The flavor profile is warm and comforting. Cinnamon adds gentle spice, brown sugar brings richness, and vanilla rounds everything out. Many traditional oatmeal cakes are finished with a broiled coconut and pecan topping, which melts into a caramel-like layer on top. This topping transforms a simple cake into something truly special, adding crunch, sweetness, and a slightly toasted flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake underneath.
Oatmeal Cake is incredibly versatile. It can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enjoyed at room temperature with coffee, or even eaten for breakfast by those who love a not-too-sweet treat. It’s also a forgiving recipe, ideal for beginner bakers, because it doesn’t require special equipment or techniques.
This cake is all about comfort, tradition, and simplicity. One bite instantly explains why it has remained a favorite for generations.
Ingredients
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1¼ cups boiling water
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
Topping
½ cup butter
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup milk
1 cup shredded coconut
½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a bowl, pour boiling water over the oats and let stand for 20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Stir in the soaked oats. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
For the topping, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans. Spread over the hot cake and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Let cool slightly before serving.