Healthy 10-Minute Carrot Cake Porridge with Oats

07/11/21

(Updated 01/22/25)

All the cozy flavours of carrot cake—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.

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Carrot cake lovers, meet your new favourite oatmeal.

Whether you’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 flavours—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 ½ 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!🥕 After more oat-inspired breakfast recipes? Try this creamy banana porridge or these kid-friendly banana oat pancakes!