This Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake is a nostalgic dessert that brings warmth and comfort in every bite. With its moist, tender crumb infused with hearty oats and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is a perfect cozy-day treat. But what truly makes it irresistible is the gooey, buttery coconut-pecan topping—broiled to a golden, caramelized perfection. Whether you’re serving it for dessert, afternoon coffee, or a casual get-together, this cake always hits the sweet spot.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Old-fashioned rolled oats | 1 ½ cups |
| Boiling water | 1 ¼ cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Fine salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Light brown sugar (packed) | ¾ cup |
| Unsalted butter, softened | ½ cup |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
For the Topping:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, melted | 6 tablespoons |
| Light brown sugar (packed) | ⅔ cup |
| Milk | ¼ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Sweetened shredded coconut | 1 ½ cups |
| Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) | ½ cup |
Instructions
Make the Cake
-
Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Set aside. -
Soften the Oats
In a medium bowl, combine 1½ cups oats with 1¼ cups boiling water. Stir and let sit for 15 minutes, allowing the oats to absorb the water and soften. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside. -
Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter together using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue beating for 4–5 minutes until light, fluffy, and creamy. Scrape the bowl as needed. -
Add the Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. -
Combine All Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the soaked oat mixture and stir until fully blended. -
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
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