Ah, the humble oatmeal cake—a nostalgic delight that takes me straight back to sleepy Sunday mornings with my grandma. Can you already imagine the sweet, nutty aroma wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the sound of a creaky floorboard or two? If cakes could talk, this one would whisper stories of comfort and warmth, with its tender crumb and a frosting so irresistible, it might just make you forget your name—no kidding.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Place the oatmeal and butter in a bowl, then pour boiling water over them and let it sit.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine eggs, brown sugar, and white sugar, and beat them together thoroughly.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. Combine this dry mixture with the egg and sugar mixture, stirring until fully integrated.
- Incorporate the oatmeal mixture into the batter, stirring until the ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- As the cake bakes, prepare the topping by mixing all topping ingredients in a bowl.
- Once the cake is done, set the oven to high broil. Spread the coconut-almond topping evenly over the cake and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the coconut turns golden brown.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds (or walnuts, if preferred)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 172mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 385IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1.5mg
FAQ
- Can I make this oatmeal cake in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare this cake ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day. Just let it cool to room temperature and cover it tightly with foil before storing it on the counter.
- What type of oats should I use for this recipe?
- This recipe calls for old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick-cooking oats. Rolled oats provide a better texture and flavor, staying true to the traditional oatmeal cake recipe.
- What alternatives can I use for the coconut almond topping?
- While the recipe uses chopped almonds for the topping, you can substitute them with walnuts if you prefer. Walnuts were commonly used in similar recipes in the past, but almonds add a unique flavor and crunch to the cake.
- How should I store leftovers of the oatmeal cake?
- Leftover oatmeal cake should be kept covered at room temperature. If you anticipate needing to store it for more than a couple of days, consider refrigerating it to maintain freshness.
- How do I know when the cake is done baking?
- You’ll know the cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes about 35 minutes of baking time at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips
- Use rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats for a more authentic texture and flavor in your oatmeal cake.
- Prepare the cake a day in advance if possible, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.
- When making the coconut almond topping, be sure to broil it for just 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure the coconut turns golden brown without burning.
- Consider experimenting with different nuts in the topping; while almonds add a wonderful crunch, walnuts can also be a delightful alternative.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan – If you don’t already have this size, it’s essential for baking the cake.
- Mixing Bowls – Various sizes for mixing the oatmeal and butter, wet ingredients, and dry ingredients separately.
- Sifter – Useful for sifting flour and other dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer – While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer can make the process easier and quicker, especially for beating the eggs and sugars.
- Broiler-Safe Pan – Ensure your baking pan or another pan is safe to use under the broiler for the topping step.
- Cooling Rack – Helpful for letting the cake cool evenly after baking.
