Healthy 10-Minute Carrot Cake Porridge with Oats

07/11/21

(Updated 01/22/25)

All the cozy flavours of carrot cakeโ€”in a wholesome breakfast bowl! This easy carrot cake oatmeal recipe features quick oats for a speedy cook time, simmered with grated carrot, dried fruit, and warming spices. A nourishing and satisfying way to start your day.

Carrot cake lovers, meet your new favourite oatmeal.

Whether youโ€™re a carrot cake enthusiast or just looking to jazz up your morning bowl of oats, this carrot cake oatmeal is a delicious sneak in a serving of veggies at breakfast.

Inspired by the classic dessert, it’s the perfect marriage of creamy porridge with carrot cake flavoursโ€”cozy spices, sweet dried fruit, crunchy walnuts, and grated carrot that softens up beautifully as it cooks. And of course, a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end for frosting vibes (plus a protein boost!).

Gather Ingredients

  • Quick oats. Pre-steamed and rolled thinner than traditional oats, quick oats cook faster and break down into a smoother, pudding-like consistency. They also take on flavours well, so we get more flavour in a shorter amount of time.
  • Milk. Choose your adventure. For an authentic carrot cake flavour (with a protein boost!), go for dairy milk. If you prefer something lighter, almond milk brings a subtle nuttiness, while oat milk adds creamy sweetness.
  • Fresh carrots. The star of the show! Cooking carrot until tender helps soften their flavour and bring out sweetness. Coarsely grate using the largest hole on a box grater.
  • Medjool dates. Naturally caramel-like and perfect for infusing sweetness throughout.
  • Maple syrup. A touch to gently amp up the sweetness.
  • Spices. Warming cinnamon and ginger for that classic carrot cake flavour.
  • Yoghurt. Stirred in at the end for a creamy finish and extra protein. Greek yoghurt is my go-to, but plant-based works too.
  • Salt. A small pinch to bring all the flavours to life.

Kitchen Tips

  • Dial up the milk ratio. The typical liquid-to-oats ratio for quick oats is usually 1:2, meaning ยฝ cup oats to 1 cup liquid (milk, water, or a mix of both). This creates a creamy, yet slightly thick, consistency. However, with the added carrot, we’re increasing the liquid, as the carrot absorbs some moisture and adds bulk. It’s all about balance!
  • Simmer the carrot first. Adding the carrots to the milk before the oats gives it a smidge extra time to soften and release its natural sweetness, without overcooking the quick oats. This way, you still get a creamy texture with well-balanced flavours, while keeping the oats tender and not mushy (blegh!).

Nutritional Benefits

Porridge aka oatmeal is a favourite brekkie in cooler months. It’s warming – from the inside out – while providing an array of valuable nutrients, like:

  • Dietary fibre. Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a type of dietary fibre with numerous benefits. Beta-glucan may help reduce LDL cholesterol (1), feed the good bugs in our gut (2), and slow digestion – keeping us full for longer (3)!
  • Carbs. As a rich source of carbohydrates, oats provide energy to burn. The fibre helps slow the release of this energy, meaning better blood sugar control (4). Think slow-burning logs on the fire!

Orange carrots are a great source of:

  • Beta-carotene, a plant pigment that can be converted to vitamin A in the body. Absorption of this nutrient is actually better when carrot are cooked (5), which we semi-do with this recipe.

Thanks for reading!๐Ÿฅ• After more oat-inspired breakfast recipes? Try this creamy banana porridge or these kid-friendly banana oat pancakes!

Healthy 10-Minute Carrot Cake Porridge with Oats

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Serving Size: 1
Rating:
A picture of a bowl of carrot cake porridge topped with pecans, seeds and yoghurt.

Ingredients:  

  • ยพ cup dairy or plant milk + ยฝ cup water
  • ยฝ cup fresh carrot, coarsely grated
  • 1 Medjool date, finely chopped
  • ยฝ Tbsp maple syrup
  • ยฝ cup quick oats
  • Pinch of salt
  • ยฝ tsp finely grated orange zest
  • ยฝ tsp vanilla extract
  • ยผ tsp ground cinnamon
  • โ…› tsp ground ginger
  • 2 Tbsp Greek or plant yoghurt, plain or vanilla
  • 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts

Method:

Prepare the porridge

  • In a small saucepan, combine the milk, water, grated carrot, chopped Medjool date, and maple syrup.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 1โ€“2 minutes, allowing the carrot to soften.
  • Stir in the oats and salt, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 6โ€“7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and tender.
  • Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, orange zest, and vanilla. Remove from heat and stir in 1 Tbsp Greek yoghurt.

Garnish the porridge

  • Spoon into a serving bowl. Top with the remaining yogurt and walnuts.

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If you enjoyed this dish, please consider giving it a star rating when you post a comment. Star ratings help others discover my recipes online (and your reviews make my day! ๐Ÿ™‚ ). Happy cooking and baking. Danijela x

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