Carrot cake oatmeal is a savory breakfast that’s lightly sweetened with crystallized ginger, so you almost feel like you’re having dessert for breakfast!
I feel obligated to make today’s post as neutral as possible. It is my first time participating in the Improv Challenge and this months ingredients are carrots and ginger. Immediately thoughts of delicate baked goods came to mind. An excuse to finally make carrot cake seemed like perfect timing. But then I remembered others would be participating as well and I was certain I wasn’t the only one craving a slice of cake.
So I opted to try something a little different. I am working on expanding my breakfast menu from eating nothing until 2 or 3 in the afternoon, to actually eating healthy meals. It’s a work in process. I had an entire week devoted to breakfast options last year, and I can’t say that I have exactly followed through on it. I’ve probably eaten a ‘real’ breakfast less than five times since my posts last year. Five more than last year. That’s an improvement. 😉
Trying to find the perfect blend of sweet and savory to make my breakfast perfect has been a hunt.
This hearty carrot cake oatmeal gets the job done, is delicious and adds a nice variety to keep things fresh in the morning.
Carrot Cake Oatmeal with Crystallized Ginger
Adapted from Oh She Glows
Ingredients:
- 1 heaping cup finely grated carrot
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbs sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon, to taste
- 1/8th tsp ground cloves
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup regular oats
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbs chopped walnuts, divided
- 2 tbs raisins, divided
- 1 teas crystallized ginger, minced
- 2 tbs pure maple syrup
- 1 tbs sweetened shredded coconut
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix in the carrots and oats. Bring to a slow simmer, but don’t let boil. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the oatmeal begins to thicken, stirring often.
Remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract, walnuts, raisins, 1/2 teas crystallized ginger and maple syrup.
Divide the oatmeal evenly among bowls, and top with shredded coconut and the remaining 1/2 teas crystallized ginger. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon and serve.
Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama
Monday 27th of February 2012
This. Looks. Amazing!
Julia {The Roasted Root}
Thursday 23rd of February 2012
By golly, I eat oatmeal all the time and I love carrot cake - combining these two items just puts a smile on my face. I just bought some steel cut oats, so I would use those instead of rolled oats, so different texture but still probably a great taste. Thanks for the idea, I will definitely make your version next time I make oatmeal for breakfast! :)
Peggy
Thursday 23rd of February 2012
Umm... can you come over tomorrow and make me this for breakfast? =)
kitchenarian
Monday 20th of February 2012
I love oatmeal and this looks so delicious. I keep thinking about a big scoop of vanilla ice cream with this. You know, traditional breakfast fare! Great post. :)
Kiri W.
Friday 17th of February 2012
Mmmm, sounds fantastic! The crystallized ginger must be perfect with this! Love how many different takes we get for these challenges :)