Why don’t we frost snacks more often?! It feels so dang special. And now I don’t know how I lived without a bowl of whipped cream cheese frosting in my fridge at all times. Say hello to the ultimate healthy baked oatmeal recipe! Just like my famous Healthy Carrot Cake, We’ve got plenty of spices for classic carrot cake flavor but the orange juice is the real kicker. It lends natural sweetness and a splendid brightness to gives it major life. While I love me some healthy snacks with oats, promise me you’ll try my Zucchini Oatmeal Bake and Peach Baked Oatmeal breakfast faves, too!
Ingredients and substitutions
Old fashioned (or rolled) oats are the base. Use certified gluten free oats if needed. Steer clear of steel cut (save those for my Healthy Overnight Steel Cut Oats) since this is strictly an old fashioned rolled oats recipe. Coconut sugar is my favorite naturally-derived dry sweetener, but brown sugar is great as well. Ground flaxseed is great for a boost of fiber and brain-boosting omega-3 fats. Always store flax in the fridge to protect those fats! If you don’t have any, you can use more oats or some chia seeds. Walnuts are another excellent addition for omega-3 fats while adding crunch. You can use pecans, too. Toast them for even more flavor. Spices + salt: A mix of Saigon cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg for classic carrot cake vibes. You can also add a pinch of cloves. Salt is important for flavor and helps bring out the sweetness. Egg helps bind everything together. Orange juice is key for lending natural sweetness, tang, and brightness. Don’t skip it! Milk: any kind works…the richer the milk, the richer the oatmeal will be. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Butter adds flavor and richness. Salted or unsalted melted butter both work. You can also use vegan butter or coconut oil. Grated carrot because….carrot cake! I use large, peeled carrots that are freshly grated versus the store-bought kind which tend to be less moist.
How to make (step by step)
Are baked oats healthy?
Wondering about old fashioned rolled oats nutrition? As a Dietitian, I’m all about easy, healthy ideas for breakfast. Oats are packed with filling fiber, whole grains, energizing B vitamins. This version is also loaded with protein (almost 10g), brain-boosting fats and vitamin E from the walnuts, plus vitamin A thanks to all the fresh carrot.
How to serve
My favorite way to serve this is cold out of the refrigerator topped with Healthy Cream Cheese Frosting, but below are a couple more suggestions.
Serve with nut butter. If cream cheese frosting isn’t your jam, try topping with a smear of almond or peanut butter. So satisfying! Serve with yogurt. I love this idea for a hearty breakfast where the cool, creamy yogurt complements the hearty baked oatmeal perfectly. Enjoy on the go. Slice into bars and wrap individually as needed for portable snacking anytime!
Storage tips
Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. I like to keep the frosting in a separate container in the fridge so I can frost right before I eat the bar, and also so I can smear the frosting on other things (like pancakes!).
How to freeze
You can portion the oatmeal into slices, place on a lined baking sheet so there is space between each piece, and freeze. Once frozen, store in a freezer baggie for up to 3 months. Another option is to freeze each piece individually wrapped in plastic wrap. Now get your healthy carrot cake on, spring chicken!
