Baked oats might be my new obsession. It’s been a way to combine my love for cake and a healthy nutritious breakfast based on oats. I mean, who doesn’t want to eat carrot cake for breakfast? I’ve been topping this with a vegan caramel yogurt, almond butter and a drizzle of maple syrup – heaven! It’s been a hit with the kids too, so win win!
Carrot Cake
There’s something about the spices used in carrot cake and the texture that makes it such a delicious cake. I have added raisins to this recipe as you often find these in carrot cake but they are completely optional.
The Benefits of Oats
Oats are an amazing source of soluble dietary fibre which means they support digest function and gut health. They are filling which means that you won’t be craving sugary mid morning snacks. They are also great for managing cholesterol and balancing blood sugar. I use gluten free oats but this is a personal preference based on my own intolerances. I also use a mixture of porridge and jumbo oats as I like the texture this gives to the bake.
Egg Substitutes
I love using nut butter as an egg substitute as it’s full of flavour and protein. In this recipe I used almond butter it doesn’t have as strong a flavour as peanut butter but you could use any nut butter. I also use milled flaxseed in this recipe which also helps to bind the ingredients and provides protein, fibre and omega 3.
Bananas for breakfast
Bananas can be soothing to an empty stomach so are a great fruit to eat for breakfast. This recipe uses two bananas. They provide some of the sweetness to the baked oats. The riper the bananas the sweeter the result. Studies have shown that pairing bananas with a good protein source and heart- healthy fats such as nut butter can be beneficial regulating blood sugar. They also provide fibre to help gut health.
Ingredients
2 medium bananas, ripe
1 medium carrot, grated
180g rolled oats
35g milled flaxseed
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla powder or extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp mixed spice
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp nut butter
2 tbsp maple syrup
350 ml plant milk
Pinch of salt
35g raisins (optional)
Method
Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees C Fan.
Line a square baking tin with parchment.
In a large mixing bowl mash the bananas.
Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon or spatula. I like to use a silicone spatula for this step as you can scrape the sides of the bowl really well and you don’t loose any mixture when you transfer to the tin.
Pour the mixture into your lined tin and bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 35-40 minutes.
Remove from the oven and leave to cool for a few minutes before slicing into portions. I do 9 squares, but you could more or less. I also like to serve it warm but you could leave until completely cooled if you want.
Serve warm with yogurt, a swirl of almond butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy!
Store any left over portions in an airtight container and eat within 3 days.
Carrot Cake Baked Oats
Equipment
- 1 Square Tin
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Grater
- 1 Teaspoon
- 1 Tablespoon
- 1 Measuring Jug
Ingredients
- 2 medium bananas ripe
- 1 medium carrot grated
- 180 g rolled oats I use half porridge oats, half jumbo oats
- 35 g milled flaxseed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla powder or extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp nut butter I prefer almond or cashew
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 350 ml plant milk I prefer almond or oat
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 35 g raisins optional
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C (fan)
- Line a square tin with greaseproof paper
- In a large mixing bowl mash the bananas
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon
- Pour the mixture into the lined tin and bake for 35-40 minutes
- Remove from the oven and leave to cool for a little before slicing into portions (I do 9 but you could do more or less)
- Serve warm with yogurt, a swirl of almond butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. I love plant based caramel yogurt with this.
- Store any left over portions in an airtight container and eat within 3 days.