If you’re in the mood for a delightful dessert that’s both nostalgic and comforting, look no further than this classic Oatmeal Cake recipe. Oatmeal cake is known for its moist and tender crumb, warm spices, and a broiled coconut pecan frosting that’s the stuff of dreams. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this timeless dessert.
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 ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Broiled Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparing the Cake:
- Begin by combining the old-fashioned oats with the boiling water in a bowl. Let them sit for approximately 20 minutes to soften and absorb the water.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the soaked oats and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Broiled Frosting:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the broiled frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
- Cook and stir the frosting mixture until it thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Spread the broiled frosting evenly over the hot cake.
- Place the cake under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes or until the frosting is bubbly and lightly browned. Be sure to watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool before serving.
Cook’s Notes:
- Allowing the oats to soak in boiling water is crucial for creating a moist and tender cake. Be sure to give them enough time to soften.
- When broiling the frosting, keep a close eye on it as it can quickly go from perfectly browned to burnt.
Variations:
1. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cake:
For a fruity twist, add diced apples and a dash of cinnamon to the cake batter.
2. Nutty Delight:
Enhance the cake with a mix of your favorite nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
- Substitute the granulated sugar and brown sugar with your favorite sugar substitute (e.g., erythritol or stevia).
- Adjust the frosting ingredients accordingly, using keto-friendly sweeteners.
Low-Carb Version:
- Use oat fiber instead of old-fashioned oats in the cake.
- Opt for a low-carb milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond milk, in the frosting.
Oatmeal cake is a beloved classic that’s stood the test of time. With its broiled coconut pecan frosting and the heartiness of oats, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe allows you to recreate this timeless dessert in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family treat, oatmeal cake is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead, bake up a batch, and savor the delicious nostalgia that this dessert brings to every bite
