Oatmeal Cake {Old Fashioned Recipe} - Cooking Classy (2024)

Published May 11, 2018. Updated January 6, 2020

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Oatmeal Cake is the perfect dessert to make for your mom this weekend! It’s an old fashioned style recipe, like a delicious cake your grandma might have made you growing up. It’s an oatmeal based cake, and since they oats are soaked in boiling water it softens them up perfectly so you end with a moist and tender crumb in every bite.

Love oat recipes? Be sure to try my Oatmeal Cookies too, they’re a reader favorite!

Oatmeal Cake {Old Fashioned Recipe} - Cooking Classy (1)

Oatmeal Cake

There are many reasons I love this cake. First, like I said, it reminds me of something my grandma would have made. Second, the taste is simply divine – talk about savoring every bite.

And third could cake get any easier? You don’t even need to make a frosting, and bonus that means you don’t have to wait hours for a cake to cool.

Ingredients Needed for Oatmeal Cake

  • Boiling water
  • Oats
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar and white sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Baking Soda
  • Salt
  • Flour
  • Milk
  • Coconut

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How to Make the Best Oatmeal Cake

  • 1. First you’ll add the boiling water to the oats and let them soak until the mixture cools.

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  • 2. Then in a separate mixing bowl (or the bowl of an electric stand mixer) whip together the butter and sugars until pale and fluffy.

Oatmeal Cake {Old Fashioned Recipe} - Cooking Classy (4)

  • 3. Mix in eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.

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  • 4. Blend in that cooled oat mixture.

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  • 5. Sprinkle in baking soda, salt and flour and mix.

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  • 6. Pour into pan and bake.

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  • 7. Meanwhile stir together the topping mixture in a mixing bowl.

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  • 8. Once cake is set add the topping then return to oven and broil for a minute or two.

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  • 9. Let cool as long as you can handle then cut into slices and serve.

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How to Store Oatmeal Cake

  • Store oatmeal cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days
  • Ir cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 5 days, bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Cake can also be frozen for 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Possible Variations

  • If you hate coconut it can be omitted.
  • If you don’t like nuts those can be omitted, if you love them feel free to double them up.
  • For a more caramely flavor in the cake use all brown sugar and omit the granulated.
  • Add raisins if you like raisins in cake.
  • Use cream or half and half in place of the milk for even more richness.
  • Skip the nutmeg if you don’t have it.

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More Cake Recipes to Try

  • Carrot Sheet Cake
  • Banana Cake
  • Birthday Cake (Funfetti Cake)
  • Fresh Strawberry Cake
  • Chocolate Cake

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16 Quick & Easy 30 Minute Recipes! (plus weekly recipe updates)

Oatmeal Cake {Old Fashioned Recipe} - Cooking Classy (14)

5 from 16 votes

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Oatmeal Cake

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A soft and amazingly moist oatmeal based cake that tastes just like what grandma would have made! It has a delicious spiced flavor and it's finished with a super easy, sweet coconut topping.

Servings: 12

Prep15 minutes minutes

Cook32 minutes minutes

Cooling time20 minutes minutes

Ready in: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray (a 7 by 11-inch dish would work as well).

  • Add oats to a medium mixing bowl the pour boiling water over oats, let rest until cool.

  • Meanwhile in a large mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer (or use electric stand mixer), whip together butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.

  • Mix in eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg then mix in cooled oat mixture.

  • Sprinkle baking soda and salt across top then pour in flour and mix until combined.

  • Pour into prepared baking dish, bake in preheated oven until just cooked through, about 30 minutes.

  • Meanwhile in a medium mixing bowl stir together melted butter, milk, vanilla, brown sugar, coconut, and pecans.

  • Remove cake from oven once cooked through and pour and spread mixture evenly over top.

  • Preheat oven to broil then return cake to oven (in center) and broil until mixture is bubbly and coconut is just starting to toast on ends, about 1 - 2 minutes (don't walk away from it while broiling!).

  • Let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes then cut into slices and serve.

  • Recipe source: inspired by Allrecipes

Nutrition Facts

Oatmeal Cake

Amount Per Serving

Calories 456Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Cholesterol 58mg19%

Sodium 247mg11%

Potassium 175mg5%

Carbohydrates 66g22%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 32g36%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 405IU8%

Calcium 48mg5%

Iron 2.5mg14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Oatmeal Cake

Author: Jaclyn

Categorized:

  • Desserts

Tagged:

  • brown sugar
  • butter
  • cinnamon
  • coconut
  • flour
  • nutmeg
  • pecans
  • sugar

You Might Also Like:

  • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
  • Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Old Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies
  • Banana Pecan Baked Oatmeal

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49 Comments

  • Chris

    Can this be made in springform pan (9 inch)? Would I have to double the recipe? My sister absolutely oatmeal cookies, so I wanted to try this for her birthday cake. Can this be unmolded without breaking apart?

    • Jaclyn

      Oatmeal Cake {Old Fashioned Recipe} - Cooking Classy (19)

      It should work in a 9-inch pan as long as it’s leak proof. And it should be just fine to unmold after it’s cooled a little while, just be sure to butter the sides well then run a knife around edge before unmolding.

  • Kt

    Yum, this cake is delicious. It was so fluffy and moist. I had all the ingredients and it came together quickly. Thank you! Do the leftovers need refrigeration?

    • Kt

      Oh my bad, I just read over your storing tips. Thanks again!

  • Chris B

    #daddysfavorite

  • NEmeema

    Classic oatmeal cake recipe. My guests gobbled it up. Super simple and delicious.

    • Jaclyn

      Oatmeal Cake {Old Fashioned Recipe} - Cooking Classy (20)

      Thanks for your review! So glad your guests enjoyed it!

      • Laura

        I added chopped walnuts and raisins to the batter and then sprinkled it with powdered sugar instead of the frosting. Yum!

  • Mariam

    Hi. Nice recipe 👍
    Can i use unsweetened coconut flakes insteaf?

    • Jaclyn

      Oatmeal Cake {Old Fashioned Recipe} - Cooking Classy (21)

      Yes that would be fine.

  • A

    Yum yum, cooked this for my Mum, next, stories of Mum’s childhood were being told. Thanks for the recipe; food brings back memories of joy and good times.

    AF

More Comments

Oatmeal Cake {Old Fashioned Recipe} - Cooking Classy (2024)

FAQs

How to make oatmeal taste better? ›

Additions for taste
  1. Fresh fruit: berries, bananas, apples, peaches, mango, or pears.
  2. Spices: cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or nutmeg.
  3. Natural sweeteners: a dash of maple syrup or honey.
  4. Unsweetened or lightly sweetened chocolate: shaved dark chocolate (with a cocoa content of 70% or more)
Apr 19, 2022

How much water for oatmeal? ›

Read the instructions on the side of your oatmeal container and do what they say to avoid a pasty, sticky mess or a soupy mush. For steel-cut oats, the ratio is 3/4 to 1 cup of liquid per 1/4 cup of oats. If you are using quick-cooking or rolled oats, the ratio is 1 cup of liquid per 1/2 cup of oats.

Can you cook oats in the microwave? ›

Directions: Combine water or milk, salt and oats in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 2 1/2 to 3 minutes; stir before serving.

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

What spices make oatmeal taste good? ›

Add different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, allspice, or cloves. Add different sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. Top your oatmeal with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or fresh fruit. Add a dollop of yogurt or Greek yogurt to your oatmeal for extra creaminess and protein.

How to make Quaker old fashioned oatmeal? ›

Cooking on the Stove
  1. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring your water or milk (or a combination) to a gentle boil.
  2. Add a pinch of salt to the liquid.
  3. Gradually stir in the Quaker Old Fashioned Oats.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Feb 1, 2024

Is it good to eat oatmeal every day? ›

Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.

What's the difference between rolled oats and old fashioned oats? ›

Rolled oats are groats that have been steamed and flattened with huge rollers to form large flakes. These are sometimes called old-fashioned oats or regular rolled oats.

How to fix bland oatmeal? ›

So, if you think your oatmeal is bland, cook it in milk or non-dairy milk [instead of] water with some cinnamon and vanilla extract," says Harris-Pincus. "Once cooked, stir in some mashed banana and top with a drizzle of peanut or almond butter for a flavorful bowl with no added sugar," she says.

Does oatmeal taste better with milk or water? ›

Simple tip #1: Make oatmeal with milk (or a non-dairy alternative) versus water. Not only does oatmeal made with water taste way less delicious, but you're also missing out on the extra protein staying power that milk will add to the breakfast. Water will also make the oats more gummy instead of creamy.

How to make oatmeal not boring? ›

Flavor. Even if you get the first two steps down, you still need to add something to add depth of flavor to the oats. I love using cinnamon, cocoa, peanut butter, vanilla, berries or coconut yogurt to keep things exciting. You can even add in as scoop of vanilla protein powder to add flavor and protein!

Why does my oatmeal not taste good? ›

First, don't use oatmeal that comes in little flavored packets. Next, oatmeal which requires a longer cooking time, like old-fashioned rolled oats, is better than quick or one minute oatmeal. Be sure to add a little salt to the water in which you are cooking. The best oatmeal, in my opinion, is steel-cut oatmeal.

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