Naturally Rosy

Helping you live a healthy life, naturally.

Desserts

Baked Carrot Cake Oats

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Naturally Rosy, Gluten Free, Vegan, Carrot Cake Baked Oats, Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Growing up, I’d buy a whole carrot cake from our local grocery store, warm it up, and have a slice every night for a week. I did this every couple months and, I mean, I guess that was one of the culprits of me being overweight before I started on this health journey.

If you think about it, what’s in most cakes? White flour, refined sugar, eggs, dairy, and a plethora of other ingredients (read: chemicals, preservatives, additives) if it’s store-bought to maintain its shelf life. I learned a long time ago that many of those ingredients were the cause of my future digestive issues.

So, does that mean I haven’t had carrot cake the past six years? Nope! I have. And it’s delicious. But you know what’s more delicious? Making it at home and healthifying it (and splurging on a good-looking store/restaurant slice every now and then)….

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Healthy, 2 Ingredient Cookies!

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Naturally Rosy, gluten-free, vegan, two ingredient cookie with bananas and oats, decorated with chocolate chips

Valentine’s Day is almost here! I have a slight obsession with hearts, so it’s only fitting that I’ve always loved this time of year. Whereas I preferred chocolate (as long as it had nuts) in the past, once I started my healthy route, I struggled to find creative ways to treat myself or my valentine.

When I started cooking and baking more, I realized the possibilities for healthier versions of treats wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought!

If you or bae are working on being more health-conscious, or you’re just in the mood for something sweet and easy, give this recipe a try!

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Gajrela/Gajar ka Halwa/Carrot Dessert (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free Option)

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NaturallyRosy.com - Sugar free, Gluten-free, Vegetarian Gajrela Carrot Dessert

Gajrela aka Gajar ka Halwa aka Carrot Dessert!

Once I sat down and really thought about the first recipe to feature on Naturally Rosy, it was kind of a no-brainer.

This site is dedicated to my dad, who was my first teacher on how to live a natural life with a balanced mind, body, and soul. So many things I know and am learning stemmed from his influence. He woke up at 4:30AM for most of my life, starting his day with meditation, prayer, and yoga. He was more flexible than most people I know (including myself) at the age of 60! Amazing.

It took me a long time after dad passed away to get into the kitchen and create new recipes again, much less attempt versions of his favorite foods. Once I started, it was a way for me to connect with him again. We had always had a strong spiritual connection, and I realize cooking has been strengthening that. Out of everything I’ve made, this recipe resonates most considering it was hands-down his favorite dessert. It’s my way of paying homage to my inspiration.

Although most of his meals were homemade, he had a major sweet tooth. One of his favorite things to eat was gajrela, an Indian dessert made out of carrots that I can only best describe in English as a carrot pudding. If you’re thinking, “A carrot pudding? What?” you’re not alone. But just trust me on this one 😉

I remember years ago I tried making him a healthier, raw version (the typical recipe includes an insane amount of sugar – something on my no-no list). He tried it of course, (since he was the best taste-tester ever) but I could tell he wasn’t a huge fan even though he told me the opposite. My mom isn’t as subtle, and when I told her I was trying this recipe again, she brought to my attention the first time I tried to make it and no one finished it (lol).

Guess what? I made a brand-new version and mom said it tasted like the gajrela she was used to! *Success* considering she loves her sugar and this recipe contains no refined sugar!! If you know Indian dessert, you know how much of a feat this is.

NaturallyRosy.com - Sugar free, Gluten-free, Vegetarian Gajrela Carrot Dessert

This gajrela dessert recipe is not only healthy with whole ingredients like cinnamon, flax seeds and carrots (with tons of proven benefits!), but it is also gluten-free, vegetarian (with a vegan option), can be nut-free and is completely organic and homemade! You can eat it cold, but I love eating it right after it has been made so it’s nice and warm. Talk about comfort food!

This recipe serves two, but you can easily double (or triple or quadruple) it!

5.0 from 2 reviews
Gajrela (Gajar ka Halwa aka Carrot Dessert)
 
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A dessert made out of carrots! This comforting dessert doesn't use any refined sugar as a sweetener, just dates and honey, and is actually quite healthy!
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian, Dessert, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Organic, Refined Sugar free
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups of grated carrots (~2 full carrots)
  • 2 dates
  • 1.5 cups of milk (sub almond milk or any nut milk)
  • 1.5 tablespoons ground flax seed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
  • 2 tablespoons raw, organic honey
  • *Optional: Handful of raisins
  • *Optional: Handful of chopped nuts of choice (I find that pistachios and almonds work best)
  • *Optional: ½ tablespoon of hemp seeds
Instructions
  1. Add dates to a food processor for about 5 pulses.
  2. Add grated carrots to processor until dates and carrots are combined (just a couple pulses should do depending on your machine).
  3. Add date/carrot mixture and milk together (if you have a steel pot, that will work best).
  4. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat.
  5. When the milk begins to dissolve, mix in the ghee.
  6. Add ground flax seeds, cinnamon and honey and mix again.
  7. If using nuts, add them in.
  8. Let simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, adding in raisins (if using) towards the end, and stirring occasionally.
  9. Once all the milk is dissolved, stir to desired consistency.
  10. Top with hemp seeds if using, and serve immediately!

Gajrela can be easily reheated, or eaten cold. It can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Let me know how you like the recipe! I’d love to hear from you!

Enjoy!