Name: Carrot Cake Sunrise Bake (Protein-Packed Oatmeal Dream!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485466H4M21S
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups milk of choice; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup dry split red lentils (rinsed); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup freshly grated carrots; 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts; 1/4 cup softened plain cream cheese; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 teaspoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it combines the comforting flavors of carrot cake with the nourishing benefits of oats and lentils for a protein-packed meal. It’s easy to prepare, makes great leftovers, and feels indulgent without the guilt. Perfect as a meal prep breakfast or post-workout fuel, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

2 cups milk of choice
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 1/4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup dry split red lentils (rinsed)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup freshly grated carrots
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Optional Maple Cream Cheese Glaze:

1/4 cup softened plain cream cheese
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, vanilla, eggs, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Stir in oats, rinsed lentils, baking powder, grated carrots, and chopped nuts until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the oatmeal is set.
For the optional glaze, mix cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm oatmeal before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings. Prep time is 10 minutes, cook time is 35-40 minutes, totaling about 50 minutes.

Variations

Use dairy-free milk and yogurt to make it dairy-free.
Swap pecans or walnuts for almonds or walnuts according to preference.
Add raisins or shredded coconut for extra texture and sweetness.
Replace maple syrup with honey or agave syrup.
Top with nut butter or extra Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This bake also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Do I need to rinse the lentils?

Yes, rinsing lentils helps improve texture and digestion.

Can I use other types of lentils?

Red split lentils work best due to their quick cooking time, but you can experiment with others, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats to make the recipe gluten-free.

Is this recipe vegan?

No, it contains eggs and dairy, but you can experiment with egg replacers and dairy-free alternatives.

Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?

Absolutely! The bake is delicious on its own or topped with extra yogurt or nut butter.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free yogurt and cream cheese substitutes.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes, make it ahead and refrigerate. Reheat before serving.

Can I add other fruits or vegetables?

Try adding shredded zucchini, chopped apples, or dried fruit for variation.

How high in protein is this dish?

Each serving has approximately 10 grams of protein, thanks to the lentils, oats, and eggs.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep breakfasts or snacks, keeping well for days in the fridge.

Conclusion

The Carrot Cake Sunrise Bake is a comforting, protein-packed baked oatmeal that tastes like dessert but fuels you like a champion. Easy to make and adaptable to your dietary needs, it’s an ideal breakfast choice to keep mornings cozy and nutritious. Try the optional maple cream cheese glaze for an extra special touch and enjoy a carrot cake-inspired start to your day.

Carrot Cake Sunrise Bake (Protein-Packed Oatmeal Dream!)

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Carrot Cake Sunrise Bake is a warm, protein-packed baked oatmeal bursting with cozy spices, grated carrots, lentils, and an optional maple cream cheese glaze, making breakfast feel like carrot cake.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
Whisk milk, maple syrup, vanilla, eggs, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a large bowl.
Stir in oats, rinsed lentils, baking powder, grated carrots, and chopped nuts until combined.
Pour mixture into prepared dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
For glaze, mix cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle glaze over warm bake before serving, if desired.