Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake
Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake is an inviting and homey dessert that effortlessly combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the comforting warmth of spices. This cake is perfect for those days when you crave something sweet but want to keep the preparation simple and straightforward.
With its moist, tender crumb and a delightful topping of brown sugar, coconut, and nuts, this cake offers a delightful texture and a rich, satisfying flavor.
Ideal for serving with a cup of coffee or tea, Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake is a delightful treat that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging yourself, this cake is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake is a beloved recipe that brings together simplicity, comfort, and delightful flavors in every bite. Here are several reasons why this cake is sure to win hearts:
Ease of Preparation: True to its name, this cake is designed for lazy days when you want to enjoy something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. The straightforward steps and simple ingredients make it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Moist and Tender Texture: The soaked oats give the cake a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. This texture is complemented by the rich, buttery flavor, creating a truly satisfying dessert experience.
Warm and Cozy Flavors: With spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, the cake offers a warm and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. These spices enhance the natural sweetness of the oats and sugar, providing a comforting flavor profile that feels like a hug in dessert form.
Delightful Topping: The combination of brown sugar, flaked coconut, and optional nuts creates a crunchy, sweet topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake beneath. This layer adds texture and a hint of caramel-like sweetness that elevates the overall dessert.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual afternoon snacks to family gatherings, this cake is versatile and appeals to a wide audience. Its comforting nature makes it a perfect choice for sharing with loved ones.
Key Ingredients:
Rolled Oats: These are the foundation of the cake, providing a hearty, wholesome texture. When soaked, they add moisture and a subtle nutty flavor, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb.
Butter or Margarine: Essential for richness, butter adds a creamy, indulgent flavor, while margarine can be used for those who prefer a dairy-free option. It helps create a smooth, tender cake texture.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake batter, while brown sugar in the topping adds a depth of flavor with its molasses notes, complementing the spices and coconut.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices infuse the cake with cozy, aromatic flavors, enhancing the oats and creating a classic, comforting taste.
Flaked Coconut: Used in the topping, flaked coconut provides a delightful chewiness and a hint of tropical flavor, adding texture and sweetness to the cake.
Chopped Nuts (Optional): Adding nuts to the topping introduces a crunchy contrast and an earthy flavor, complementing the sweetness of the brown sugar and coconut.
Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked rolled oats ( instant or regular, I used rolled oats)
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Topping
1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cream or 3 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and milk to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon drizzle by mixing the sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves.
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the top of the cake with a skewer or toothpick and pour the lemon drizzle over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes:
Oat Soaking Time: Ensuring the oats soak for the full 20 minutes is crucial, as this step allows them to soften and absorb the water, which contributes to the cake’s moist texture. Instant oats will soak faster, while regular rolled oats may require the full time.
Butter vs. Margarine: While both butter and margarine can be used, butter will impart a richer flavor and better texture. If you’re using margarine for a dairy-free option, ensure it’s suitable for baking to maintain the cake’s consistency.
Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste preferences. If you enjoy a spicier flavor, you can increase the spices slightly or add a pinch of allspice or cloves.
Topping Variations: The topping is versatile; you can experiment by adding other ingredients like raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Broiling Caution: When placing the cake under the broiler, keep a close watch to prevent the topping from burning. The broiling step is quick and should only take a minute or two to achieve a bubbly, golden top.
Serving Suggestions: This cake is delightful on its own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 9 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 300 | Carbohydrates: 40 grams | Protein: 4 grams | Fat: 15 grams | Fiber: 2 grams | Sugars: 25 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats in place of rolled oats.
Quick oats will soak up the liquid more quickly, so you might not need to wait the full 20 minutes.
However, the cake’s texture may be slightly different, as rolled oats provide a bit more structure and chewiness.
Can I substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative?
Absolutely! You can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute for butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Just ensure that the margarine is suitable for baking to maintain the cake’s texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of the flaked coconut in the topping?
If you’re not a fan of coconut or need an alternative, you can replace it with chopped nuts, seeds, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
These options will still provide texture and a bit of sweetness to the topping.
How should I store the cake, and how long will it keep?
Store the Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it to maintain freshness for up to a week.
You can also freeze the cake for up to three months; just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Ensure that your oats are also certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur during processing.
The texture might vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
Why is it important to soak the oats in boiling water?
Soaking the oats in boiling water softens them, allowing them to absorb moisture and expand.
This step ensures that the oats integrate smoothly into the batter, contributing to the cake’s moist and tender texture.
Skipping this step could result in a cake with a rougher texture.
Can I reduce the sugar content in the cake without affecting the taste too much?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar content if you prefer a less sweet cake.
Consider cutting the sugar by 25% to start and adjusting to taste.
Keep in mind that sugar also contributes to the cake’s moisture and texture, so reducing it too much might alter the cake’s overall structure.
What should I do if my cake batter appears too thick or too thin?
If the batter seems too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or water to reach the desired consistency.
Conversely, if it’s too thin, incorporate a little more flour or oats.
The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but not so stiff that it’s difficult to spread in the pan.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center.
If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
The edges should also start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, and the top will be a golden brown color.
What should I do if the topping starts to burn under the broiler?
If you notice the topping starting to burn, immediately remove the cake from the broiler.
You can try lowering the oven rack or using a lower broiler setting.
Keep a close eye on the cake during this step, as the topping can quickly go from golden to burnt.