Oh boy, do I have a delightful recipe to share with you today! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort dessert: Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake. It’s one of those recipes that takes me back to my childhood, where my grandmother would whip it up on chilly afternoons. The aroma wafting through the house made it feel like the coziest place on earth, and it never failed to bring everyone around the kitchen table, with forks in hand and big grins on our faces.
What I adore most about this cake is its charming rustic feel, thanks to the oats and the warm spices. It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, making it perfect for both family gatherings and quiet evenings at home. Plus, who could resist a cake that’s both tasty and wholesome? So, grab your apron, and let’s bake something wonderful together!
What’s in Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake?
– Rolled Oats: These little gems are the star of the cake! They give it a chewy texture and lovely flavor. I usually go for Quaker oats, but use whatever rolled oats you have on hand.
– Boiling Water: This helps to soften the oats, making them the perfect addition to the batter. You can boil it while you gather your other ingredients!
– Granulated Sugar: A classic sweetener that adds a nice sweetness to the cake. I stick with just regular granulated sugar here.
– Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor, perfectly complementing the oats.
– Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cake nice and moist. I find that canola oil works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
– Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binding agent, giving the cake its structure. I always make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
– All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, blending beautifully with all the other ingredients. You can substitute it with gluten-free flour if needed.
– Baking Soda and Baking Powder: A duo that ensures your cake rises perfectly, giving it that lovely fluffy texture.
– Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice is essential for that cozy flavor I love. You can even add a little nutmeg for an extra kick!
– Salt: Just a bit helps to balance the sweetness and enhances the cake’s overall flavor.
– Vanilla Extract: This adds a pleasant aroma and rounds out the sweetness. Always opt for pure vanilla if you can!
– Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: These nuts are for topping and provide a delightful crunch. I can’t choose between them, so I often do a mix!
Is Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake Good for You?
You may be wondering if this delicious cake is a guilt-free treat. Well, I’d like to think that everything in moderation is key!
– Rolled Oats: They are packed with fiber, which is great for heart health and keeping you full.
– Nuts: Whether you go for walnuts or pecans, they are a good source of healthy fats and protein. Plus, they add a wonderful texture to the cake.
One thing to be mindful of, though, is sugar. With both granulated and brown sugars in the mix, it certainly packs a sweet punch. If you’re looking to cut back, you could consider decreasing the amounts slightly or substituting with a sugar alternative. Just remember to adjust baking times as needed!
Ingredients
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 1/2 cups boiling water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for topping)
**Servings:** This recipe yields about 12 squares, perfect for sharing (or not!)
How to Make Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to keep your cake from sticking.
2. In a bowl, combine the rolled oats and boiling water. Let it sit for about 20 minutes until the oats soften. Trust me, this is worth the wait!
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine both sugars, oil, and eggs. Mix well until fully incorporated; it should be nice and smooth.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures no lumps make it into your cake.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overdo it; we want it fluffy!
6. Stir in the soaked oats (including any excess water) and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. This is where the magic happens!
7. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. It’s going to look glorious!
8. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the top of the batter. Go wild; the more, the merrier!
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your house will smell divine during this time!
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.
Enjoy your Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake with a cup of coffee or tea, and watch the smiles spread around the table!
Sweet Tips and Hints for Success!
– **Variations:** Feel free to swap the nuts for chocolate chips or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries—get creative!
– **Serving Suggestion:** This cake is scrumptious on its own, but a little whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would take it to the next level!
– **Storage:** Keep leftovers in an airtight container; they stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s either gonna lead you down memory lane or create new ones. Let me know how it turns out; I love hearing your stories in the kitchen! Happy baking! 🎂
