Steel cut oatmeal flavored with raisins, carrots, and walnuts, then cooked up so it tastes like a slice of creamy carrot cake. Sign me up for some of that goodness!
This is the start of a tasty week filled with brunch recipes. I’m kicking things off with a recipe for carrot cake steel cut oatmeal. It’s hearty and creamy, with just a touch of sweetness. Be the cool parent and serve this up for your kids. It’s so sweet and delicious, they may think they’re eating cake instead of good-for-them oatmeal!
This week, we’ll celebrate the deliciousness of brunch and prepare for Mother’s Day and the summer brunch season. We have 32 bloggers bringing you their best brunch recipes, from beverages to main dishes, and salads to desserts. There will be delicious recipes for everyone’s taste buds this week.
UPDATE: At the time of publishing, May 5, 2014, this post included details about a giveaway. After the giveaway ended, some of that information was removed from this post.
Thanks to our wonderful sponsors for their generosity in providing the Brunch Week contributors with free products to use for recipe development and for giveaway prizes for our readers.
SPONSORS
Bob’s Red Mill , OXO, California Walnuts, Grimmway Farms, Baloian Farms, Woot Froot, Dixie Crystals, Whole Foods Orlando, and Bonne Maman
I made this steel cut oatmeal using free product samples from Bob’s Red Mill, California Walnuts, and Grimmway Farms. All completely delicious components in this brunch treat!
STEEL CUT OATMEAL RECIPE COOKING TIPS
I adapted this recipe from one that my blogging friend Karen created. Normally, I include links to recipes I adapt from, but sadly, Karen’s site no longer exists.
She used 1/4 cup of shredded coconut in her version, but since I’m allergic to all forms of coconut, I left it out. I went for raisins and walnuts, and an extra dash of almond milk to top mine off.
This will keep well for a few days if you cover it well and keep it in the refrigerator. I had it on day 3 with some maple syrup drizzled over the top. It made my stomach quite happy.
I hope you love this steel cut oatmeal as much as I did!
Carrot Cake Steel Cut Oatmeal
This hearty oatmeal is creamy, decadent, and healthy all at the same time. With just a touch of sweetness from maple syrup, it's almost like eating cake for breakfast!
Ingredients
- 2 cups steel-cut oats, NOT quick-cooking
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 3 cups milk, I use unsweetened almond milk
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- raisins and chopped walnuts for topping, optional
Instructions
- To a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the oats, carrot, milk, water, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer for about 20 - 25 minutes until the oatmeal is tender and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Garnish with raisins and walnuts, and a little extra almond milk or half and half, if desired.
Recipe Nutrition
Looking for more delicious brunch recipes? How about these?
Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Nests
Steel cut oatmeal is only the beginning of the delicious Brunch Week recipes. Try these, too!
Brunch Eggs:
Easy and delicious Caramelized Onion Tart, Polenta Cakes with Crab & Eggs, Sausage, Spinach and Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole, or Mexican Omelete with Plantain, Avocado and Mango Hash.
I’d love a Veggie and Scalloped Potato Frittata, Apple and Sweet Potato Egg Muffin Cups, or a Loaded Veggie Frittata with Sweet Potato and Hatch Chile.
Brunch Starches and Sides:
Dutch Baby with Roasted Strawberries, Strawberry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast, Strawberry Lemon Crepes, Carrot Cake Steel Cut Oatmeal, or Banana Bacon Pancakes.
Raspberry Oatmeal Pancakes, Mexican Chocolate French Toast with Spiced Blackberry Syrup, and Brown Butter Peanut Butter Doughnuts with Mixed Berry Jelly Icing.
Baked Chocolate Hazelnut Donuts, Banana Coconut Milk Pancakes, or Pumpernickel Bagels.
Main Brunch Dishes:
Are Muscat-Glazed Lamb Lollipops with Roasted Grapes, Spinach and Mushroom Quiche, or Paleo Chicken Waffles up your alley?
Brunch Fruit and Vegetables:
Honeycrisp and & Carrot Waldorf or Hazelnut Crepes with Rum Peaches sound delicious!
Brunch Desserts:
Maybe you’d enjoy Raspberry Lemon Explosion Cake , Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake , or Simple Oatmeal Cookie Jam Bars.
Beverages:
How about a Frozen Peach Bellini, Raspberry Tequila Sunrise, Pineapple Peach Mimosa, and a Rosemary-Orange Mocktail.
Libby with Lemony Thyme says
March 13, 2015 at 10:48 amHearty, healthy, heavenly. My boring oatmeal is about to get a yummi wake up call.
Chef Becca says
March 14, 2015 at 11:29 amI hope you enjoy the recipe, Libby. It’s obviously not as sweet as carrot cake, but it definitely feels indulgent to eat it. 🙂
kelley says
January 27, 2015 at 8:15 pmDo you think coconut milk instead of almond milk would taste good?
Chef Becca says
January 29, 2015 at 8:01 amKelley, I’m allergic to coconut products, so I can’t say how coconut milk would taste as a substitute for almond milk in this dish. However, coconut milk is thick and creamy, so I imagine that it will add a wonderful richness and creaminess to the oatmeal. I hope you enjoy it!
Jennifer says
May 13, 2014 at 8:34 amWow, this looks amazing… I wonder if it could be done overnight in a crock pot?
Chef Becca says
May 13, 2014 at 9:05 amThank you! Yes, you can definitely make it overnight, but I would suggest using water instead of almond milk if you’re going to do that, and then just add some almond milk to it when you serve it.
Rust says
May 10, 2014 at 5:40 pmMy favorite brunch dish is a western omelet with ham and cheese.
Katie Zack says
May 10, 2014 at 3:16 pmGood old eggs Benedict! Can’t help it, I love them!!
Chef Becca says
May 10, 2014 at 5:33 pmI can understand why, Katie!
Rosemary Erickson says
May 10, 2014 at 5:55 amLove so many, but the carrot cake steel cut oatmeal is the best 🙂
Joann M says
May 9, 2014 at 11:31 pmFavorite brunch dish is a brie and avocado omelet!
Amy says
May 9, 2014 at 6:40 pmMy favorite brunch item is an omelet – so versatile!
David @ Spiced says
May 8, 2014 at 7:33 amI eat oatmeal quite often in the mornings…but I’ve never thought about adding these fun flavors, Becca! Carrot cake is pretty high up there on my list of deliciousness, so I definitely need to try this recipe out soon. Thanks for sharing!!
Chef Becca says
May 8, 2014 at 8:01 amThanks, Dave! I don’t fix fancy breakfast at my house, so this is as close as it gets. It fits the sweet & savory combo craving really well 🙂
Claudia (Breakfast Drama Queen) says
May 8, 2014 at 6:32 amThere are so many brunch choices! As much as I love oatmeal, granola and pancakes, my favorite brunch option is a French Toast Sandwich! I love making a peanut butter sandwich, letting it soak in french toast mixture, and then cooking it in a skillet.
The oatmeal looks amazing, by the way!
Chef Becca says
May 8, 2014 at 6:43 amOh my word, Claudia…that peanut butter French toast sandwich sounds ahhhhmazing!
Thanks for stopping by!
Ashleigh Gaunt says
September 18, 2016 at 12:43 amMy mom’s carrot cake is the best so this carrot cake oatmeal sounds devine! Wow, I never thought of stuffed french toast! I must make it soon!
Carla says
May 7, 2014 at 8:55 pmI usually don’t take the time to make oatmeal, usually just quick oats with cinnamon and sugar, but now I want to make this for breakfast this weekend.
Chef Becca says
May 8, 2014 at 6:45 amI usually don’t spend much time on it either, Carla, but this recipe is SO worth the effort!
amanda says
May 7, 2014 at 1:20 pmscrambled eggs and french toast!
Gwen says
May 7, 2014 at 9:22 amI love steel cut oatmeal – great recipe! My favorite brunch digs is pumpkin scones!
Dianna says
May 7, 2014 at 8:27 amI have been thinking of ways to use up all of those Grimmway Farms carrots… this is a must! 🙂 It looks lovely, Becca. Thanks for sharing!
Chef Becca says
May 7, 2014 at 9:11 amThose carrots were DELISH, Dianna! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed using them in this. Thanks for stopping by!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
May 6, 2014 at 7:39 pmI don’t know if I’ve ever craved oatmeal this much. This is calling my name!
Chef Becca says
May 7, 2014 at 7:07 amHaha! That’s exactly how I feel about brunch cocktails after seeing so many this week, Courtney…and I don’t even drink alcohol!
Kathy White says
May 6, 2014 at 5:14 pmThat’s a tough question. Hmmm, I think my favorite brunch item is dutch babies or pancakes with fruit on top with a nice fruit/protein smoothie.
Stacy says
May 6, 2014 at 12:50 pmWhat fabulous prizes, Becca! I wouldn’t mind winning any one of those! My favorite brunch dish would have to be anything with smoked salmon. I could eat that stuff every which way!
Chef Becca says
May 6, 2014 at 1:43 pmAren’t they just amazing, Stacy?! I wish you the best of luck winning!
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
May 6, 2014 at 10:39 amwhat a great, delicious way to serve oatmeal . . love this!!
Chef Becca says
May 6, 2014 at 10:40 amThanks, Alice!
Hannah says
May 6, 2014 at 10:36 amI love steel cut oatmeal, this looks awesome. I really like sweet brunch food. My favorite is probably oatmeal, apple pancakes.
Amy @ The Nifty Foodie says
May 6, 2014 at 9:38 amLove French toast!
Karen @BakingInATornado says
May 6, 2014 at 9:29 amYou had me at “carrot cake”. I would love this. I don’t eat breakfast but there are a few days a week when I’m on my own for dinner and I can see this as a great option for one of those nights!
Chef Becca says
May 6, 2014 at 10:41 amIt’s definitely hearty enough to eat for “brinner”, Karen! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
Kristina & Millie says
May 6, 2014 at 8:54 amAwesome giveaway! Pinning 🙂 I love French toast with hot sausage! But will eat just about anything. I can’t wait to try this carrot oatmeal recipe! Sounds like it will be great for a pack to work breakfast!
Samantha @FerraroKitchen says
May 6, 2014 at 6:50 amSo thats what you did with the carrots….genius!!
Chef Becca says
May 6, 2014 at 7:10 amFun with food, right Samantha? 🙂
Bernadette says
May 5, 2014 at 11:48 pmQuiche is definitely my favorite brunch, pretty much any kind! I wish I knew about this week, I would have been excited to join!
Chef Becca says
May 6, 2014 at 7:14 amIt’s right to have breakfast at any time of day, Bernadette!
I want to know how to get in on some of those big blogger events that you’ve been a part of…maybe we should write a book! 😉
Fryallyson says
May 5, 2014 at 9:26 pmPoached eggs w mushrooms and onions
Mary says
May 5, 2014 at 8:31 pmQuiche
Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out says
May 5, 2014 at 7:51 pmI want to eat this for breakfast every day! Yum.
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 7:55 pmHaha! I can relate, Stephie!
mysweetiepiepie says
May 5, 2014 at 7:30 pmMy favorite brunch dish is hash browns with sausage gravy and poached eggs on the side.
veronica gantley says
May 5, 2014 at 5:58 pmYum! You have to love this flavor combination! The oatmeal look great!
Camilla @ Culinary Adventures says
May 5, 2014 at 5:35 pmYou said my favorite words! I will definitely be trying this.
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 7:56 pmAwesome! Thanks, Camilla 🙂
Brian Donovan says
May 5, 2014 at 5:22 pmSteak and eggs with a side of pancakes or french toast!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
May 5, 2014 at 5:19 pmWhat a fabulous giveaway! Brunch week sure does make me hungry 🙂 Your recipe sounds extra delicious, Becca!
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 7:57 pmThanks, Renee! Good luck with the giveaway 🙂
Rebecca Walker says
May 5, 2014 at 5:06 pmI actually will be trying this for my men–they all love oatmeal, especially when it tastes like dessert! Nice one!
Susan Pesotski says
May 5, 2014 at 4:46 pmWarm banana bread with honey butter!
Lanie from The Vintage Cook says
May 5, 2014 at 4:26 pmOh this looks so great! I got to “Spar for the Spurtle” a few years back and am obsessed everything Bob’s Red Mill. You MUST enter this year, you clearly know your Steel Cut Oats! Delicious!~
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 4:34 pmI just gigglesnorted at “Spar for the Spurtle”! That sounds like too much fun, Lanie!
Christina Fusari says
May 5, 2014 at 3:56 pmWaffles with fruit and whipped cream!
Deb Harrington says
May 5, 2014 at 3:34 pmCarrot Cake Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe sounds so “Yummi!” Pinned and will try soon. I love waffles smothered with blueberries and strawberries, topped with a little fresh maple syrup…..scrumptious! Thanks so much for this opportunity. Have a great evening 🙂
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 3:49 pmIt’s been too long since I had waffles… time to make some up! Good luck in the giveaway, Deb!
Shaina says
May 5, 2014 at 3:14 pmCarrot cake has some amazing flavor…oatmeal is the perfect vessel for it!
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 3:49 pmIndeed it does, Shaina! Thanks for coming over to say hi 🙂
Kathie Grant says
May 5, 2014 at 3:10 pmWe love waffles with peaches & whip cream & bacon!!
[email protected] Crafty says
May 5, 2014 at 2:10 pmI love baked french toast for brunches!
Tammy Seigle says
May 5, 2014 at 2:07 pmAs always Becca your recipe looks awesome!! I will defiantly have to print it so I can try it later. 🙂
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 2:14 pmThanks so much, Tammy! I hope you have a chance to try and love it 🙂
Jamie says
May 5, 2014 at 1:56 pmWe love waffles!!
Jannine Fisk says
May 5, 2014 at 1:54 pmMy favorite brunch dish is my Mom’s “Egg Bake” which is eggs, cheese and cooked, crumbled bacon, all baked together in a casserole dish. We have it at every holiday and it not only brings wonderful memories but it is delicious! Thanks for an amazing giveaway!!!
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 2:14 pmMy mom made an amazing brunch dish that sounds very much like the one you described. Thanks for stopping by…and good luck in the giveaway!
Anita at Hungry Couple says
May 5, 2014 at 1:37 pmThis looks so good! I really need to start cooking oats.
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 2:15 pmThanks, Anita! The steel cut oatmeal is much different than traditional rolled oats, but just as delicious 🙂
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
May 5, 2014 at 1:18 pmI can see kids going crazy for this, but seriously – adults too! Such a creative recipe and a great way to shake up my boring oatmeal routine 🙂
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 1:22 pmThanks, Lori!
The grown up kid that lives here (a/k/a, my husband!) asked if I’d serve it with cream cheese so that he could say he had a COMPLETE slice of carrot cake! LOL
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
May 6, 2014 at 8:39 amUm yep, that sounds EXACTLY like what my husband would do, too 🙂
Chef Becca says
May 6, 2014 at 10:41 amHaha! Men can be a bit predictable at times 😉
Brad Herrema says
May 5, 2014 at 12:37 pmWe love overnight crockpot oatmeal – could this recipe be done that way?
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 12:47 pmHi Brad! This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker, but you’ll want to substitute water for the almond milk when you cook it. Just stir some of the milk in right before you eat it instead. Although almond milk is non-dairy, I’ve had horrible failure trying to use any sort of refrigerated products in a slow cooker overnight. They end up curdling, and/or tasting sour due to lack of refrigeration. I would hate to see that happen with this recipe!
Tess D says
May 5, 2014 at 12:08 pmI love a good omelet or egg casserole-type dish. The Mexican Omelet recipe that’s posted just might be our Cinco de Mayo dinner tonight!
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 12:48 pmI thought that Mexican omelet looked amazing!
Jason says
May 5, 2014 at 11:17 amFavorite Brunch? Any kind of waffle!
Serena says
May 5, 2014 at 11:08 amMy fave brunch dish is usually Overnight French Toast. But this might be second. My kids would LOVE carrot cake for breakfast!
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 12:48 pmOooo, overnight French toast is a big favorite of mine, too!
Terri/LoveandConfections says
May 5, 2014 at 9:19 amCake for breakfast is always a plus in my book!
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 9:27 amHow can it possibly be wrong, Terri? 🙂
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
May 5, 2014 at 8:00 amThis oatmeal looks great! I also made a carrot cake-inspired recipe this week. Thank you Grimmway!
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 8:22 amThanks, Erin… and I’m headed over to check out yours shortly. We can never have enough delicious Grimmway carrots in our lives! YUM!
Liz says
May 5, 2014 at 7:54 amOh, yeah, who wouldn’t love this???? It’s my favorite dessert rolled into a healthy breakfast! Totally delish!!!
Chef Becca says
May 5, 2014 at 8:22 amThanks, Lizzy! I think eating cake for breakfast might be the start of world peace. Let’s try it every day! 🙂