Heavenly Homemade Oatmeal Cake Recipe – Sweet Breakfast Joy

Warm, comforting aromas fill the kitchen when you bake this nostalgic oatmeal cake recipe that brings memories of grandmother’s loving touch.

Soft crumbs and rich, hearty flavors make this dessert a true crowd-pleaser.

Every bite transports you to cozy weekend mornings and cherished family gatherings.

The simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a delectable treat that feels both rustic and elegant.

Moist, tender layers packed with wholesome oats promise a delightful experience for anyone seeking a classic, homestyle dessert.

Sweet notes of cinnamon and brown sugar weave through each tender slice, making this cake irresistible.

Let’s find out this delicious recipe and let the magic of home baking unfold.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 338 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes Into a Moist Oatmeal Cake

• Hot Milk: Softens oats and creates a moist cake texture, use whole milk for richness.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: Provides hearty texture and nutty flavor, choose rolled oats for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cake, sift to prevent lumps.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds deep caramel and sweet notes, use fresh, clump-free sugars.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and creates light cake structure, use room temperature eggs.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, choose pure extract for best taste.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and tender crumb, ensure room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and become fluffy, check freshness for optimal results.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth, use freshly ground for strongest flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors, use sparingly.

• Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar: Creates crispy, caramelized layer, blend until crumbly.
• Pecans, Coconut Flakes: Adds crunch and tropical notes, toast briefly for enhanced flavor.
• Milk: Helps bind streusel ingredients, use minimal amount for proper consistency.

Baking Tools for a Great Oatmeal Cake Texture

• Large mixing bowl: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Medium mixing bowl: To soak oats and mix dry ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: For baking the cake.
• Whisk: To blend ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: For creaming butter and sugar.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: To test cake doneness.
• Spatula: For spreading batter and topping.

How to Make an Oatmeal Cake Everyone Enjoys

• Warm Kitchen Preparation

Gather all your baking tools and ingredients. Set the oven to a cozy 350°F, creating a welcoming baking environment. Gently coat your baking dish with a light butter layer to prevent sticking.

• Oat Softening Magic

Combine hot milk with rolled oats, allowing them to absorb liquid and become wonderfully soft. This step helps create a tender cake texture that melts in your mouth.

• Dry Ingredient Harmony

Whisk together flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients will provide structure and warm flavor to your cake.

• Creamy Foundation

Blend butter with brown and white sugars until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly. Stir in vanilla extract for a rich, aromatic essence.

• Cake Batter Blending

Gently fold dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, alternating with softened oats. Pour the silky batter into your prepared baking dish.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the cake into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and a toothpick emerges clean, signaling a perfectly baked treat.

• Decadent Topping

While the cake cools, create a luscious streusel by melting butter, mixing with brown sugar, and folding in coconut flakes and pecans. Spread this heavenly topping across the warm cake.

Tips That Bring Out the Best in Oatmeal Cake

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream on warm cake slices for extra indulgence.
• Prepare the cake batter a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making morning baking a breeze.
• Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing rich, hearty taste.
• Mix in diced apples, raisins, or dried cranberries into the batter for added texture and natural sweetness that complements the oatmeal base.
• Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds in the streusel topping for varied crunch and protein-packed flavor profile.

Best Ways to Serve Oatmeal Cake Slices

• Cozy Family Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm oatmeal cake with fresh morning coffee or hot tea for a delightful start to your day. The cake's rich cinnamon notes complement the beverage perfectly.
• Dessert Delight Plate: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold, creamy topping contrasts beautifully with the cake's warm, nutty texture.
• Afternoon Tea Treat: Cut into small squares and arrange on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves. This presentation makes the cake elegant and Instagram-worthy for casual gatherings.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Slice and place alongside scrambled eggs or as part of a breakfast buffet. The cake's sweet profile balances savory breakfast items wonderfully.

Save Your Leftover Oatmeal Cake the Right Way

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the streusel topping crisp and texture moist.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cake batter one day in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning for maximum convenience and flavor development.
• Freezing Friendly Method: Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags for convenient grab-and-go treats lasting up to 3 months.
• Temperature Transformation: Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, tender crumb and enhance overall taste experience.

Decadent Oatmeal Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic oatmeal cake weaves nostalgia and comfort into each slice. Warm spices and a caramelized topping make this homemade dessert irresistible to those craving a sweet, hearty treat.

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Ingredients

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• 1½ cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) hot milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (90 g) old-fashioned oats
• 1⅓ cups (170 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar
• ¾ cup (75 g) finely chopped pecans
• ½ cup (40 g) coconut flakes
• ¼ tbsp (4 ml / 0.125 fl oz) milk

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Oat Mixture: Pour hot milk over rolled oats in a medium bowl, allowing them to soften and absorb liquid while preparing other ingredients.
3. Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and kosher salt in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution.
4. Butter Mixture: Cream unsalted butter with dark brown and granulated white sugars using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
5. Egg Integration: Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, then mix in pure vanilla extract to create a smooth base.
6. Batter Composition: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the softened oat mixture to create a consistent batter.
7. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly, and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Streusel Topping: While cake bakes, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan, then stir in dark brown sugar and whole milk to create a rich, caramel-like mixture.
9. Topping Finalization: Combine shredded coconut flakes and roughly chopped pecans with the warm butter mixture, ensuring thorough coating.
10. Final Touch: Remove cake from oven, immediately spread streusel topping across the surface for even coverage, and let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and topping to set before serving.

Notes

• Boost Oat Absorption: Soak oats in hot milk for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum moisture and softer cake texture.
• Prevent Dry Edges: Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother batter and more even baking, reducing chances of dry cake edges.
• Master Mixing Technique: Alternate dry ingredients and oat mixture when folding to create a silky, lump-free batter without overmixing.
• Topping Pro Tip: Spread streusel while cake is hot to help it adhere perfectly and create a beautifully caramelized, crunchy surface.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 338
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 155 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 68 mg