Vegan Carrot Cake Baked Oats (Healthy, No Banana)
on Oct 20, 2021, Updated Apr 29, 2026
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This healthy carrot cake baked oatmeal (or baked oats) is an easy vegan breakfast made with oats, carrots, and spices. It’s naturally sweetened, meal prep-friendly, and made with applesauce instead of banana.
It’s lightly sweet, warmly spiced, and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, carrots, and walnuts. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or prep it ahead for an easy, nourishing breakfast all week. Top with yogurt and almond butter for extra protein and staying power.
5-Star Review
Made them this morning for breakfast. Delicious and fulfilling! Perfect meal prep meal and I had some cashew butter so I put teaspoon instead of almond butter.
Why These Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oats Work
Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and filled with carrots, walnuts, and raisins, this baked oatmeal delivers classic carrot cake flavour in a more balanced, everyday format.
• Made with simple, whole-food ingredients.
• Vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and easily gluten-free.
• Naturally sweetened with maple syrup (no refined sugar).
• Great for meal prep, just slice, store, and reheat.
• Works as breakfast, snack, or a lighter dessert.
• Balanced with fibre, healthy fats, and plant-based protein to keep you full.
If you want a no-bake version, try these Carrot Cake Overnight Protein Oats.
Try more healthy baked oatmeal recipes like this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal, vegan banana baked oatmeal, or baked steel cut oatmeal for a heartier option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need just a few simple pantry ingredients plus milk and carrot. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need and substitutions you can make.
This list is not complete. Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list with measurements and detailed instructions.
- Oats: Use rolled or large flake oats for the best texture. Quick oats work but will be softer.
- Maple Syrup: Adds just enough sweetness without overpowering. You can swap with agave or honey (not vegan).
- Applesauce: Keeps the oats moist and replaces oil and banana. Mashed banana works as an alternative or try my Easy Banana Baked Oatmeal.
- Flax: Use ground flax only. This acts as a binder and replaces eggs.
- Milk: Any non-dairy milk works. Almond, soy, or cashew are all good options. For a richer version, dilute light coconut milk with water.
- Walnuts: Add crunch and healthy fats. Swap for pecans, almonds, or seeds for nut-free.
- Raisins: Optional but add sweetness and texture. Sub with chopped dates or skip.
How to Make Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Add oats, spices, and ground flax to an 8-inch baking dish and mix.
Step 2: Stir in grated carrot until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients and mix well. If you’d like you can sprinkle a little shredded coconut or coconut sugar over top before baking.
Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
FAQs
Yes. This recipe is naturally banana-free and uses applesauce instead, which keeps the baked oats moist without affecting the flavour. You can also substitute mashed banana if preferred.
Yes. Divide the ingredients by 4 and bake in a small ramekin or oven-safe dish. Bake at the same temperature for about 18–22 minutes, or until set in the middle.
Carrot cake baked oats can be a balanced breakfast when made with whole-food ingredients like oats, carrots, and natural sweeteners. This version is high in fibre, contains healthy fats, and provides steady energy.
Yes. Quick oats will work but result in a softer, slightly less textured bake. Rolled oats are recommended for the best consistency.
No. Steel-cut oats require a different liquid ratio and longer cooking time, so they won’t work in this recipe without modification. Try this baked steel cut oatmeal recipe designed specifically for steel cut oats.
Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds until warm, or in the oven at 300°F until heated through. It can also be eaten cold.
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.
If you make this recipe, please consider leaving a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comment section below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe, and I love to hear from you. Thanks for trying my recipes! – Deryn
Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oats (Vegan, No Banana)
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats, 200 g
- 2 tbsp ground flax, 14 g
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup lightly packed, finely grated carrot (115 g)
- 1.5 cups non-dairy milk of choice, 335 mL
- 1/4 cup maple syrup, 75 g
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 60 g
- 1/4 cup walnut pieces, 30 g
- 1/4 cup raisins, 40 g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Mix the oats, flax and spices together in an 8-inch baking dish.2 cups rolled oats, 2 tbsp ground flax, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- Add the grated carrot and mix to distribute and break up any clumps.1 cup lightly packed
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Option to sprinkle with shredded coconut any/or a bit of coconut sugar.1.5 cups non-dairy milk of choice, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup walnut pieces, 1/4 cup raisins
- Bake for 30 minutes then let cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
- Divide into 6 portions and enjoy as is or with your favourite toppings such as coconut yogurt and almond butter.
I used maybeeee a little more carrot than required and put in a handful of pecans because that’s what I had around and it came out great! Even without raisins or dates it’s still sweet enough for that carrot cake vibe.
Can you replace shredded carrots with something else
You can replace them with whatever you like, leave them out or make my basic baked banana, apple or protein baked oatmeal.
Could you prepare this the night before?
You could but I think it would thicken up a lot after sitting so you might need to mix in more liquid before baking. Let me know if you try it! I just bake it ahead and reheat as needed.
Made them this morning for breakfast. Delicious and fulfilling! Perfect meal prep meal and I had some cashew butter so I put teaspoon instead of almond butter.
Sounds great! So glad you enjoyed it. Love these for meal prep too.
Delicious! It smelled so good when it was cooling, I ate it for dinner!
Haha, I like your style! Glad you enjoyed it.