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Start your day with the best bowl ever of carrot cake oatmeal, it’s super filling, easy to make, packed with nutrients, and won’t leave you reaching for donuts in the morning. Nope you started your day with carrot cake, who needs donuts! This carrot cake oatmeal is vegan, gluten free, dairy free and has a maple frosting swirl that is going to blow your mind!
Carrot cake, it’s hands down my FAVORITE flavor. I’ve told you guys this a few times before but every year for my birthday I would ask my mom to make me carrot cake for my birthday cake. Yup even at 6 years old when all the other kids were requesting chocolate or vanilla, not this girl! And my love hasn’t changed. Just my eating habits. So now I indulge every once and awhile on the real stuff (has to be homemade) but mostly I find fun way to make carrot cake “Sam approved” you know packed with fiber, nutrient dense, full of protein and of course some healthy fats!
Enter the best bowl ever of carrot cake oatmeal. It will want to make you dive in head first and swim in it’s cinnamon spice and carrot goodness. The coconut butter maple frosting, yeah you are going to be putting this stuff on EVERYTHING, you have been warned.
I made this recipe after days and days of craving everything carrot cake! It’s the time of the year when it’s cold all day long and I just want to stay snuggled up in bed with my comfy socks and sweatpants on. I’m sure unless you live somewhere warm all year (I’m looking at you Florida), you know the feeling. But having an easy breakfast recipe that you are actually looking forward to eating and will warm you up from the inside out is sure to get you out of bed, even on the coldest days. I’ve been making these oats for breakfast and sometimes in the afternoon as my post workout meal as well. Oats are a great way to refuel those lost carbs from an intense workout and the protein helps with muscle recovery!
IN THIS FREE EBOOK
Oats, I love em. I started almost everyday of my working career with oats. Oats are simple to make, portable, and super filling. When I was working my corporate jobs, I always had a big can of oats in my desk with a real spoon and bowl (because eating oats out of a Styrofoam cup is just sad). I loved experimenting with different flavors and textures. I found that I loved the added crunch of nuts and really enjoyed having something sweet, like raisins, cranberries, or defrosted or fresh fruit. Knowing I had a filling but yummy breakfast at my desk would help me avoid those sugary muffins or donuts at the early morning staff meetings.
Oats are packed with soluble fiber called beta glucan which has been shown to help reduce your LDL cholesterol (or bad cholesterol). This soluble fiber can help you feel physically full and satisfied after eating. If you have you ever made oats, I’m sure you have noticed how quick they double or even triple in volume as they cook. My favorite kind of oats are Old Fashioned Oats (sometimes called Rolled Oats) and Steel Cut Oats they are the perfect base to add topping and flavors to. Old Fashioned Oats cook up in about 2 minutes in the microwave so they are great even on the days when you are rushing around in the morning.
Carrot Cake Oatmeal Recipe Tips
In this recipe, I used protein powder to add sweetness and flavor to my oats. It’s a habit I started a few years ago when I first started to make overnight oats. I realized how satisfied I was on the days I would have a full serving of protein with my breakfast. I actually sometimes have to decrease my serving of oats when I add protein and chia seeds to ensure that I can finish my bowl of oatmeal, because it’s that filling! Tip of the day, check your protein powder. It shouldn’t have any sketchy ingredients and the protein should be higher than the sugars!! The protein powders I love are sweetened with stevia.
I use a vegan, plant based protein powder. However, if you use a whey protein or if you decide not to add the protein powder you may need to make adjustments to this recipe.
To make this best bowl ever of carrot cake oatmeal without any protein powder, use the specified amount of oats and chia seeds listed below. However, only use about 3/4 of a cup of water before microwaving. If you find that you need more water, add another 1/4 cup (or so), until you get the consistency you desire. You will need to sweeten this as well. I suggest steiva, maple syrup, honey (if not vegan), coconut sugar, or ground up dates or ground up re-hydrated figs – yum!! Whatever your favorite natural sweetener is add 1-2 tbs. tasting for your level of desired sweetness. Follow the rest of the recipe as written.
If you are short on time (or short on ingredients): Place 1/2 cup oats and 1 cup water in bowl. Add 1 tsp cinnamon, 2-3 tbs (handful) of shredded carrots to a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes on high. Add 1 tbs. coconut butter and 1-2 tbs. maple syrup. Stir well and enjoy (ready in 2:30 minutes).
But if you have time, you can make the maple coconut swirl, which is a mixture of coconut butter and maple syrup. Only use about half the coconut butter when you are mixing in the maple syrup. Stir well (it will want to clump on you). Once it’s stirred well, then add in the rest of the coconut butter. This makes it easier to make your swirl. Then use your spoon to distribute the maple coconut butter frosting around the bowl. Or you can do like I did in the video and just plop it in the middles and mix up the bowl, that’s how you are going to eat it anyway right?
To make this best ever bowl carrot cake oatmeal or any other epic bowl of oatmeal, visit your local Target like I did! You will find that there is a super fun end cap full of Quaker® Oats and all the fun toppings. I seriously had to practice some self restraint when it came to picking out toppings for this oatmeal. Gone are the days of boring oats, now it’s all about the toppings, and I couldn’t be more excited. After all, we eat with our eyes first, and a fun topped bowl of oatmeal will get you excited to jump out of bed and start the day. Or maybe that’s just me! Either way, snap a pic of your oats with all the toppings and tag me on Instagram, I’m always excited to see everyone’s creations!
Love carrot cake as much as me? You need to check out this High Protein Carrot Cake Banana Bread and don’t forget to make these Baked Oatmeal Pumpkin Bars!
The Best Bowl Ever of Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup old fashion Quaker® Oats - or certified GF oats if GF
- 1 tbs. chia seeds
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder - I used a vegan protein
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 2-3 tbs. shredded carrots
- 1 tbs. unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tbs. organic raisins
- 1/2 tbs. chopped pecans
- 1 tbs. coconut butter
- 1/4 tsp. maple syrup.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, chia seeds and cinnamon with 1 cup water. Stir well immediately to make sure chia seeds are distributed and don’t clump.
- Microwave for 2 minutes.
- Carefully remove from the microwave and stir in protein powder and additional water as needed.
- Once fully combined, add the shredded carrots and shredded coconut and stir.
- Top with raisins and chopped pecans.
- Make the maple coconut frosting by first making sure the coconut butter is runny (you may need to microwave it for 15-20 seconds and stir it well). Add 1/2 tbs. to a bowl and combine it with maple syrup. Stir. Then add the remaining 1/2 tbs. of coconut butter. Distribute with spoon over oats (carefully making the swirl pattern).
- Serve hot!
Nutrition Information
What about you?
- What is your favorite way to enjoy oats?
- Have you ever made carrot cake oatmeal?
- Hands down favorite cake flavor?
Megan
If I don’t have vanilla protein powder, how much vanilla extract do you think I’d need to add?
Samantha Rowland
I am not sure Megan as I haven’t tried the recipe this way. I would stay start small, you can always add more. Maybe 1/2 teaspoon? Also you will likely want to add something to help sweetened the oatmeal since most protein powder has some sweetener in it.
Emma
This sounds like a great start to the day. My son loves porridge. #freefromfridays
Angie Ouellette-Tower
This delicious post is being featured on my blog today as part of Tuesdays with a Twist blog hop: http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/2016/01/time-to-link-up-tuesdays-with-twist-147.html
Thanks again!
Angie
Emily
Oh yes! Carrot Cake OATMEAL? :) I think I will try this tomorrow, Lord willing! :) Some recipes just particularly catch my eye, and this was definitely one of them. :)
Cayanne Marcus @healthyezsweet
Ummm yes please! I work at a deli with the most giant, scrumptious looking carrot cake. Whenever I serve it I cry a little because it’s not gluten free :( but I can’t WAIT to try this out. Take that deli cake ;)
Kristen @ The Endless Meal
This is brilliant! I know what I’m having for breakfast tomorrow. :)
Michelle
I’m going to have to surprise my hubby with this sometime soon! Thanks for sharing :)
Latonya
Carrot cake oatmeal sounds delicious. I will have to give it a try. We usually have maple and brown sugar or cinnamon apples on top of our oatmeal.
jen
This bowl sounds like heaven! We are waiting for a new plane at the airport and the hanger monster is taking over! I am a huge fan of oats and carrot cake so this sounds like the most perfect combination!
jill conyers
Sam this looks amazing! I wish I had time to make it this morning.
I still haven’t given up on the idea of a collaboration!
Joyce
Not only does this look awesome, but I’m pretty sure all of these ingredients are FODMAP-friendly! (which means I can eat it without feeling like I ate a horse) Woo hoo!
Sam
WOOHOO Joyce so excited that you can enjoy this!!
rachel@ atheltic avocado
You know how much I adore oatmeal and this is making me drool! This is seriously like eating carrot cake batter, delicious!
Sam
Yes I devoured this and like 3 other bowls I made either testing or shooting the video. All gone in like 24 hours. No shame!
Cassie
Yes, chia seeds are a great way to thicken oatmeal as well as adding some fiber, healthy omega-3s and protein–all without using any animal products!
Sarah
YUM!! This looks amazing! I love oatmeal, especially during the cold winter months and this year. Last year I wasn’t this crazy about it but I remember a couple years ago I was (when I posted my carrot cake oatmeal) and I would eat it daily. It has been awhile since I’ve had carrot cake oatmeal but now I’m wishing I didn’t just finish a bowl of pb&j proats or I would run and make it!
Sam
There is always tomorrow!! I need to check out your carrot cake oatmeal recipe, bet its AMAZING!! Now I want pb&j proats!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
Oh my goodness! I love carrot cake, and would have never thought to do a flavor combo for oatmeal! I make oatmeal on the weekends and love mix-ins. My current favorite is pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, chopped pecans, butter, and a drizzle of maple or agave syrup. I have to try this, yum!
Annmarie
Totally sharing this with my mom- she is a huge carrot cake fan!
Sam
Sounds like your mom and I are two peas in a pod.
Carolyn West
What a fantastic bowl of oatmeal. Would never have thought to add carrots to oatmeal but now I can see it so clearly. #client
Sam
Girl you have got to try it :) Sooooo good
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen
Carrot Cake Oatmeal sounds AMAZING. I think I need oatmeal tomorrow for breakfast now. Or a late night snack perhaps… :-D
Favorite way to enjoy oats is GRANOLA.
And my favorite cake flavor is definitely banana
Sam
Oh granola, always a great idea! I just tend to go OVERBOARD with granola, so it’s not something I can have around all the time. But oats seem to always be there when I need them :) Perfect late night snack
Jess @hellotofit
GIRL. Now I’M craving carrot cake/carrot cake oatmeal!! Maybe appetizer of cake, main entree of OATMEAL??
Sam
I love the way you think. Lets get carrot cake and eat all the frosting lol
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
Ooh this looks SO good! I’ve seen carrot cake versions of oatmeal, cookies, bars, etc. but sometimes they just taste NOTHING like the real deal. The addition of protein powder, that coconut butter, and maple DOES THE TRICK! Yummy!
Sam
Yes girl I swear the coconut butter and maple combo is FANTASTIC!! And you have to have enough spice or carrot cake is just bleh
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Carrot cake twins!!! Yes!!! That’s my pick for birthday cake…I mean…everything I love! cake + carrots…and if we make it chocolate…chocolate carrot cake…(ideas!!!)
Sam
Yesss and omg chocolate carrot cake. I seriously am about to go play in the kitchen! You might be onto something! (or it will be gross and if that is the case I’ll let you know)
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner
ooh that is beautiful! I am trying to eat more oatmeal and looking for fun ways to mix it up
Kat
This sounds so dang good! Like you, I adore a good carrot cake, but I think it’s mostly because of the spices combined with the cream cheese frosting. It’s just my favorite!! I love that you added a coconut maple drizzle to this bowl to resemble the icing. I probably would just drizzle that straight into my mouth ;)
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I’m a huge carrot cake lover. I always ask for it for my birthday.
Susie @ SuzLyfe
I’d like a bowl to go, please. RIGHT NOW. Yummmmm