Spring Carrot Cake Squares

When spring arrives and fresh carrots are at their peak, there's no better way to celebrate the season than with these wholesome Spring Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Squares. Imagine the comforting warmth of classic carrot cake transformed into a nutritious, make-ahead breakfast that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. These tender, moist squares combine the hearty goodness of rolled oats with the natural sweetness of grated carrots, creating a breakfast treat that tastes like dessert but fuels your morning with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy weekday mornings or leisurely weekend brunches, each square delivers the nostalgic flavors of carrot cake in a convenient, portable form.

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What makes these baked oatmeal squares truly special is their versatility. The base recipe is wonderfully adaptable – use dairy or plant-based milk, swap maple syrup for honey, and choose your preferred oil or butter. The optional add-ins like walnuts, pecans, raisins, and shredded coconut allow you to customize each batch to your family's preferences. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven with a dollop of Greek yogurt or grab a chilled square for breakfast on the go, these carrot cake-inspired oatmeal squares bring joy to every bite.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based), ¼ cup maple syrup or honey, ¼ cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• Add-Ins: 1 ¼ cups finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots), ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional), ⅓ cup raisins (optional), ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking dish or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Stir to mix.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Add-Ins

Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, raisins, and shredded coconut, if using.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, use finely grated carrots rather than coarsely shredded ones – they distribute more evenly throughout the batter and create a more cohesive texture. If you're grating the carrots yourself, use the smaller holes on your box grater. Make sure your wet ingredients are well-whisked before combining with the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution of the eggs and oil. When folding in the add-ins, be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can result in dense, tough squares. The baked oatmeal is done when the center is set and doesn't jiggle when you gently shake the pan. If the edges are browning too quickly but the center isn't set, cover loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, and replace butter with coconut oil. To reduce sweetness, omit the raisins or replace them with dried cranberries for a tart contrast. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply leave out the walnuts or pecans – the squares will still be delicious and moist. For added protein, stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder with the dry ingredients and add an extra splash of milk if needed. You can also experiment with different spices: try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth. For a tropical twist, increase the shredded coconut to ½ cup and add a handful of chopped dried pineapple.

Serviervorschläge

These carrot cake baked oatmeal squares are delightful on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary toppings and sides. Serve warm squares with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an extra-indulgent breakfast that mimics traditional carrot cake. A pat of butter melting on top adds richness, while a drizzle of extra maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness. For a complete breakfast, pair with scrambled eggs or a protein smoothie. These squares also make an excellent afternoon snack with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Pack them in lunchboxes alongside fresh fruit for a balanced midday meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.

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These Spring Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Squares are proof that healthy breakfast doesn't have to be boring. With their tender, moist texture, warm spices, and natural sweetness from carrots and maple syrup, they deliver all the nostalgic flavors of carrot cake in a wholesome, nutritious package. Whether you're meal prepping for the week ahead or treating your family to a special weekend breakfast, these squares are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. The best part? They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making them the ultimate make-ahead breakfast solution.

Recipe FAQs

→ What spices enhance the carrot flavor?

Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm, aromatic notes that complement the natural sweetness of fresh carrots.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute regular milk with plant-based alternatives and use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

→ How do nuts affect the texture?

Chopped walnuts or pecans add a pleasant crunch and richness when folded into the oat mixture.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Place the baked squares in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness.

→ Can I add other dried fruits?

Yes, raisins can be swapped for dried cranberries or omitted entirely depending on preferred sweetness.