This 10-minute apple carrot oatmeal is warm, hearty, and naturally sweet — like a cozy bowl of carrot cake for breakfast. It’s made with fresh shredded carrots and chopped apples, cooked quickly with oats, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this oatmeal packs in fruits and veggies without feeling like a health food. It’s fast, filling, and the flavors of apple, cinnamon, and carrot taste like dessert in a bowl. Plus, it keeps me full and energized all morning.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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rolled oats
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milk or water (or a mix)
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apple, chopped
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carrot, finely shredded
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cinnamon
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salt
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maple syrup or honey (to sweeten)
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optional toppings: chopped nuts, raisins, nut butter, yogurt
Directions
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I bring the milk or water to a simmer in a small saucepan.
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I stir in the oats, shredded carrot, chopped apple, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
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I reduce the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until the oats are soft and creamy.
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I remove from heat and sweeten with maple syrup or honey to taste.
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I top with chopped nuts, extra fruit, or a spoonful of nut butter before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5–7 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
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I use almond milk for a dairy-free version.
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Sometimes I add chia seeds or flaxseeds while cooking for extra fiber.
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I’ve stirred in vanilla extract or nutmeg for extra flavor.
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For more protein, I swirl in Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk or water and warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring until smooth again.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats?
Yes — I reduce the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on the texture.
Should I peel the apple or carrot?
I don’t — the peel adds fiber and blends in well, but peeling is fine if I prefer a smoother texture.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — I make a batch and store it in the fridge, reheating a bowl each morning.
What kind of apples work best?
I like using sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala, but tart ones like Granny Smith also taste great.
Can I make this in the microwave?
Yes! I combine everything in a microwave-safe bowl and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Conclusion
This 10-minute apple carrot oatmeal is a quick, wholesome breakfast that tastes like comfort food. It’s the perfect way to start the day with fruit, veggies, and warm spices — and it comes together fast, which I always appreciate.
Print
10-Minute Apple Carrot Oatmeal
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 10-minute apple carrot oatmeal is a warm, hearty breakfast made with shredded carrots, chopped apples, oats, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup. It’s quick, naturally sweet, and feels like a cozy bowl of carrot cake in oatmeal form.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk or water (or a mix)
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot, finely shredded
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, raisins, nut butter, yogurt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the milk or water to a simmer.
- Add oats, shredded carrot, chopped apple, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until oats are soft and creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup or honey to taste.
- Top with chopped nuts, extra fruit, nut butter, or yogurt before serving.
Notes
- Use almond milk or another plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add chia seeds or flaxseeds while cooking for extra fiber.
- Stir in vanilla extract or nutmeg for additional flavor.
- Swirl in Greek yogurt or protein powder for a protein boost.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk or water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
