Creamy Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Creamy Carrot Cake Oatmeal

We recently shared in our Instagram stories that we like to put carrots in our bowl of morning oats and created a poll to see how many readers did the same. To our surprise, many folks have yet to try this simple and delicious way to increase nutrition and daily veggie intake.

As vegetable farmers and healthy eating enthusiasts, we’re all about sharing meal ideas and inspiring folks to try something new and nutritious. To that end, we created this yummy and kid-approved breakfast! If you give it a try, please give this recipe a ❤️ and leave us a comment below — enjoy!

Please note, we have updated this recipe to include soaking instructions for the oats to neutralize phytic acid, which is said to inhibit nutrient absorption.

Yield: 4

Author: Orie's Farm Fresh

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Creamy Carrot Cake Oatmeal

This humble bowl of oats gives major carrot cake vibes because it’s studded with shredded carrots, raisins and walnuts and flavored with warming spices. Don’t forget that cream cheese drizzle for a signature carrot-cakey, tangy-sweet topping.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 8 MinInactive time: 8 HourTotal time: 8 H & 18 M

Ingredients

For The Oatmeal

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon whey, milk kefir, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (we prefer local, raw milk)
• 1 cup finely grated carrots
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For The Cream Cheese Drizzle

• 3 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• splash of milk, to thin to desired consistency

Instructions

The Night Before

1. In a medium saucepan, combine oats, whey (or other acidic medium, see notes), and water. Put a lid on and leave to soak overnight at room temperature.

In The Morning

1. Stir the soaked oat mixture and add milk, grated carrots, raisins, walnuts, spices and sea salt. If it seems too thick, add either a little more water or milk. Stir again to thoroughly mix and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally and lower the heat slightly if necessary to prevent sticking. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until oats and carrots are soft. Since the oats were soaked, they'll cook up quite quickly.
3. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese, butter, and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Stir until melted and combined, adding in a splash of milk to thin to desired consistency.
4. When oatmeal is finished cooking, stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Taste for sweetness and add a little more maple syrup or brown sugar if it isn’t sweet enough for your taste.
5. Different brands of oats can absorb moisture differently. If you find your oatmeal to be a little thick, add more milk at the end of cooking to reach the texture you like best.
6. Portion into bowls and top with cream cheese drizzle.

Notes

For soaking the oats, many kinds of acidic mediums will work. Whey, milk kefir, yogurt, buttermilk, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar are all good options.

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