These healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oats are topped with a dreamy maple cinnamon cream cheese frosting, making you feel like you’re getting dessert for breakfast!

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I’m the first to admit, as a staunch carrot cake lover, I have a lot of carrot-cake-inspired recipes here on Happy Healthy Mama. Too many? Maybe. But I’ll never apologize because it just means there’s a recipe for all the carrot cake lovers out there, no matter what you’re looking for!

Need a snack? I’ve got Carrot Cake Energy Balls for you.

Craving a breakfast bar and need it to be egg-free? You’ll want to make these Carrot Oatmeal Breakfast Bars.

Need a dessert? These Healthy Carrot Cake Cupcakes are perfect!

In the mood for muffins? Try these Carrot Cake Oatmeal Muffins.

Want a healthy treat? These Healthy No Bake Carrot Cake Bars are insane!

I think you get the picture. Let’s make my latest carrot cake obsession: Carrot Cake Baked Oats!

Why You’d Love This Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oats Recipe

I make this recipe on repeat because it blends comfort and better-for-you ingredients in one easy dish. It’s my family favorite too as it fits into busy schedules and still delivers big flavor. The baked oat cake’s batter comes together fast, and there’s no need to fuss over complicated steps.

Here are a few more reasons I keep coming back to it:

It uses fiber-rich oat flour and rolled oats for a nourishing snack or breakfast. You can indulge in it when the sweet cravings kick in but still be eating healthy!
It has a gentle mix of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a cozy flavor to each bite.
Each slice of a baked oat cake has a satisfying texture that keeps me energized, thanks to lighter sugar and wholesome add-ins.
It works as an easy breakfast or a midday snack, so I don’t feel limited in how I serve it.
You can bake once and enjoy slices all week, which makes mornings much simpler. It’s delicious warm or served at room temperature.

Recipe Ingredients–What You Need

With a few wholesome ingredients on hand, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast that also satisfies your sweet tooth with a delicious carrot cake like breakfast! Here’s what you need to make this carrot cake baked oatmeal recipe.

For the Baked Oats

Old-fashioned rolled oats, divided: Creates a crunchy base for the oat cake texture. Quick oats may be used if that’s your preference, the texture will just be slightly different.
Baking powder: Helps everything rise evenly.
Salt: To balance the flavors.
Cinnamon, Ground ginger, Ground nutmeg: Add a comforting warmth to the baked oatmeal cake.
Milk of choice: Bring the wet mixture together. I used regular whole milk,
Large eggs: To bind the batter. Eggs also contribute nutritionally, adding protein, vitamins B12, D, and A, choline, and zinc.
Maple syrup: For gentle sweetness without adding refined sugar.
Melted avocado oil or coconut oil: Keeps the batter moist.
Vanilla extract: To boost the flavor.
Shredded carrots: Delivers color and a classic taste while adding important nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as extra fiber.
Optional add-ins: raisins, chopped walnuts, pineapple chunks: Personalize to suit your mood.

For the Maple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Softened cream cheese: For a little lighter option, you can use neufchatel cheese.
Maple syrup: I like to use maple syrup to keep the whole recipe refined sugar free.
Cinnamon: Not only does cinnamon add great warm flavor, it also can help keep your blood sugar stable.

These frosting ingredients turn into a rich frosting with a light drizzle of maple syrup vibe.

How to Make Carrot Cake Baked Oats

This recipe is a little different than some of my other baked oatmeal recipes, with the result being almost like an oat cake. I used my Chocolate Baked Oats recipe as my guide to create this one. If you’d like the printable instructions, scroll below to the recipe card where you’ll find them available.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8X8 inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Place 1 cup of the rolled oats into your blender and process so it becomes a flour. (You can also use a food processor)
In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, remaining 1 cup rolled oats, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
Add 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir to combine. Add in the 1 cup shredded carrots.
Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are coming away from the baking pan.
Allow the baked oats to cool while making the frosting. Combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth.
Spread the frosting on top of the baked oats, cut into 9 squares, and serve. Enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Of course. Bake it, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container. A quick reheat in the microwave or oven keeps it tasty for up to four days.

How can I store leftovers?

tCut into squares, store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator. This Carrot Cake Baked Oats can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As long as you use certified gluten-free oats to avoid any cross contamination, this is a naturally gluten-free recipe. You should also make sure all other ingredients you choose also meet gluten-free standards.

If you make this recipe for Carrot Cake Baked Oats, or any of my healthy recipes, please take the time to comment and rate the recipe with a start rating. It’s so helpful for other readers when a recipe’s been rated. I so appreciate it! I’d love to stay in touch. Please follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

Swaps to Try With Carrot Cake Oatmeal

I love giving this recipe my own spin whenever I feel like a twist and these small changes can make it fit different dietary needs or flavor cravings. Some days I want extra sweetness; other days I’m looking for fewer calories. Here are five swaps that I’ve tested and enjoyed:

Fruit Boost

I sometimes stir chopped apples or thin unsweetened applesauce into the oat mixture for a hint of apple pie taste. Doing it adds more natural sweetness and a fun bite.

Make it Plant-Based

If you want a vegan alternative, use flax eggs and dairy-free milk like coconut milk. It helps me skip regular eggs and still get a moist texture while keeping the recipe plant-based. While baking this, take care of the balance in wet ingredients and dry ingredients so the result stays tender. If I use flax eggs or extra fruit, watch the baking time to avoid undercooking. If you just need a dairy-free option, any nondairy milk like coconut milk or almond milk will work.

Texture Tweaks

If I want more crunch in the cake, I throw in walnuts or pecans. If you crave a smoother bite, blend even more of the oats for a finer crumb. Either way, you’ll end up with a friendly variation on baked oatmeal recipes.

Nut-Free Version

I have friends with nut allergies, so I swap chopped nuts for sunflower or pumpkin seeds. It keeps the crunch but makes a nut-free version that everyone can share. I still get extra flavor without causing any worries.

Carrot Cake Baked Oats with Cream Cheese Frosting

Why You’d Love This Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oats Recipe