Classic Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
Classic Oatmeal Cake with Coconut Topping
This old-school oatmeal cake—often linked to the beloved “Lazy Daisy” tradition—is a true comfort dessert. Soaking the oats in hot water gives the cake its signature moist, hearty texture, while the broiled coconut topping turns gooey and golden, adding a rich, caramel-like finish. The warm cinnamon-spiced cake paired with the crisp, bubbly topping makes it ideal for gatherings or relaxed family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Cake
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Quick oats | 1 cup |
| Boiling water | 1¼ cups |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1⅓ cups |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
For the Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Shredded coconut | 1 cup |
| Half-and-half | ½ cup |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
Instructions
- Prepare the Oats: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, pour boiling water over the oats and let them soak while you prepare the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to ensure everything is evenly blended.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and eggs briefly. Add both sugars and vanilla, mixing until smooth and fluffy. On low speed, stir in half of the dry ingredients, followed by the soaked oats, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated.
- Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Topping: While the cake bakes, heat the brown sugar, half-and-half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, remove from heat, and stir in the coconut.
- Finish Under the Broiler: Spread the topping evenly over the hot cake. Place under the broiler for about 1 minute, watching closely, until the top is bubbling and lightly browned. Remove immediately and let cool slightly before serving.
