Classic Oatmeal Cake Recipe
Description: Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of our Oatmeal Cake, a delightful dessert that brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying treat. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or family dinners, this cake is easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Follow the detailed instructions below to create a moist and flavorful cake that will surely become a favorite.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 16
Yield: 1 9×13 inch cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 ¼ cups boiling water
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare Oat Mixture:
- Begin by placing the rolled oats in a bowl. Pour the boiling water over the oats, stirring to combine. Set the mixture aside and let it sit for 20 minutes to allow the oats to soften and absorb the water.
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Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a light cake texture.
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Add Eggs:
- Add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. Beat well after each addition to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture, creating a smooth and unified batter.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
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Incorporate Oatmeal Mixture:
- Gently blend the prepared oatmeal mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Stir until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the batter. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until there are no visible streaks of flour.
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Stir in Vanilla:
- Mix in the vanilla extract, which adds a subtle yet essential depth of flavor to the cake.
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Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place the pan in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Prepare the Topping:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the topping. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. If desired, add shredded coconut for additional texture and flavor.
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Apply the Topping:
- After removing the cake from the oven, immediately spread the topping mixture evenly over the hot cake. Return the cake to the oven, placing it under the broiler for about 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning, as the sugar will caramelize quickly and can easily turn from golden brown to burnt.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once the topping has achieved a golden brown color and the sugar has caramelized, remove the cake from the oven. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips:
- Keep a close eye on the cake while broiling the topping. Caramelizing sugar can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds, so be vigilant.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped nuts to the topping mixture before broiling.
Enjoy this delightful Oatmeal Cake as a cozy dessert or a sweet treat for your next gathering. Its combination of rich flavors and satisfying texture will make it a hit with friends and family alike!
Keywords: Grains, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups
