Baked Oatmeal with Carrots and Bananas

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized baking pan with a little bit of coconut oil, butter, or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the oatmeal from sticking.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your oatmeal will be, so use those overripe bananas you might have sitting on your countertop.

Add the grated carrot, eggs, milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until fully combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Add the dry oat mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until everything is well combined. The oats will soak up some of the liquid, making the mixture thicker.

5. Bake the Oatmeal:

Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and lightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

6. Let It Cool Slightly:

Once the oatmeal is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This allows it to firm up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the baked oatmeal warm, and feel free to top it with some extra chopped nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of maple syrup. If you like it extra creamy, add a dollop of yogurt or a splash of milk on top.

Tips for Perfect Baked Oatmeal with Carrots and Bananas:

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your baked oatmeal will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe since they naturally sweeten the dish.
• Grate the carrots finely: For the best texture, grate the carrots finely so they blend seamlessly into the oatmeal and bake evenly.
• Add-ins: Feel free to mix in other ingredients, such as chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well), dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates), or seeds (like chia or flax). For a little extra indulgence, top with a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap the milk for any dairy-free milk (almond, oat, or coconut milk), and use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free version.
• Spices: While cinnamon is the star here, you can also add other warm spices like cloves, ginger, or a pinch of allspice for an extra depth of flavor.
• Add a protein boost: For more protein, you can stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder, or top with a handful of Greek yogurt when serving.

Why This Baked Oatmeal is a Must-Try:

Baked oatmeal with carrots and bananas is a perfect breakfast option for those who crave something hearty yet healthy. It’s not only satisfying but also packed with good-for-you ingredients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The carrots add a subtle sweetness and moisture, while the bananas bring a delicious natural sweetness that eliminates the need for added sugars.

This baked oatmeal is a great option for meal prep too! You can make it ahead, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, and reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick breakfast. It also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and freeze portions for later. It’s one of those easy, flexible recipes that works for busy mornings, or even as a nutritious snack or dessert.

Plus, because it’s so customizable, you can mix in whatever you have on hand, making it as simple or as fancy as you like. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies (the carrots!), boost your fiber intake, and enjoy a delicious, satisfying breakfast that will keep you full until your next meal.

So, whether you’re feeding a family, looking for a breakfast that’s both nutritious and delicious, or simply craving something warm and cozy, this Baked Oatmeal with Carrots and Bananas is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Enjoy!