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

Oatmeal Cake {Old Fashioned Recipe} - Cooking Classy (13)

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 better? ›

8 Easy Ways to Make Oatmeal Taste Amazing (Seriously)
  1. Whip in Thinly Sliced Banana for Creamy Sweetness. ...
  2. Cook Oats in Milk to Boost Flavor and Protein. ...
  3. Add Apple and Spices for a Bowl That Tastes like Pie. ...
  4. Prefer Carrot Cake? ...
  5. Use a Spiced Tea Bag to Add Serious Flavor. ...
  6. Whisk in an Egg for High-Protein Breakfast Pudding.
Mar 17, 2021

What is a good substitute for old fashioned oats? ›

Quick Oats Quaker Quick Oats are also an excellent choice for baking as they are also made from 100% natural whole grains. They tend to add a slightly thinner texture than Old Fashioned Oats, as Quick Oats have been cut 2 to 3 times prior to steaming and rolling in order to cook in just 1 minute.

Can you make old fashioned oats into quick oats? ›

If you are making cookies that need quick cooking oatmeal, but you only have old-fashioned ones, here's how you make it work: Place your oats in a food processor. Pulse a few times to break them down. Give them a stir and pulse again, if needed.

Can I use oats instead of oatmeal? ›

Speaking of, what is the difference between oats and oatmeal? Technically, oats refers to the whole grains themselves, and oatmeal to the porridge-like dish often made from them, and/or to the processed form of the whole grains—but now, the terms are often used interchangeably.

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 adds flavor to oatmeal? ›

Dried fruit like mulberries, goji berries, jujube, and dates lend chewy texture in addition to fruity flavor. Top with nuts and seeds for an extra crunchy, extra hearty bowl of oats. We like hemp seeds, toasted sesame seeds, pepitas, chia seeds, and toasted coconut.

What is the difference between old-fashioned oats and oatmeal? ›

Both types of oatmeal start out as oat groats. The main difference between old-fashioned oats and quick oats comes down to how they are processed and the resulting shape, texture, and cooking time. (Quick aside: Old-fashioned oats are also called "rolled oats".

Which is better rolled oats or old-fashioned oats? ›

Q: Are there major differences in the health benefits of steel-cut, rolled and instant oats? If so, what are they? A: Great question, and one that we get a lot. There aren't any major differences in the nutrition benefits of the three types of oats.

Can I substitute instant oatmeal for old-fashioned oats? ›

Old-fashioned oats and quick-cooking oats are basically interchangeable, although they will slightly change your final dish. If you're substituting old-fashioned oats for quick-cooking oats, your final dish will be chewier, and it might taste a little oat-ier.

Can you bake with old-fashioned oats? ›

You can do no wrong with old fashioned oats cookies! Better than Store bought – You just can't beat biting into a freshly baked homemade cookie.

Should you soak old-fashioned oats before cooking? ›

When you soak old-fashioned oats in oatmeal before cooking, they absorb the liquid and get a head-start on softening. When they cook, they take on an ultra-creamy, almost airy texture. I find pre-soaked oats are also easier to cook.

How to make old fashioned Quaker Oats oatmeal? ›

OLD FASHIONED QUAKER OATS

Directions: Boil water or milk and salt. Stir in oats. Cook about 5 minutes over medium heat; stir occasionally.

Can I use Quaker oats instead of rolled oats? ›

That's because rolled oats and old-fashioned oats are the same thing, according to the Quaker Oats website. So you should feel free to sub one for the other. Rolled oats get their name from being flattened with rollers.

What is the difference between Quaker Oats and oats? ›

Quaker oats Old Fashioned Oats are whole oats that are rolled to flatten them. ... Quick Quaker Oats are simply cut into slightly smaller pieces so they cook faster. All the types are equally nutritious because they supply all parts of the oat grain including the bran, endosperm and germ.

Can I substitute old-fashioned oats for quick oats in cookies? ›

Quick oats and old fashioned oats are generally interchangeable, with a few cautions. If you use quick oats in place of old fashioned, you can expect the texture to be a little different.

Is oatmeal 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.

Is oatmeal healthier with milk or water? ›

Milk is rich in fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that complements the nutrients in oats. Thus oats cooked in milk have benefits over oats cooked in water. Milk has fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that is normally absent in processed oats. Apart from adding a flavour, it also helps in keeping your muscles and bones healthy.

What is the healthiest way to eat oatmeal? ›

Healthy Ways To Eat Oatmeal

For example, you can season your oatmeal with a touch of maple syrup, along with anti-inflammatory cinnamon or ginger and fresh fruit. Add nuts, seeds, or nut/seed butter for healthy fat and bonus plant protein.

Can you add anything to oatmeal? ›

Oatmeal is a great canvas for all sorts of hearty toppings, and loading up your morning bowl of oats will help keep you full till lunchtime! I dollop mine with almond or peanut butter or yogurt and sprinkle it with chopped nuts. Fresh or dried fruits, seeds, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes are great too.

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