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–+ servings
Oatmeal Cake
Oatmeal Cake is a classic American comfort dessert, beloved for its moist crumb and rich, spiced flavor. Popular throughout the mid-20th century, it combines pantry staples like oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar with a broiled coconut-pecan topping that adds a sweet, chewy contrast. This cake was a favorite for weeknight desserts, potlucks, or family gatherings, thanks to its simplicity and homestyle warmth. Served warm or at room temperature, it's especially nostalgic when paired with a cup of coffee or milk.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Topping Broil Time 4 minutes
Total Time 59 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 358 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup quick rolled oats
  • 1¼ cups boiling water
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup butter (melted )
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup nuts (chopped , e.g. pecans or walnuts)
  • ½ cup shredded coconut
  • 2 egg yolks (beaten)
  • canned milk (enough to mix and spread topping)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Soften Oats

  • Pour boiling water over oats. Let sit to cool and absorb water.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars

  • In a large bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and brown sugar.

Step 3: Add Eggs

  • Add eggs one at a time and beat well.

Step 4: Combine Oats & Wet Mixture

  • Add the cooled oatmeal mixture to the creamed ingredients and mix well.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. Gradually stir dry mixture into wet batter. Add vanilla.

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare Topping

  • In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, chopped nuts, coconut, and beaten egg yolks. Add enough canned milk to make the mixture spreadable.

Step 8: Broil Topping

  • Spread topping over warm cake. Return to oven under broiler until top is bubbly and lightly browned (about 2–4 minutes). Watch closely to avoid burning.

Tips

  • Replace some or all brown sugar with dark brown sugar for richer caramel flavor.
  • Add ½ cup raisins to the batter for an old-fashioned twist.
  • Increase cinnamon or nutmeg for stronger warm-spice flavor.
  • Substitute pecans for the chopped nuts in the topping for deeper nuttiness.
  • Toast the coconut before adding to the topping for extra texture.
  • Add 1 teaspoon molasses to the batter to enhance the oatmeal flavor.
  • Bake in a 9×13 pan and reduce baking time slightly for a thinner bar-style cake.
  • Serve warm with whipped cream for a nostalgic dessert.
  • Add a splash of rum or vanilla to the topping for added depth.

Nutrition

Calories: 358kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4.6gFat: 18.5gSaturated Fat: 9.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.1gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 158mgPotassium: 144mgFiber: 1.9gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 430IUCalcium: 41mgIron: 1.6mg
Keyword classic recipes, comfort food, easy baking, family favorites, oatmeal cake, retro dessert, vintage baking
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