Maw Maw’s Classic Oatmeal Cake with Coconut Pecan Topping

Maw Maw’s Oatmeal Cake

Description

This classic oatmeal cake recipe has been passed down through generations, originating from my mother’s Home Economics class in the late 1950s. It was an instant hit with my family, especially with my Maw Maw, who has been baking it ever since. This cake is irresistibly moist with a delectable, slightly caramelized topping that makes every bite unforgettable. Now, my mother, aunts, cousins, and I all enjoy this recipe, which remains a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings. It’s a simple yet delicious dessert that’s sure to be cherished by everyone.

Recipe Category

Dessert

Keywords

Potluck, Sweet, For Large Groups, Oven, Less than 4 hours

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Preparation Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before baking the cake.

2. Prepare the oats: In a medium bowl, pour the boiling water over the quick-cooking oats. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to soften while you prepare the rest of the cake.

3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, shortening, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Sift the dry ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together to remove any lumps. Add this sifted dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until fully incorporated.

5. Add the oatmeal: Once the oats have softened and absorbed the water, add them into the batter. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

6. Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cake tests done. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

For the Topping:

8. Prepare the topping ingredients: While the cake is baking, in a separate bowl, combine the butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, evaporated milk, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Stir well to blend all ingredients together.

9. Prick the cake: After baking, remove the cake from the oven and immediately prick holes into the top of the cake using a toothpick or an ice pick. These holes will allow the topping to soak into the cake, adding moisture and flavor.

10. Spread the topping: Pour the topping mixture evenly over the warm cake. Use a spatula to spread it gently, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

11. Broil: Place the cake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the topping begins to brown and bubble. Be careful during this step, as the broiler can quickly burn the topping if left too long. Watch closely for the perfect golden color.

12. Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing it into 24 pieces. Enjoy the rich, moist cake with its sweet, nutty topping.

Tips & Variations:

• Use of Oats: You can experiment with different types of oats. If you prefer a heartier texture, steel-cut oats can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.

• Topping Options: If you’re not a fan of coconut or pecans, you can substitute with chopped walnuts, almonds, or leave it out entirely for a simpler version.

• Make Ahead: The cake can be made a day ahead of time and stored at room temperature, covered tightly. This allows the flavors to meld, and the cake will stay moist for several days.

• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version of this cake, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Why You’ll Love Maw Maw’s Oatmeal Cake

This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a cherished family tradition that has been passed down through the years. It’s simple to make, but incredibly delicious, and the combination of moist cake with a toasted, caramelized topping is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy evening treat, Maw Maw’s Oatmeal Cake will always bring a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction.

This cake is not only comforting in flavor but also in its ability to bring loved ones together, just as it has done for generations in our family. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and you’ll likely find it disappears faster than you can say “second slice.”

Recipe Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
“This cake is fantastic! I made it for a family gathering, and it was a huge hit. The cake itself is moist, and the topping adds a perfect sweet crunch. Definitely a recipe to keep in the rotation!”

Recipe Yield: 24 servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes