Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake

Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake is a comforting, moist dessert with a deliciously spiced flavor and a signature broiled coconut and pecan topping. Perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight desserts, this nostalgic treat combines the wholesome goodness of oatmeal with the rich sweetness of its caramelized topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and tender cake with a comforting, old-fashioned flavor.
• The broiled topping adds a caramelized crunch that’s irresistible.
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
• Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or everyday indulgence.
• A nostalgic dessert that brings back memories of home baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake

• Old-fashioned oats
• Boiling water
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

For the Topping

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream or milk
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions

1. Prepare the Oats: In a small bowl, combine oats and boiling water. Let sit for 15-20 minutes until the oats absorb the water and soften.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Add the soaked oats and mix until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Topping: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cream until smooth. Remove from heat and mix in coconut and pecans.
7. Broil the Topping: Spread the topping evenly over the warm cake. Place the cake under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. The topping should bubble and turn golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12-16 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Broil Time: 2-3 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts in the topping or replace them with sunflower seeds.
• Fruit Additions: Stir raisins or chopped dried fruits into the cake batter for extra sweetness.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Spiced Twist: Add ground cloves or cardamom for a deeper spiced flavor.
• Lighter Topping: Substitute the coconut and pecans with a drizzle of simple powdered sugar glaze.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven to refresh.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, but the texture may be slightly different. Avoid steel-cut oats for this recipe.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature. Add the broiled topping just before serving for best results.

How do I prevent the topping from burning?

Keep a close eye on the cake under the broiler, as the topping can caramelize quickly.

Can I use sweetened coconut?

Yes, sweetened coconut will work, but you may want to reduce the sugar in the topping slightly.

What type of nuts work best for the topping?

Pecans and walnuts are traditional, but almonds or hazelnuts would also be delicious.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy milk or cream for the topping.

What can I serve with this cake?

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Can I bake this in a different-sized pan?

You can use an 8×8-inch pan for a thicker cake, but adjust the baking time accordingly.

Is this cake very sweet?

The cake is moderately sweet, with most of the sweetness coming from the topping. You can reduce the sugar if desired.

Can I omit the topping?

While the topping is a signature feature, the cake is still delicious without it. Dust with powdered sugar or serve plain.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake is a nostalgic dessert that never goes out of style. With its tender crumb, warm spices, and caramelized coconut-pecan topping, it’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug. Easy to make and always a hit, this cake is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a comforting homemade treat.

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