PROTEIN CARROT CAKE BAKED OATMEAL
This Protein Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal is such a treat to wake up to... it's even better cold! This baked oats recipe has warm spices, shredded carrots, plump raisins and yummy coconut (optional). It’s also vegan and gluten free, with a healthy serving of plant based protein. Yes, my obsession with carrot cake is real and this version did not disappoint!
You might also like my Apple Pie Baked Protein Oatmeal recipe :)
Did you know? Carrots and oats are both great sources of soluble fiber! Soluble fiber helps balance blood sugar levels by slowing the digestion of sugars and starches. This type of fiber also feeds healthy bacteria in your gut, bolstering a robust metabolism! And, soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol by reducing absorption in the gut. (source)
Protein powder recommendation
For this recipe, I used LIV Body Lean Vegan Protein in Pumpkin Pie flavor, which is a plant-based pea protein. You could also use their Frosted Oatmeal Cookie flavor, or another flavor of vegan protein that's complementary (cinnamon, vanilla, etc). I love LIV Body's protein powder because it's free of artificial additives and boosted with antioxidants, greens, and probiotics. Plus, it tastes better than any other vegan protein I've tried! You can use my code SARAHWILKINS for free shipping on all LIV Body products :)
I have also tested soy isolate and pumpkin protein in this recipe (both work). If subbing whey or casein, you may need slightly less liquid to get a thick batter. If you omit the protein powder, use an additional two-thirds cup of blended oat flour.
Sweetener recommendations
To sweeten this Protein Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal, I used a monk fruit brown sugar alternative. I just love the hint of brown sugar flavor! You can use any reduced-calorie brown sugar alternative, like Lakanto Golden, Sukrin Gold, Swerve Brown, or Truvia Sweet Complete Brown. You can also use regular brown sugar or coconut sugar if you’re not worried about the added sugar! Baking stevia, granulated erythritol, granulated monk fruit, or a granulated white sugar will also work, but won’t taste as rich. If using stevia extract or drops, please refer to the brand-specific conversion chart 😉
What type of oats to use?
This recipe works great with either old-fashioned oats or quick oats. As always, use certified gluten-free oats to keep this gluten-free! I also buy organic oatmeal because oats are one the most heavily sprayed crops with pesticides.
I have not tested this with steel cut oats so I am not sure if that will work.
Other dry ingredients
This recipe also calls for aluminum-free baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt (optional). Feel free to substitute one tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice in place of the individual spices!
I used ground flaxseed as a vegan binder, but you can also use one whole egg and subtract one quarter cup of water.
Wet ingredients
For wet ingredients, you're going to need heaps of finely grated (not shredded) carrot, unsweetened applesauce, and pure vanilla extract.
I love adding shredded coconut, seedless raisins, and chopped walnuts too!
Cream cheese icing
The icing is simply three ounces of vegan cream cheese (like Daiya, Kite Hill or Miyokos), three tablespoons of powdered sweetener, and one quarter teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. It's optional, but delicious!
Here is the printable recipe for this Protein Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal. I hope you'll rate and comment below if you try it :)
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