Here’s a detailed guide to Oatmeal Cake, a moist, flavorful cake made with oats and often spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg:
What It Is
Oatmeal cake is a soft, slightly dense cake that incorporates rolled oats into the batter, giving it a hearty texture. It can be made with or without a frosting or glaze, and is often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or dessert.
Common Ingredients
Dry ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Rolled oats (quick or old-fashioned)
- Baking soda or powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices
- Brown sugar (adds moisture and flavor)
Wet ingredients:
- Eggs
- Milk or buttermilk
- Vegetable oil or melted butter
- Vanilla extract
Optional additions:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- Raisins or dried fruits
- Frosting (cream cheese or simple glaze)
Basic Method
- Preheat oven:
- 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or round cake pan.
- Prepare oat mixture (optional):
- Some recipes soak oats in milk for 10–15 minutes to soften them.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Add optional extras:
- Fold in nuts or dried fruits if using.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30–40 minutes (time depends on pan size) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and frost/glaze (optional):
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then remove or frost as desired.
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Cake
- Soak oats: Makes the cake moister and softer.
- Brown sugar: Adds richness and a subtle caramel flavor.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic, but ginger or allspice can add warmth.
- Frosting: Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the hearty texture.
- Storage: Keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
I can provide a step-by-step recipe with exact measurements and a cream cheese glaze option for a moist, perfectly textured oatmeal cake if you want.
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