Warm up a cold morning with a bowl of this carrot oatmeal which incorporates all the flavors of your favorite desserts into a healthy vegan breakfast.
There’s nothing better on a cold day than a big bowl of oatmeal. Since oatmeal can be pretty boring on its own, I’m always experimenting new ways to add flavor. I have shared one in the past banana bread oatmeal already ginger oatmeal. Today, I’m excited to share my Vegan Carrot Oatmeal!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- No more boring oats! Give your morning bowl of oatmeal a makeover with all the classic flavors of carrot cake.
- Reduce food waste using the leftover carrots in the produce drawer.
- Budget friendly! Oats and carrots are inexpensive pantry staples.
- This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free!
Ingredients you will need
- Old fashioned oats: You can also use quick cooking oats if you prefer. I like the texture of old fashioned oats better. Use certified gluten-free oats to make a gluten-free version.
- milk: any milk product, both dairy and non-dairy. Soy milk is what I like to use.
- grated carrots: I like to finely grind mine on the smaller side of the grater.
- Spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg): These add all the warming flavors you’d normally find in carrot cake.
- maple syrup: adds some natural sweetness. In addition, the maple flavor combines very well with the spices of this oat.
Topping suggestions
- New: like a carrot dessert: add some chopped walnuts on top of the oats. You can also use pecans or pistachios if you like. If you’re not into adding chopped nuts, almond butter would be delicious too.
- Raisins: stir the raisins into the oats while they are cooking and add more on top if you like. Make it extra special by using golden raisins.
- Coconut flakes: I love using large coconut flakes for my oatmeal. We buy the coconut flakes from Bob’s Red Mill and they are delicious. You can also use shredded coconut.
- Hemp Hearts: I always add some hemp hearts to my morning oats for some extra protein and omega 3s.
- Vegan yogurt: add some creaminess by adding a tablespoon or two of yogurt on top of your hot oatmeal. (Kind of frosting!) I really like Kite Hill’s Vegan Vanilla Yogurt.
Step by step
MICROWAVE: If you prefer, you can do it in the microwave. Simply add all of the oatmeal ingredients to a large microwave-safe bowl and heat for up to 5 minutes in the microwave. (Oats can puff up in the microwave, so use a larger bowl than you think you’ll need! I like to use a small bowl.) Stir the oats every now and then while they microwave. Carefully remove from the microwave when the oats have thickened to your liking.
STOVE LID:
Step 1: Add all carrot cake oat ingredients except walnuts and coconut to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
Second step: Simmer the oats until they thicken to the desired consistency (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a bowl and garnish with desired topping.
Expert advice
- Finely grate the carrots. I use the smaller grater section for my carrots because I don’t like big chunks in my oatmeal. The smaller you chop the carrots, the smoother they cook in the oats as well.
- Sweeten to taste. For one serving of oatmeal, I usually add about 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Feel free to adjust the sweetener to your liking. You can also use honey or brown sugar.
- On top as desired. One of the best ways to elevate a boring bowl of oatmeal is to add more toppings! Add toppings with different textures to make it more interesting.
Frequently asked questions about recipes
Yes, just use a sugar-free sweetener like Splenda instead of maple syrup. If you want to reduce the total sugar content of the recipe, you can also omit the raisins.
To turn this recipe into overnight oats, simply add all of your ingredients to a bowl or jar and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, stir and add a splash of milk if necessary. Top with walnuts and coconut.
My favorite way is to add a scoop of protein powder before cooking. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of chia seeds or hemp hearts to increase the protein to 10 grams.
Health benefits of this recipe
- Carrots are a great source beta carotene which is important for a strong immune system as well as eye and skin health.
- Both oats and carrots are a good source soluble fiber which can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol as well as support gut health by feeding the beneficial bacteria that live in the digestive tract.
- Carrots are rich carotenoidsa compound with powerful antioxidant activity that research has linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
More recipes you’ll love
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Carrot cake Oatmeal
Warm up a cold morning with a bowl of this carrot oatmeal that incorporates all the flavors of your favorite desserts into a healthy vegan breakfast.
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Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a small saucepan, stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
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Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the oats have thickened to the desired consistency.
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Serve with desired topping. I added hemp hearts, coconut, walnuts, maple syrup and milk.
notes
- Microwave directions: Add all your ingredients to a microwave safe bowl. Cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats are thickened to your liking.
- Top tips: chopped walnuts, coconut flakes, hemp hearts, vegan vanilla yogurt.
- Storage: leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk as the leftover oats will be thicker.
nutrition
Service: 1recipe | Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Saturated fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated fats: 5g | Monounsaturated fats: 2g | Trans fats: 0.02g | Sodium: 163mg | Potassium: 885mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 11169UI | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 339mg | Iron: 5mg