Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake

Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich sweetness of cake. It’s a classic recipe that has been cherished for generations, loved for its simplicity and comforting flavor. Below, I’ll guide you through the process of making this delectable treat step by step.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Oats: In a medium bowl, pour the boiling water over the oats and let them soak for about 20 minutes, or until they are softened.
3. Make the Cake Batter: 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.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the soaked oats. Mix until well combined.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Topping: While the cake is baking, prepare the topping. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
8. Add Topping to Cake: When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately spread the topping evenly over the hot cake.
9. Broil the Topping (Optional): If desired, place the cake under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Tips:

• For added flavor, you can toss some raisins or chopped dried fruits into the cake batter.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon according to your taste preferences.
• If you don’t have heavy cream for the topping, you can substitute with milk, though the texture may be slightly different.
• Make sure to watch the cake closely while broiling the topping to avoid burning it.

Conclusion: Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its moist oat-filled cake base and rich coconut-nut topping, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking with this delicious recipe!