Description
Warm spices, soft oat texture, and a rich ginger aroma come together in this comforting cake. Perfect for cozy mornings or evening treats with tea!
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup boiling water
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the rolled oats and boiling water; let them soak until softened. (
10 minutes)
In another bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. (
3 minutes)
Add the eggs and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. (
2 minutes)
Stir in the softened oat mixture until blended. (
1 minute)
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. (
2 minutes)
Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture just until combined—don’t overmix. (
2 minutes)
Pour the batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. (
1 minute)
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (
40 minutes)
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. (
15 minutes)
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Baking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: ~320 kcal per slice (estimate) | Servings: 9 squares
#OatmealGingerCake #CozyBaking #SpicedDesserts #HomemadeGoodness
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a perfect cake every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch pan. Begin by soaking the oats in boiling water; this step is crucial for creating a moist, tender crumb. While the oats soak, cream the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Next, combine the soaked oats with the butter mixture. In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk all the dry ingredients to ensure even spice distribution. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and lead to a tough cake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake on the center rack for 35-40 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile cake is delicious on its own but can be elevated with simple pairings. For a decadent dessert, serve a warm square topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a simple lemon glaze complements the warm spices beautifully. For a breakfast or brunch treat, enjoy it with a spread of cream cheese or a pat of salted butter alongside your morning coffee or tea.
How-to Summary
Soak oats. Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Combine with oats. Whisk dry ingredients separately. Fold dry into wet. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. Cool before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats can be used, but the texture will be slightly less distinct. Avoid using instant oatmeal packets, which contain added sugar and flavorings.
How should I store this cake?
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with an equal amount of a plant-based butter alternative that is suitable for baking.
My cake is dense. What went wrong?
A dense cake is often the result of overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which activates the gluten. Ensure you fold just until no dry streaks remain.
Can I add fresh ginger?
For a more potent ginger flavor, add 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger to the wet ingredients along with the vanilla extract.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: Butter must be softened to cream properly with the sugars. Cold butter won’t incorporate enough air.
- Overmixing the batter: Once the flour is added, mix gently and only until combined to avoid a tough, rubbery texture.
- Not soaking the oats: Skipping or shortening the soak time will result in a drier cake with a less pleasant oat texture.
- Overbaking: Check for doneness at the 35-minute mark. An overbaked cake will lose its signature moistness.
Conclusion
This Oatmeal Ginger Cake is the epitome of cozy, homemade baking. Its blend of warming spices, hearty oats, and simple preparation makes it a reliable recipe for any occasion. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly spiced, moist cake that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Whether enjoyed as a simple snack or dressed up for dessert, this cake is sure to become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire.