Description
Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert made with rolled oats and warm spices, topped with a sweet coconut and nut mixture that’s broiled to perfection. This classic cake has been a family favorite for generations, offering a comforting taste of nostalgia.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oat Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats and boiling water. Stir and let sit for about 20 minutes until the oats are softened.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add Oat Mixture: Fold the softened oats into the batter until evenly incorporated.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Topping: While the cake is baking, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Broil the Topping: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and set the oven to broil. Spread the topping evenly over the hot cake. Place the cake under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a different flavor, you can substitute the chopped nuts in the topping with your preferred variety, such as walnuts or almonds.
- This cake can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, and it will remain moist and flavorful.