Oatmeal cake, a comforting classic, gets a decadent upgrade with a broiled icing that delivers a delightful crunch and caramelized sweetness. This recipe isn't just about a simple cake; it's about creating a memorable dessert experience. The moist, subtly spiced oatmeal cake provides the perfect base for the intensely flavored, almost brittle icing. This combination offers a textural contrast that elevates this classic dessert to new heights. Let's dive into creating this masterpiece.
What Makes This Oatmeal Cake Special?
This recipe distinguishes itself from others through several key elements:
- The Oatmeal: We're not just adding oats for texture; we're using rolled oats for their distinct flavor that complements the spices and sweetness.
- Spices: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds depth and complexity to the cake's flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste.
- The Broiled Icing: This is the star of the show! The broiling process creates a beautifully caramelized, almost candy-like topping that provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake. It's a simple technique that yields dramatic results.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Broiled Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: Baking Your Perfect Oatmeal Cake
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Making the Magical Broiled Icing
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread & Broil: Spread the icing evenly over the cooled cake.
- Broil to Perfection: Place the cake under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The icing should be lightly browned and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let the icing cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can use quick-cooking oats, the texture of the cake will be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a more pronounced chewiness that complements the cake's overall texture. Quick-cooking oats will result in a slightly finer crumb.
How can I store leftover oatmeal cake?
Store leftover oatmeal cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake can be baked a day or two in advance. However, it's best to add the broiled icing just before serving to maintain its crisp texture and caramelized finish.
What other spices can I add to the cake?
Feel free to experiment! A pinch of allspice or ginger would complement the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully.
Conclusion: A Dessert to Remember
This oatmeal cake with broiled icing is more than just a recipe; it's an experience. The combination of the moist, subtly spiced cake and the wonderfully caramelized icing creates a flavor and texture profile that is both comforting and exciting. Give it a try, and you'll discover a new favorite dessert!
