Oatmeal cake, a comforting classic, gets a luxurious upgrade with a perfectly broiled icing. This recipe combines the wholesome goodness of oatmeal with a surprisingly sophisticated topping, resulting in a dessert that's both satisfying and elegant. Forget dry, crumbly oatmeal cakes; this recipe delivers moist, flavorful cake with a wonderfully crisp and caramelized icing. Let's dive into the details!
What Makes This Oatmeal Cake Recipe Special?
This recipe distinguishes itself through several key elements:
- Moist and Flavorful Cake: We'll focus on techniques that ensure a moist and tender crumb, avoiding the dryness often associated with oatmeal cakes. This involves careful attention to ingredient ratios and baking techniques.
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Even novice bakers will find this recipe straightforward and easy to execute.
- The Show-Stopping Broiled Icing: The secret weapon here is the broiled icing. The brief time under the broiler creates a beautiful caramelized crust, adding a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake.
- Adaptability: This recipe is easily adaptable to different tastes. Feel free to experiment with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 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 (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the rolled oats.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
2. Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
3. Making and Broiling the Icing:
- While the cake cools, prepare the icing. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the icing is light and fluffy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the icing evenly over the top.
- Place the cake under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The icing should be lightly browned and caramelized.
- Remove from the broiler and 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 might be slightly different. Rolled oats provide a better chew and texture. Quick-cooking oats may result in a slightly mushier cake.
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 add other ingredients to the cake batter?
Absolutely! Nuts, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples would all be delicious additions. Experiment and find your favorite combination!
What if my icing burns too quickly under the broiler?
If your icing burns too quickly, lower the oven rack slightly and reduce the broiling time. It’s crucial to keep a close eye on the icing while it's under the broiler.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
The cake itself can be baked a day or two in advance. However, it's best to frost and broil the icing just before serving to maintain its crisp texture and beautiful caramelization.
This oatmeal cake with broiled icing is a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation and impressive results make it a winner in our book. Enjoy!
