Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake (with Broiled Frosting)
This cake is two experiences in one:
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A supremely moist, dense, and spicy cake made with cooked oatmeal.
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A sweet, crunchy, caramel-like topping that is broiled to bubbly perfection.
Why it’s a beloved classic:
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Texture Magic: The oatmeal gives the cake an irreplaceably tender, velvety crumb that stays moist for days.
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Economical: Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
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Crowd-Pleaser: The contrast of warm spice cake with the gooey, nutty topping is irresistible.
Key Components & Recipe Outline
(A standard recipe serves 12-16)
Part 1: The Oatmeal Cake
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1 cup old-fashioned oats soaked in 1 ¼ cups boiling water for 20 minutes.
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Dry Ingredients: Flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt.
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Wet Ingredients: Butter, granulated & brown sugars, eggs, vanilla.
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Method: Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla, mix in the soaked oatmeal, then fold in dry ingredients. Bake in a 9×13″ pan at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.
Part 2: The Broiled Topping (THE STAR!)
This is applied to the warm, just-baked cake and then placed under the broiler for 2-5 minutes.
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½ cup (1 stick) melted butter
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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¼ cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or evaporated milk (for caramelization)
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1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
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1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crucial Tip: Watch the broiler like a hawk! It can go from perfectly bubbly and golden to burnt in seconds.
Serving & Tips
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Serve: Best served slightly warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it over the top.
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Storage: Cover at room temperature for up to 3 days. The topping will soften but is still delicious.
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Variation: Some recipes, like the famous “Neiman Marcus Cake,” are essentially a richer version of this, sometimes including a cream cheese layer or chocolate chips.
Whether you call it Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake or Broiled Oatmeal Cake, you’re in for a treat. It’s a perfect example of how humble ingredients can be transformed into something truly special and deeply comforting.