Welcome to the world of Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake—a delightful dessert that requires minimal effort but promises maximum satisfaction. This recipe is perfect for those days when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can whip up this delicious cake in no time. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover the magic of Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut
- powdered sugar, optional (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare Oats: Place oats in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them. Set aside to let soak for 20 minutes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or mixer, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy and lightened in color, about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold soaked oats into the egg mixture, then mix in the dry ingredients until incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Icing: While the cake bakes, mix melted butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and shredded coconut together in a bowl.
- Apply Topping: Remove the cake from the oven and pour the icing evenly over the top. Return the cake to the oven and broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cake batter or sprinkle them on top of the icing.
- Fruit Compote: Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of fruit compote or preserves for a fruity twist.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves to customize the flavor of the cake to your liking.
- Glaze: Instead of the coconut topping, drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice for a tangy finish.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? A: Yes, you can substitute quick oats for rolled oats in this recipe. However, the texture of the cake may be slightly different.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover cake slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, you can try substituting almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour and using a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia instead of sugar. Additionally, you can omit the shredded coconut in the icing to reduce the carb content further.
Indulge in the decadent simplicity of Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake—a dessert that proves you don’t need to slave away in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious treat. With its moist and flavorful crumb, complemented by a luscious coconut topping, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet but don’t feel like putting in much effort, give this recipe a try and savor the effortless goodness of Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake!
