A Sweet Trip Down Memory Lane…
How to Make an Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake with Nuts and Raisins
Sometimes, the most comforting of recipes can be found in our past. Grandma’s old-fashioned oatmeal cake with nuts and raisins is one of those classic treats that many people enjoy even today. Its simple recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, bringing a sense of comfort with each bite. Let’s take a sweet trip down memory lane and bake up this delicious cake!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1/2 cup of butter (1 stick)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup of white sugar (granulated)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup each chopped walnuts and raisins (or any other mixings you prefer!)
- Butter or nonstick cooking spray for greasing your baking pan
Time to Get Baking!
Step One:
Grease and prepare your 8×8 inch baking pan by lightly coating it with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Two:
In a medium bowl, combine the oats and boiling water. Let this sit until the mixture has cooled slightly, about 5 minutes.
Step Three:
Cream together the butter, both sugars and the eggs in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Then add in the cooled oat mixture, as well as the vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, flour, walnuts and raisins. Stir everything up until combined into one cohesive batter.
Step Four:
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan and place it in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Optional:
Topping an old-fashioned oatmeal cake can be a tricky process, especially if you’re wanting to achieve that classic crunchy-on-top effect. While some may choose to sprinkle the topping on before baking for maximum effect, many choose to go the more traditional route and sprinkle it after…
Once your cake has cooled to just above room temperature, simply add a thin layer of toasted oatmeal over your cake. Finish with a light layer of raisins and nuts, and perhaps a drizzle of maple syrup for a timeless flavor combination sure to bring out the best in your baked masterpiece!
Either way, once done baking, let this cool completely before slicing into pieces to serve.
Grandma’s old-fashioned oatmeal cake is certainly a treat that stands the test of time! This classic recipe is sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite out of its nutty sweetness.
Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea party or simply looking for something special to bake on a lazy Saturday morning — this oatmeal cake will definitely hit all the right notes!
Variation on the Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake
If you’re looking to add a bit of extra zing and texture to your old-fashioned oatmeal cake, then grated carrots are the perfect solution! Freshly grated carrots give this classic cake an interesting spin while still retaining its original flavor and texture. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily intake of vegetables – win-win!
So if you’re ready to take your oatmeal cake recipe up a notch, raid your fridge for some fresh carrots and get baking!
The amount will depend on how jam-packed with flavor you’d like the cake to be; some suggest using a cup or two of grated carrots. But be sure to cut back on the oats that are also called for in this recipe; otherwise, you’ll end up with a soggy cake! I’ve been successful with 1 cup of grated carrots and 1.5 cups of oats (give or take).
If you’re not sure how much oats and carrots to use, play around with the ratio until you get it just right.
Enjoy!
For more deliciousness, check out our other dessert recipes!
[Nutrition facts for rolled oats]