml)
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Carrot (large), grated: 1
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Apple (large), grated: 1
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Eggs: 3 large
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Soak the Dried Fruits
Start by soaking the raisins and dried apricots in hot water for 5 minutes. This helps soften the fruit and makes them juicier and more flavorful when baked. After soaking, drain well and chop the apricots into small pieces.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and baking powder. Stir to evenly distribute the baking powder through the oats.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Add the milk and mix until fully combined.
4. Combine Everything
Add the chopped apricots, raisins, grated carrot, and grated apple to the oat mixture. Pour the egg and milk mixture over the top and mix everything together until evenly combined. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb some liquid.
5. Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the oatmeal batter into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the baked oatmeal cool for 10 minutes before slicing. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. based on 8 servings)
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Calories: 180
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Protein: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Sugars: 12g (mostly natural fruit sugars)
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Fiber: 4g
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Fat: 5g
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Saturated Fat: 1g
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Cholesterol: 70mg
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Sodium: 70mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Baked oatmeal has roots in European and North American home cooking traditions, especially in areas where oats have been a dietary staple for centuries. Its popularity surged with the rise of wholesome and minimal-ingredient breakfast trends. This particular version, infused with grated carrot and apple, adds an autumnal, harvest-inspired twist reminiscent of carrot cake and apple crisp. It’s a favorite in health-conscious kitchens, often enjoyed for its rustic simplicity and naturally sweet profile.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Naturally sweetened with fruit – no added sugar needed
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Great texture – chewy oats, moist fruit, tender crumb
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Perfect for meal prep – stores well in the fridge and freezer
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Kid-friendly – sweet, colorful, and familiar flavors
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Customizable – change the fruit, add nuts or spices
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Balanced nutrition – protein, fiber, healthy carbs in every bite
Health Benefits
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Oats are rich in beta-glucan fiber, known to lower cholesterol.
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Apples offer antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber.
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Carrots provide vitamin A and carotenoids.
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Dried fruits contribute natural sugars, iron, and potassium.
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Eggs boost protein content and contain essential nutrients like choline.
Altogether, this dish supports digestion, heart health, and energy levels.
Serving Suggestions
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Warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a cozy breakfast
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Top with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra protein
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Serve with nut butter for added healthy fats
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Enjoy cold as a snack or lunchbox treat
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Add a dollop of fruit compote or applesauce for natural sweetness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not soaking the dried fruit – they can turn chewy or hard if baked dry
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Using quick oats instead of rolled oats – can make the texture too mushy
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Overbaking – dries out the oatmeal; check at 30 minutes
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Skipping the resting time before baking – oats need time to absorb moisture
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Using watery apples or carrots – drain or squeeze if very juicy
Pairing Recommendations
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Beverages: Herbal teas like chamomile or rooibos, oat milk latte, chai
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Fresh sides: Mixed berries, orange segments, or banana slices
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Spreadable toppings: Almond butter, tahini, cream cheese, or date paste
Cooking Tips
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Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a cozy flavor
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Include nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch
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For vegan version: Use plant milk and flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg)
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Double the batch and store leftovers for up to 5 days refrigerated
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Use a food processor to grate the apple and carrot quickly
Similar Recipes to Try
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Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal with Walnuts
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins
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Banana Blueberry Baked Oats
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Pumpkin Oat Bars
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Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole with Oats
Variations to Try
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Tropical Twist: Swap apple for pineapple and add shredded coconut
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Berry Delight: Replace apricots with dried cranberries or blueberries
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Chocolate Lovers: Stir in a few dark chocolate chips
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Savory Swap: Remove fruit and add cheese, grated zucchini, and herbs for a savory bake
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Nutty Boost: Add chopped almonds or sunflower seeds for texture
Ingredient Spotlight: Oats
Oats are a versatile whole grain known for their high fiber content, particularly beta-glucan, which helps reduce cholesterol and supports heart health. They are also a slow-digesting carbohydrate, meaning they keep you fuller longer. In baking, oats provide a chewy texture and absorb moisture well, making them perfect for this kind of wholesome breakfast bake.
Conclusion
This baked oatmeal recipe with grated carrot, apple, raisins, and apricots is the ultimate comforting and nourishing meal. With a handful of real, wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, it brings rustic charm and cozy flavor to your breakfast table. Whether you enjoy it warm on a chilly morning or cold as an afternoon treat, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and love, it’s a bake that does your body and taste buds good.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this baked oatmeal vegan?
Yes, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen in portions for up to 2 months.
3. Can I reheat it?
Yes! Warm slices in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes.
4. What type of oats should I use?
Use rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will result in a mushier bake, while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough without pre-cooking.
5. Can I add sweeteners?
The fruit provides plenty of natural sweetness, but you can add 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey if desired.
6. What baking dish size is best?
An 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) or similar-sized dish works well. For thinner slices, use a larger dish and reduce baking time.
7. Is it okay to skip soaking the dried fruits?
It’s not recommended. Soaking improves the texture and flavor of the dried fruits in the final bake.
8. Can I prep this the night before?
Yes, assemble everything and store it covered in the fridge overnight. Bake in the morning for a fresh breakfast.
9. What can I use instead of apple or carrot?
Try grated zucchini (squeezed dry), mashed banana, or finely chopped pear.
10. Can I use a plant-based milk?
Absolutely. Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work great in this recipe