Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake

This Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that is perfect for those days when you want something delicious without too much effort. It’s made with pantry staples like oats, butter, and sugar, and topped with a rich, caramel-like coconut and pecan topping. This cake is perfect for anyone looking for a no-fuss, but incredibly tasty, treat.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Oatmeal Cake

1. In a medium bowl, combine the oats and boiling water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften the oats.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using).
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the softened oats and water mixture, and mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and milk, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
3. Pour the topping evenly over the warm cake, spreading it out with a spatula.

Step 5: Final Baking

1. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the cake into squares and serve. This cake is perfect on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Tips and Variations:

1. Add-ins: You can add raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.
2. Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) to make this cake vegan.
3. Topping Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews, or switch the coconut for a different dried fruit like chopped dates or apricots.

Why You’ll Love This Cake:

• Super Easy: The name says it all! This cake requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor.
• Moist and Flavorful: The oats give the cake a wonderful texture, while the coconut and pecans in the topping add sweetness and crunch.
• Comforting: This cake has a homey, comforting feel and is perfect for casual family gatherings or a cozy night in.

This Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake is a perfect go-to dessert when you’re looking for something that’s easy to make but still packed with flavor. It’s warm, moist, and topped with a sweet, caramelized coconut-pecan topping that’s sure to be a hit!