Baked Oatmeal with Carrots, Apples, and Cranberries: A Healthy and Flavorful Breakfast

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Prepare the Ingredients:
Grate the carrots and dice the apple. In a large bowl, combine the oats, grated carrots, diced apple, dried cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.

Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If you’re using melted coconut oil or butter, add it to the wet ingredients and mix well.

Combine and Pour:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine everything thoroughly. The mixture should be thick and evenly distributed.

Bake:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and golden on top.

Serve:
Allow the baked oatmeal to cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy warm. You can top with additional maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips: