Looking for a naturally sweet, hearty, and healthy breakfast option with no added sugar or flour? This Oatmeal, Apple & Carrot Bake is packed with fiber, natural sweetness from fruits and dried fruits, and nourishing whole ingredients that will keep you full and satisfied. Perfect for a wholesome breakfast, afternoon snack, or even a light dessert!
This recipe is incredibly simple, made with just a handful of pantry staples—rolled oats, milk, fruit, and a few extras for texture and flavor. It’s also very versatile, so you can tweak it based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
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2 cups (200 g) rolled oats, chopped in a blender
This forms the base of the bake. Blending them briefly helps the oats create a softer, more cohesive texture, almost like a light flour. You don’t want a fine flour—just pulse until the oats are broken down a bit. -
1 teaspoon baking powder
This gives the bake a little lift and keeps it from being too dense. -
1 cup (240 ml) milk of your choice
Use any milk you like—dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, etc. This provides moisture and helps soften the oats. -
1 medium carrot, grated
Carrots add natural sweetness, moisture, and a touch of earthiness. Plus, they’re packed with vitamin A and fiber. -
1 apple, grated
The apple brings moisture and a pleasant fruity sweetness. Use a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala for the best flavor. -
9 dried apricots, rinsed with hot water and chopped
Apricots add chewy texture and bright, tangy sweetness. Rinsing with hot water softens them slightly and removes any surface residue. -
4 tablespoons raisins, rinsed with hot water
Raisins are naturally sweet and add little pockets of flavor throughout the bake. Like with the apricots, rinsing helps plump them up and improves texture.
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you begin mixing, prep all your ingredients. Blend the oats briefly in a blender or food processor to break them down. Rinse the dried fruits with hot water to soften them. Grate your carrot and apple using a box grater or food processor.
2. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a small baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. A dish around 8×8 inches (20×20 cm) works well for this amount.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended oats and baking powder. Stir to evenly distribute the leavening.
4. Add the Fruits and Veggies
Next, add in the grated carrot, grated apple, chopped apricots, and rinsed raisins. Stir well so that the fruits are evenly dispersed.
5. Pour in the Milk
Add the milk and stir the mixture thoroughly. It will look wet, but the oats will begin to soak up the liquid quickly. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly. This resting step ensures a more uniform texture in the final bake.
6. Bake It
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center feels set when gently pressed.
7. Cool and Slice
Allow the bake to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the structure set and makes it easier to cut neat squares or bars.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter.
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Cool and pack for an on-the-go snack or lunchbox treat.
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Top with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Storage Tips
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped in parchment paper and stored in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.
Variations to Try
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Add spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger would add warm, cozy flavors.
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Make it nutty: Add a handful of chopped walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
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Use other dried fruits: Dates, figs, or cranberries work beautifully here.
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Add a mashed banana for even more natural sweetness and a softer texture.
This no-sugar, no-flour breakfast bake is proof that healthy can be both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to cut back on sugar, manage dietary restrictions, or just eat more whole foods, this recipe checks all the boxes. Enjoy it warm out of the oven or chilled straight from the fridge—it’s wholesome comfort in every bite.
