Oatmeal cake is a comforting and hearty dessert that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweetness of a cake. This recipe is known for its moist, tender crumb and the subtle nutty flavor that oats bring. Often enjoyed as a simple, satisfying treat, oatmeal cake can be served plain, topped with a simple glaze, or even frosted with cream cheese icing. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert.
The beauty of oatmeal cake lies in its straightforward preparation and the ability to customize it with various add-ins such as nuts, dried fruit, or spices. The oats in the recipe add a delightful texture and enhance the cake’s richness, making it a wholesome option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Oatmeal Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), optional
- ½ cup raisins or chopped dried fruit, optional
For the Topping (optional):
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- Prepare Oats: Place the rolled oats in a medium bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to allow the oats to soften.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg if using.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the softened oats into the butter mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins or dried fruit.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Prepare the Topping (optional): While the cake is baking, you can prepare the topping. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar and milk, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Brush the topping over the warm cake if desired, or serve the cake plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Oatmeal cake is a wonderfully versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many variations. Its hearty texture and comforting flavor make it a beloved treat, perfect for any time of day.
