Amish Rolled Oats Cake

 

Amish Rolled Oats Cake is a delicious and wholesome dessert known for its comforting flavors and satisfying texture. It combines the goodness of rolled oats with warm spices, creating a cake that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Here's what you can expect:

Ingredients:

• Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the cake.
  • 1 ½ cups Rolled Oats (Quick Oats or Old-Fashioned Oats): The star ingredient, offering a delightful oat flavor and chewy texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Leavening agent for a slight rise.
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda (Optional): Additional leavening for a lighter crumb.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential warm spice for this cake, adding depth of flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg (Optional): Another classic spice that complements the oats and cinnamon.

• Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) Softened Butter: Adds moisture, richness, and contributes to a tender crumb.
  • ¾ cup to 1 cup Sugar: Sweetens the cake. Brown sugar is a popular choice for a deeper molasses flavor, but granulated sugar can also be used.
  • 2 large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute structure.
  • ½ cup Milk or Buttermilk: Adds moisture and richness. Buttermilk can add a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the cake.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Optional Additions:

  • ½ cup Chopped Nuts (Walnuts, Pecans, etc.): Adds a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor.
  • ½ cup Raisins or Dried Cranberries: For a touch of sweetness and chewy texture.
  • Apple Sauce (¼ cup): Substituted for a portion of the milk or buttermilk for added moisture and a subtle apple flavor.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk (or buttermilk) to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Stir in vanilla extract.

6. Folding in Optional Additions: Gently fold in any chopped nuts, raisins, dried cranberries, or apple sauce (if using). Don't overmix.

7. Pouring Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the greased baking pan.

8. Baking: Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.

9. Cooling and Serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Amish Rolled Oats Cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, or can be enjoyed on its own for a satisfying snack.

Tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and a smooth batter.
• Don't overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Quick Oats will result in a finer texture, while Old-Fashioned Oats will create a chewier cake. Choose based on your preference.
• The cake may brown quickly on top. If this happens, tent the top loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Amish Rolled Oats Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Amish Rolled Oats Cake is a simple yet delightful dessert that celebrates the goodness of oats. With its warm spices and optional additions, it's a versatile recipe you can customize to your liking.