You are going to love this old-fashioned Oatmeal Cake. This delicious cake combines rolled oats with warm spices, all with a toasted coconut and almond topping. Trust me when I tell you that you will not be able to step away from it.
Learn how to make a delicious oatmeal cake with step-by-step instructions. This cake is perfect for any occasion. If you love oatmeal, cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut, and walnuts, this is a must-try.
Why You Will Love This Oatmeal Cake
- This is one of my absolute favorite cakes. It tastes amazing.
- It is quick and easy; no triple-layer cake here. It is just a good old-fashioned easy farm cake.
- Everyone loves this cake. It is the first one gone at potlucks and parties. Once you taste it, you will know exactly what I mean.
Key Ingredients and Shopping Advice
See the full list and quantities below in the recipe card.
- Oatmeal: I use old-fashioned rolled oats for this cake.
- Spices: warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg
- Maple syrup: if I have it in the house or can borrow a little from my sweet neighbors.
- Coconut: sweetened coconut flakes
- Nuts: either walnuts or pecans
How to Make an Oatmeal Cake
This is the nutshell version; please see the recipe card below for the complete ingredient list and full directions.
Combine the oatmeal and the boiling water and let the oats soak. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Beat the butter and both sugars in a large bowl using a handheld mixer. Add the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and stir to combine. Add the flour mixture in several increments, mixing just until combined.
Stir in the softened oats and pour the mixture into a well-greased baking dish. Bake until set.
When the cake is almost done baking, stir the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, shredded coconut, and walnuts in a medium bowl. Spoon the mixture over the warm cake and place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
Beth’s Recipe Tips
- Always measure your flour by spooning it into a cup and leveling it off with a table knife.
- Use the toothpick test to check the cake for doneness. If a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
- Pour the topping over the warm cake and spread gently with an offset spatula.
More Cakes To Love
Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
Ingredients
Oatmeal Cake
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup see notes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coconut Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoon milk whole or 2%
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Combine the oatmeal and the boiling water and let the oats soak while you work on the rest of the recipe.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl using a handheld mixer on medium speed until blended. Add the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and stir to combine using a spoon.
- Add the flour mixture in several increments, mixing just until combined.
- Stir the softened oats into the mixture. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the top comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- When the cake is almost done baking, stir the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, shredded coconut, and walnuts in a medium bowl.
- Spoon the mixture over the warm baked cake, Use an offset spatula to level it. Place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it as broilers are unpredicatable.
Notes
- I only add maple syrup if I have some in the house. It is not a key ingredient, so do not purchase a bottle for 1 tablespoon.
- After the cake has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and store it on the counter for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the cooled cake wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter overnight.
Jenny Orf
I love this oatmeal cake, it was perfect for the family – thanks for sharing the recipe! It reminded me of a cake my aunt used to make.
Beth Pierce
So happy that you and your family liked it!
Melissa C
This looks so yummy and I have everything I need to make this one. I have not been baking as usual….trying to cut out excess goodies that I should not be eating LOL….. but once in a while I have to treat myself and I am making this 😉 I love it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Melissa! Enjoy!
Yancy
I love oatmeal cake and it goes so well with the warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. This would pair so well with some baked apples and custard too.
Tanya
This recipe captures the charm of a classic oatmeal cake. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a standout favorite that’s quick and easy to prepare. My family loved it!
Tondra
Oh I’ve never had an oatmeal cake before but this sounds quite delicious and lovely! This is perfect for mornings and even an afternoon tea break. I am going to try it and I will report back. BTW it looks delicious!
Casey
A healthy oatmeal cake!! I am sold…I can’t wait to make it, thank you so so much for the amazing recipe.
Michelle
My family absolutely loved it – the combination of oats, spices, and that coconut-almond topping was a hit!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Michelle! I am so glad that you liked the cake! It is one of our favorites!
Samantha
I love oatmeal and thought I had tried baking with it in every way possible. I have not had this before so will be giving it a go
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Samantha! Enjoy!
Harold
Great texture! Delicious cake that I will make over and over again!
Janey
My grandmother used to make a cake like this. I must try it. I have been looking for something similar for years.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Janey! Enjoy!
Paula
My family loved this oatmeal cake! It’s just like the one grandma used to make, but we never got her recipe!
tisha
This recipe reminds me of my great grandmother! She made one similar all the time, I love it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tisha! We love it too!
Beth
I love a good oatmeal cake! My grandmother used to make one all the time, and I never see it that much anymore. Thanks for bringing it back!
Janelle
I could not get enough of this stuff. It got devoured really quickly haha! Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure!
Sandra West
First time I made this cake and I loved it! So good and very easy to make!
Beth Pierce
Thank youl Sandra! So happy that you liked it!
Erica Downs
This is amazing! The combination of ingredients will have you coming back for more! I’ll be baking this again and again for sure!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Erica! I am so glad that you like it!