3 Simple Oatmeal Cake Recipes You'll Love

If you're on the lookout for a sweet treat that's not only delicious but also easy to whip up, then you've landed in the right spot. Oatmeal cakes have been a favorite for generations due to their simplicity and wholesome ingredients. Here, we're diving into three different oatmeal cake recipes that will not only tickle your taste buds but also bring a touch of homemade warmth to your kitchen. From classic oatmeal cake with coconut-pecan topping to a healthier version and a gluten-free option, there's something here for everyone.

Classic Oatmeal Cake

The classic oatmeal cake is where we start, as it’s the blueprint of what many expect when thinking of this comfort dessert. Here’s how to bake your own:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-55 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1 ¼ cups boiling water
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt

Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

1. Soak the Oats: Start by pouring boiling water over the oats in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 20 minutes, allowing the oats to soak and soften.
2. Cake Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
3. Mix: Cream the butter and sugars together until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in the softened oats.
4. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Topping: While the cake is baking, melt butter in a saucepan, stir in brown sugar and evaporated milk. Cook on medium heat until it's well combined, then stir in the vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Pour this mixture over the cake just out of the oven.

💡 Note: You can adjust the sweetness of this cake by altering the amount of brown sugar in the topping to suit your taste.

Healthier Oatmeal Cake

Looking for something a bit lighter? This healthier oatmeal cake recipe uses natural sweeteners and whole grain flours:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for vegan option)
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

Steps:

1. Soak the Oats: Pour boiling water over the oats and let them sit for 10 minutes.
2. Mix: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan. Cream the butter (or oil), honey, and maple syrup together, then add eggs or flax eggs.
3. Combine: In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Add these to the wet mixture along with the soaked oats, stirring just until combined.
4. Bake: Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes.

💡 Note: For extra nutrition, you can add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to this recipe.

Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cake

For those avoiding gluten, this oatmeal cake recipe offers a delicious alternative:

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup certified gluten-free oats
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup butter (or ghee or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp xanthan gum (if not included in your flour blend)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

Steps:

1. Soak the Oats: Pour boiling water over the oats and allow them to soak for 15 minutes.
2. Mix: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Cream together butter and coconut sugar, then add eggs or flax eggs, one at a time.
3. Combine: In another bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Stir these into the wet mixture along with the soaked oats.
4. Bake: Transfer batter to the pan and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

💡 Note: Make sure to use gluten-free oats labeled as such since cross-contamination is common with regular oats.

In wrapping up these oatmeal cake recipes, it's clear that the versatility of oats makes for desserts that can fit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're drawn to the rich, nutty flavor of the classic recipe, prefer a healthier twist, or need something gluten-free, these options prove that oatmeal cakes are much more than just a simple breakfast dish. Each cake brings something unique to the table, offering warmth, comfort, and the delightful taste of oats. So, next time you're in the mood for something sweet yet satisfyingly nutritious, give one of these recipes a try. Enjoy the baking and even more, the indulging!

What makes oatmeal cake a healthy option?

+

Oatmeal cakes can be healthier because they use oats, which are high in fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients like iron and B vitamins. They also offer a lower glycemic index, which can help manage blood sugar levels better than many other desserts.

Can I make an oatmeal cake vegan?

+

Yes, you can easily adapt these recipes to be vegan by using plant-based substitutes like flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), vegan butter, or coconut oil, and opting for alternative sweeteners like agave syrup or maple syrup.

How do I ensure my gluten-free oatmeal cake maintains its texture?

+

Using a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or guar gum helps to mimic the texture provided by gluten. You might also add ingredients like applesauce or yogurt to add moisture and enhance the cake’s structure.