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A golden brown oatmeal cake cooling in a 9x13 pan on a kitchen counter.

Oatmeal Cake

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5 from 8 reviews

Description

This classic Southern Oatmeal Cake features a moist, tender crumb achieved by soaking old-fashioned oats in boiling water. Topped with a rich, caramelized coconut and pecan layer that is broiled to perfection, it is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 1/4 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 6 tablespoons butter, for topping
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar, for topping
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or baking spray.
  2. In a heat-proof bowl, pour the boiling water over the old-fashioned oats and let sit for 20 minutes to soften.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and the soaked oat mixture.
  5. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. While the cake is finishing, melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat and stir in the shredded coconut, chopped nuts, brown sugar, and evaporated milk.
  8. Remove the hot cake from the oven and immediately spread the topping mixture evenly across the surface.
  9. Set the oven to broil and return the cake to the oven for 2-4 minutes, watching closely until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
  10. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the topping set.

Notes

To achieve a professional finish, ensure your evaporated milk is at room temperature before mixing the topping to prevent the melted butter from seizing. For an even deeper flavor profile, try toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the coconut mixture.

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

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Find it online: https://cakepeak.com/oatmeal-cake/