A naturally sweet, sugar-free and flourless breakfast or snack packed with fiber, fruit, and warmth — no added sugar, no regrets.
📋 Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35–40 minutes
- Total time: 45–50 minutes
- Servings: 8 squares
- Dietary Badges: Sugar-Free, No-Flour, Dairy-Free (if using plant-based milk), Vegetarian, High-Fiber
✅ Ingredients Checklist
- 2 cups (200g) rolled oats, chopped in a blender
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup (240ml) milk of your choice (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
- 9 dried apricots, rinsed with hot water and finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons raisins, rinsed with hot water
- 1 medium apple, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
🔪 Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper. -
Blend the oats:
Use a blender or food processor to chop the oats into a coarse flour texture. -
Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine blended oats, baking powder, and cinnamon. -
Add wet ingredients:
Stir in the milk and eggs, mixing until fully combined. -
Fold in fruit and vegetables:
Add grated carrot, grated apple, chopped apricots, and raisins. Mix gently until evenly distributed. -
Bake:
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Smooth the top and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden. -
Cool & serve:
Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or chilled — plain or with a dollop of yogurt.
💡 Additional Notes
- This recipe contains no added sugar, relying on dried fruit and apple for natural sweetness.
- It’s perfect as a meal-prep breakfast or an on-the-go energy snack.
- Texture is soft, almost like a baked porridge bar.
📝 Brief Introduction
If you’re looking for a naturally sweet treat without any added sugar or flour, this oatmeal, apple, and carrot bake is your new go-to. It’s nourishing, loaded with fiber-rich fruit and veggies, and tastes like a warm hug in food form. The best part? You can enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even a healthy dessert.
🥄 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Mixing the Base
- Blend the oats to create a hearty, flourless base.
- Stir in baking powder and cinnamon for rise and flavor.
Adding the Moisture
- Mix in milk and eggs to bind the batter.
- You’ll notice the mixture begins to resemble a thick, chunky batter.
Stirring in the Good Stuff
- Grated carrot and apple add moisture and natural sweetness.
- Soaked apricots and raisins plump up and provide bursts of flavor.
Baking
- Spread into a lined baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake until golden and firm to the touch — your kitchen will smell amazing!
🛒 Ingredient Insights & Substitution Tips
Ingredient Notes
- Rolled Oats: Blending oats gives structure without using flour.
- Dried Apricots & Raisins: Rinsing removes excess surface sugar and softens them slightly.
- Carrot & Apple: Natural sweetness and fiber-rich — great for digestion.
- Milk: Any type works — oat, almond, soy, or cow’s milk.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and balance to the fruit flavors.
Substitution Ideas
- No Apricots? Use dates or prunes (same quantity).
- Want more texture? Add 1 tbsp chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds.
- Egg-Free? Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit 5 min).
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serving Ideas
- Enjoy warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or plant-based alternative.
- Slice into bars and pack in lunchboxes or gym bags.
- Drizzle with a little warm almond butter or tahini for richness.
Flavor Twists
- Add ½ tsp nutmeg or ginger for more spice.
- Stir in 2 tbsp shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
- Mix in a handful of chopped nuts for crunch.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Info
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn.
- To Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or serve cold.
⚖️ Nutrition Highlights (per slice, approx.)
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 4g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Allergen Info: Contains oats and eggs. Use dairy-free milk for DF option.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I skip blending the oats?
A: Yes, but the texture will be chunkier and more like baked oatmeal.
Q: Can I make this with steel-cut oats?
A: No — they won’t cook properly in this recipe. Stick to rolled or quick oats.
Q: Is this good for toddlers/kids?
A: Yes! It’s naturally sweet and packed with fruit and veg — great finger food for little ones.
Q: Can I use frozen grated apple or carrot?
A: Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
💬 Behind the Recipe
I created this recipe during a no-sugar challenge, craving something comforting that still felt like a treat. The apple and carrot keep it moist, the oats give it substance, and the dried fruit adds just enough natural sweetness. It’s become a weekly bake in our house!
📣 Call to Action
Give this healthy bake a try and tell me how you like it!