Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake
You know we’ve got an insatiable sweet tooth and love mixing up new cakes and confections as a solution to our cravings. While most of our cakes start with the standard base of flour, baking soda, and salt, along with some combo of butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, this lazy day oatmeal cake is a little different. Rolled oats that have been left to soak in boiling water act as a supplement to the flour, adding a dense, nutritious element that makes our cake perfectly chewy and delicious.
You start to assemble this cake as you would any other, but when the time comes, you fold in the oats (which have absorbed the water and softened nicely) and transfer your batter to the baking dish. While the cake bakes, you mix up the icing – butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and coconut – then pour it over the baked cake and broil it until golden brown. You want to be careful when it’s broiling to make sure it doesn’t burn, but if you get it right, this icing adds so much flavor and texture to the cake; it’s the perfect complement!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s easy to make, requiring minimal effort, yet delivers a rich and satisfying dessert. The combination of oats gives it a hearty texture, while the coconut topping adds a delightful crunch. It’s a unique twist on a classic cake that everyone will enjoy.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Heatproof bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl or mixer
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Oven
- Broiler
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut
- Powdered sugar, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350º F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Place the oats in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them. Set aside to let soak for 20 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg and set aside.
- In a large bowl or mixer, cream together butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes, or until fluffy and lightened in color, then beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Fold the soaked oats into the egg mixture, then mix in the dry ingredients until incorporated and smooth.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cream, and shredded coconut together.
- Remove the cake from the oven and pour the topping evenly over the top, then return the cake to the oven and broil for 2-4 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool at least 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
Ensure that the oats are fully softened before adding them to the batter for the best texture. Watch the cake closely while broiling the icing to prevent burning. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Additional Tips or Variations
For a nutty flavor, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the icing. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the batter.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This cake is a delightful treat with a wholesome touch from the oats. While specific nutritional values can vary, each serving is estimated to contain around 350 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats are recommended for the best results.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but adjustments may be necessary for texture.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and tasting this Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake as much as we do! It’s a simple recipe that yields a deliciously comforting dessert. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative variations you come up with!