2cupsold fashioned rolled oatsgluten-free if gluten intolerant
⅓cupunsweetened shredded coconutoptional
2teaspoonscinnamon
1teaspoonbaking powder
½teaspoonsalt
2cupsunsweetened almond milkor the milk of your choice
¼cuppure maple syrupor sweetener of your choice
1largeegg
1cupgrated carrotabout 2 medium
8ouncescrushed pineapplevery well drained
1teaspoonvanilla extract
⅓cupwalnut pieces
For the glaze:
2ouncescream cheesesoftened
½cuppowdered sugar
1½tablespoonsmilk
½teaspoonvanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the oatmeal:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray an 8x8" baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Place the oat mixture in the prepared pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, and egg until well incorporated. Stir in the carrot, crushed pineapple, and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the oat mixture and rap the baking dish on the counter so that the milk is evenly distributed. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes, then top with the walnut pieces, pressing them down into the oatmeal slightly. Bake another 10 minutes, or until the oatmeal is golden brown and set. Cool on a wire rack.
Prepare the glaze:
Beat the cream cheese in a small bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat on low until incorporated, then increase the speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more until creamy and smooth. Add the milk and vanilla, and beat until combined.
Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled baked oatmeal, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
The carrots in this recipe have a bit of texture and chew to them, so if you'd like them to be on the softer side, place the grated carrots in a small bowl with a bit of water and cover them with plastic wrap. Microwave for about 1 minute or until slightly softened, drain, and add them as directed in the recipe.
Feel free to customize this oatmeal to make it the way you like your carrot cake! Omit the crushed pineapple, coconut, or walnuts, and replace with raisins or any of your favorite additions! You can also omit the glaze completely to make this even healthier.