If a warm, cozy dessert that feels like a big hug sounds good to you, then you absolutely must try this Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake Recipe. Packed with wholesome rolled oats and layered with a heavenly coconut pecan topping, this cake is a nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you want to brighten up a quiet afternoon or impress friends with a homemade dessert that looks fancy but takes almost no effort, this cake truly shines. It’s moist, flavorful, and sits beautifully between comfort food and classic baking goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to deliver perfect flavor, texture, and warmth. From the hearty oats to the rich butter and sweeteners, each element works in harmony to create a comforting dessert that’s both rustic and indulgent.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These provide that signature chewy texture and wholesome taste that makes this cake so satisfying.
- Boiling water: Softens the oats to meld perfectly into the batter, ensuring the cake stays moist without being dense.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness to the cake and topping while allowing you to control the salt level precisely.
- Brown sugar, packed: Offers deep caramel notes that complement the oats and coconut perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb in the cake.
- Large eggs: Provide lift and structure, binding the ingredients effortlessly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that rounds out all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s soft but sturdy base.
- Baking soda: Leavens the cake gently for a light texture.
- Cinnamon: Lends a gentle spice that elevates the cozy vibe of the cake.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
For the topping:
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the topping, creating a luscious, glossy finish.
- Brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel richness and helps the topping become sticky and irresistible.
- Milk: Balances texture in the topping for smoothness and richness.
- Shredded sweetened coconut: Imparts tropical sweetness and a lovely chewy contrast.
- Chopped pecans: Bring crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the coconut.
How to Make Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake Recipe
Step 1: Soften the oats
Start by pouring boiling water over the old-fashioned rolled oats in a medium bowl, and let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This soaking step is crucial because it softens the oats so they bake into the cake with a pleasantly tender but still hearty texture. It’s the foundation for that comforting “lazy day” feel in the cake.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration step helps your cake rise nicely and creates a delicate crumb. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until everything is perfectly combined – this adds moisture and flavor depth.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Carefully stir the soaked oats into the creamed mixture, folding them in evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing just until everything is blended and smooth. This approach keeps the cake tender without overworking the batter.
Step 4: Bake the cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden and firm to the touch while still moist inside, thanks to those softened oats and balanced ingredients.
Step 5: Prepare and add the topping
While the cake is baking, melt the butter for the topping in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, milk, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly. Once bubbly and well combined, remove from heat. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, spread this warm, luscious topping across the surface. Then, pop the cake under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely as the topping bubbles and turns a delicate golden brown.
Step 6: Cool slightly before serving
Allow the cake to cool for a little while so the topping sets up just enough to slice beautifully without sticking, but still warm enough to enjoy all the melt-in-your-mouth goodness that makes this Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake Recipe a true dessert favorite.
How to Serve Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is hearty and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but for a little extra flair, consider topping slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pop of color and brightness, balancing the rich coconut pecan topping.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this oat cake as part of a larger dessert spread or brunch, pair it with fresh fruit salads or a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even chai. The warm spices and textures of the cake beautifully complement fruity and spicy beverages, making every bite a cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic look, bake the cake right in the casserole dish and serve it family-style. Or, slice into neat squares and plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. You can even transform leftovers into decadent bread pudding by layering chunks in a custard base for a second dessert round!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake covered tightly at room temperature to preserve its moistness and flavor. It should stay delicious for up to three days, making it great for easy snacking or last-minute desserts later in the week.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake pieces retain their texture and flavor well for up to two months, so you can enjoy a lazy day treat any time you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 20 to 30 seconds or warm it in a low oven until heated through. The topping will soften nicely again, and you’ll rediscover the same cozy taste and tender crumb as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make this Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake Recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! To make this dessert nut-free, simply omit the pecans from the topping or replace them with extra shredded coconut for a similar texture without the nuts. The cake remains just as delicious and satisfying.
What’s the best way to store the coconut pecan topping separately?
If you want to prepare the cake base ahead of time and add the topping later, you can store the coconut pecan topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Rewarm gently on the stove before spreading over the baked cake.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
It is best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe because they maintain their texture and give the cake its signature heartiness. Quick oats can become too soft and may alter the final texture of the cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked. The top should be golden, and the edges slightly pulling away from the pan.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative?
Yes! Using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend works well. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the cake hold together. The texture might be slightly different but still very tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake Recipe has become one of my go-to comforting desserts whenever I want something that feels homemade but doesn’t demand all my time in the kitchen. With its tender oats, warm spices, and irresistible coconut pecan topping, it’s the perfect sweet pick-me-up to brighten any day. I hope you enjoy baking (and eating) this charming cake as much as I do!
Print
Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake is a moist and comforting vintage dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring old-fashioned rolled oats soaked in boiling water and a luscious coconut pecan topping, it’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious. The cake bakes to perfection with a tender crumb, complemented by a sweet, buttery topping that’s broiled to a bubbly, lightly browned finish.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare oats: In a medium bowl, pour the boiling water over the oats. Let them soak for 15–20 minutes until softened.
- Cream sugars and butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined. Fold in the soaked oats gently.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Pour the batter evenly into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the topping: While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, milk, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
- Top and broil: When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately spread the warm topping evenly over the hot cake. Return the cake to the oven under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully, until the topping is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This cake is moist and comforting, perfect served warm or at room temperature.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with additional coconut.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
