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

• • Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• • Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour

  • Servings: 6

• Calories per Serving: Approximately 180 kcal (varies with sweetener used)

Full List of Ingredients

• • 2 cups (200 g) rolled oats

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

• • 1 cup (240 ml) milk of your choice

  • 1 carrot, grated

  • 9 dried apricots, rinsed with hot water

• • 4 tablespoons raisins, rinsed with hot water

  • 1 apple, diced

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• • 3 eggs

  • 4 tablespoons stevia or other sweetener

  • Vanilla extract, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 18 cm casserole dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Prepare the Oats

• 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

• In a large bowl, combine the chopped oats and baking powder. Stir well to distribute the baking powder evenly.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

• • 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.

• Mix everything until well combined.

5. Pour into Casserole Dish

• • Grease an 18 cm casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

  • Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

6. Bake

• 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

• • Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing.

  • Serve warm or at room temperature for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• • Calories: 180

  • Fat: 7g

  • Protein: 6g

• • Carbohydrates: 26g

  • Fiber: 5g

  • Sugars: 10g

• 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

1. 1. Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is perfect for starting your day on a healthy note.

1. Customizable: You can easily swap out the fruit and sweetener to suit your taste. Add more dried fruits, nuts, or even seeds for variety.

2. 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:

• • Oats provide soluble fiber, which is great for heart health and digestion.

  • Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health.

• Apples and raisins add natural sweetness and are packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

• Olive oil provides healthy fats that promote brain and heart health.

Serving Suggestions

• • With Yogurt or Almond Butter: Serve with a dollop of natural yogurt or almond butter for extra creaminess and protein.

• Top with Fresh Berries: Add fresh berries on top for added flavor and an antioxidant boost.

• Serve with Coffee or Tea: Pair with your favorite hot beverage for a complete, satisfying breakfast or snack.

Cooking Tips

1. 1. 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.

1. Adjust the Sweetener: Adjust the amount of stevia or other sweetener based on your preference for sweetness.

2. 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

1. 1. Add Nuts: Stir in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a crunchy texture and additional healthy fats.

1. Use Different Fruit: Swap out the apples and apricots for other fruits like berries, bananas, or peaches.

2. 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.