Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
There’s something incredibly warm and inviting about a slice of Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake. This cake carries the nostalgia of my childhood, where every bite feels like a comforting hug from my grandmother. Growing up, she would whip this delightful cake up during the fall, filling the kitchen with its sweet aroma. The combination of quick oats, butter, and a sprinkle of spices creates a moist, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether served at a family celebration or simply enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a crisp autumn afternoon, this cake never fails to bring a smile to faces. I love how versatile this cake is; you can serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or let it cool completely for a more traditional experience. Every bite takes me back to those cherished moments spent in the kitchen with my loved ones.
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 5 mins
15 mins
50 mins
Medium
320 kcal
4 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
12 g
Kitchen Scale (optional), 9-inch Round Cake Pan
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
1. Rich, Nostalgic Flavor
There’s nothing quite like the rich flavors of an Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake. The blend of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and warm spices makes every bite taste like a slice of home. It embodies the essence of comfort food with its moist texture and deep, sweet flavor profile.
2. Simple Ingredients
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. You won’t need to hunt for obscure ingredients; everything is likely in your pantry. The humble oats and butter serve as the base, complemented by classic flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s the kind of recipe that makes baking accessible for everyone!
3. Versatile Serving Options
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party or simply treating yourself, this cake fits the bill. You can serve it as-is, or dress it up with a drizzle of frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm frosting poured over the top transforms it into a showstopper, making it a great centerpiece for any dessert table.
4. Great for Sharing
This cake is perfect for gatherings. With enough servings for a crowd, it invites sharing and conversation. I often bake it for potlucks or family parties where I know it will be a hit. Nothing brings people together quite like a homemade dessert!
5. Easy to Make
Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. The steps are simple enough that you can whip it up without a second thought. Plus, you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills!
What’s In This Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake

When it comes to the ingredients for Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake, simplicity is key. The melding of flavors from quick oats, butter, and a blend of spices creates a delightful harmony that is both comforting and satisfying. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that beloved flavor and texture.
- 1 cup quick oats (89 grams) – These oats provide the cake with its distinct texture, giving it a hearty, homey feel.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, room temperature) – This is essential for richness and moisture in the cake.
- 1¼ cups water (284 grams, boiling) – This helps to cook the oats, creating a soft base for the cake.
- 1⅓ cup all-purpose flour (160 grams) – The backbone of any cake, this flour gives structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams) – This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (3 grams) – Just a touch enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg – This adds a hint of warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (3 grams) – A perfect blend to evoke that cozy fall feeling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams) – Adds warmth and fragrance to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams) – Essential for sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (213 grams) – Introduces a deep, caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs (100 grams, room temperature) – They help bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85 grams, for frosting) – Used in the frosting for a creamy texture.
- ¼ cup heavy cream (57 grams) – Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams, for frosting) – Sweetens the frosting to balance the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – A pinch enhances the flavors in the frosting.
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (43 grams, toasted) – Provides a delightful texture and added flavor.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (114 grams, toasted) – Adds crunch and a nutty richness.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams) – A classic flavor enhancer for any dessert.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (14 grams, from ½ lemon) – Brightens the frosting, balancing the sweetness.
The Process for Making Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake

Making an Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake is a straightforward yet gratifying process. With just a few steps, you can create a delicious dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this lovely cake.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick baking spray. This will ensure your cake slides out easily once baked.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup quick oats and ½ cup unsalted butter. Pour the 1¼ cups boiling water over the mixture. Stir well, then cover the bowl and let it sit for about 20 minutes. This resting period allows the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
- While the oats are resting, take a medium bowl and whisk together 1⅓ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This will be your dry mixture, and it should be well combined to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Once the 20 minutes have passed, return to your oatmeal mixture. Add in 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup dark brown sugar, and 2 large eggs. Stir the mixture until everything is well incorporated. You’ll want to see a smooth mixture without any lumps.
- Now, gently fold in your dry mixture with the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour is incorporated; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure it bakes uniformly.
- Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. You want the edges to be lightly golden and the center slightly springy to the touch.
- While the cake is baking, you can prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, ¼ cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Bring this mixture to a boil and cook for about 15 seconds before removing it from heat.
- Stir in ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice to your warm frosting. Mix until well combined.
- Once your cake is out of the oven, pour the warm frosting over the top while it’s still warm. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the cake, allowing it to soak in slightly.
- Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving. It’s delicious warm (and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream!) or can be served cold for a more traditional experience. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake.
Things Worth Knowing
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs, butter, and flour can significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated; this prevents a dense cake.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens vary, so check your cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Frosting Temperature: Ensure your frosting is warm but not too hot when pouring over the cake for the best consistency.
Recipe Notes about Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake

Every recipe has its quirks, and this one is no different. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake turns out perfectly every time.
- Storage: After the cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
- Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it can be frozen for up to three months.
- Pairing: Serve your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Substitutions: You can switch out the nuts or add dried fruits like raisins for different flavor profiles.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake is perfect for cozy gatherings, family reunions, or just a sweet treat at home.
What to Serve Alongside Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
When you serve an Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake, you can enhance the experience with delightful pairings and side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream complements the warmth and sweetness of the cake.
- Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a lovely texture contrast to the dense cake.
- Fresh Fruit: Consider serving slices of fresh apples or pears to add a refreshing touch.
- Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of tea or coffee makes for a comforting accompaniment, enhancing the cake’s rich flavors.
- Seasonal Sides: In the fall, serve with spiced apples or pumpkin spice lattes for a seasonal treat.
- Gatherings: This cake is perfect for family reunions, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, the Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake is a heartwarming dessert that brings together the flavors of home and tradition. Its moist texture and rich flavors make it a memorable treat for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s not just about the baking but also the wonderful memories you’ll create along the way. Enjoy every slice of this delightful cake!

Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup Quick Oats
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter Room temperature, for batter
- 1¼ cups Water Boiling, for soaking oats
- 1⅓ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Freshly Grated Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar
- 2 large Eggs Room temperature, lightly beaten
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter For frosting
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar For frosting
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt For frosting
- ½ cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut Toasted
- 1 cup Chopped Pecans Toasted
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice From ½ lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick baking spray. This will ensure your cake slides out easily once baked.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup quick oats and ½ cup unsalted butter. Pour the 1¼ cups boiling water over the mixture. Stir well, then cover the bowl and let it sit for about 20 minutes. This resting period allows the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
- While the oats are resting, take a medium bowl and whisk together 1⅓ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. This will be your dry mixture, and it should be well combined to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Once the 20 minutes have passed, return to your oatmeal mixture. Add in 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup dark brown sugar, and 2 large eggs. Stir the mixture until everything is well incorporated. You'll want to see a smooth mixture without any lumps.
- Now, gently fold in your dry mixture with the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour is incorporated; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure it bakes uniformly.
- Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. You want the edges to be lightly golden and the center slightly springy to the touch.
- While the cake is baking, you can prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, ¼ cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Bring this mixture to a boil and cook for about 15 seconds before removing it from heat.
- Stir in ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice to your warm frosting. Mix until well combined.
- Once your cake is out of the oven, pour the warm frosting over the top while it’s still warm. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly across the cake, allowing it to soak in slightly.
- Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before serving. It’s delicious warm (and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream!) or can be served cold for a more traditional experience. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake.
Notes
- Tip 1: You can use half-and-half in place of the heavy cream in the frosting.
- Tip 2: Be sure to grease your pan before adding the cake mixture for easy removal.
- Tip 3: Don’t over mix when adding the dry ingredients to the wet, as this could cause the cake to become too stiff.
- Tip 4: The frosting should be warm when you pour it over the cake.
- Tip 5: If making ahead of time, allow the cake to cool fully before storing.


