Oatmeal Coffee Cake ✨
If you’re the kind of person who lights up at the smell of cinnamon, toasted coconut, and warm baked oats—this Oatmeal Coffee Cake is your dream come true. With a soft and tender crumb from soaked oats and a broiled brown sugar topping packed with coconut and pecans, it’s got that perfect blend of rustic charm and bakery-style indulgence.
Whether served as a brunch centerpiece or afternoon snack, this cake delivers nostalgic comfort with every forkful.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cake feels like a warm hug. It’s moist, subtly spiced, and perfectly sweet, with a topping that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler for a delightful crunch. I love that it comes together with pantry staples and doesn’t require layering or frosting—just old-fashioned goodness in one baking dish. And it pairs so well with a cold glass of blueberry lemonade or a hot mug of coffee.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1¼ cups boiling water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
🍰 Ingredient Notes & Variations
- Oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best texture. Avoid quick oats.
- Nuts: Swap in almonds or hazelnuts if preferred.
- Coconut-free? Leave it out or sub with crushed graham crackers.
- Add-ins: Stir a handful of chocolate chips or raisins into the batter for extra flair.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Oats
In a small bowl, combine oats and boiling water.
Let them sit for 10 minutes to soften and cool slightly.
2. Mix the Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Stir in the softened oat mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly.
3. Bake the Cake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly while you prepare the topping.
4. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, coconut, chopped nuts, melted butter, and heavy cream.
Spread the topping evenly over the warm cake.
5. Broil & Finish
Place cake under the broiler for 2–3 minutes—watch closely!
The topping should become bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool slightly before slicing.
💡 Tips for Success
- Soften butter ahead of time for better creaming.
- Use boiling water for oats—lukewarm water won’t soften them enough.
- Don’t overmix once the flour goes in—mix just until combined.
- Broil with care: It only takes a minute or two for the topping to go from golden to burnt.
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This cozy cake is a lovely match for:
- Blueberry Lemonade – cold and refreshing with every bite
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins – for a full brunch spread
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – rich dessert pairing
- Cake Mix Cookies – great for sharing
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – snacky sweet bites to serve on the side
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds to revive the gooey topping.
🥄 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Blueberry Lemonade – the perfect refreshing sipper
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins – fall flavor any time
- Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – for chocolate lovers
- Cake Mix Cookies – easy crowd-pleasers
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – perfect little snackers
Final Thoughts
This Oatmeal Coffee Cake brings warmth, texture, and just the right amount of sweetness to your table. Whether you’re baking for guests, a brunch spread, or simply want to treat yourself to a cozy slice, this recipe delivers.
Tried it? Let us know! Share your pics, tag @ChefManiac, and don’t forget to explore more nostalgic and feel-good bakes at ChefManiac.com.
Leave a Reply