Deliciously Moist Oatmeal Coffee Cake: The Ultimate Breakfast & Dessert Treat
Indulge in this incredible Oatmeal Coffee Cake, a breakfast and dessert masterpiece crafted with wholesome oats for an unbelievably moist and flavorful experience. It’s perfect for starting your day on a sweet note or ending an evening with a comforting treat!
It seems I’ve developed a wonderful obsession with oatmeal lately! Just recently, I shared the delightful Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, and before that, the ever-popular Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins. Now, I’m thrilled to introduce you to this sensational Oatmeal Coffee Cake! There’s something truly special about oatmeal – its versatility and comforting texture make it a fantastic ingredient for so many dishes, and especially for baking. Whether in a hearty bowl for breakfast or baked into a sweet treat, oatmeal always delivers.
For a long time, before our wonderful Vitamix blender became a staple in our kitchen, oatmeal was my go-to morning meal. A warm, nourishing bowl of oats was the perfect way to kickstart my day. Who knows, perhaps when I eventually tire of my Green Smoothies (if that day ever comes!), I’ll happily return to my daily oatmeal ritual. But for now, this coffee cake offers a whole new way to enjoy the goodness of oats.
Why This Oatmeal Coffee Cake is a Must-Try
This isn’t just any coffee cake; it’s a creation born out of a desire to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The initial idea for this particular coffee cake was, surprisingly, an afterthought. I had some leftover cooked oatmeal – a common occurrence in a busy household – and instead of letting it go to waste, I decided to experiment. The result was nothing short of amazing! The way it came together, yielding such a tender and flavorful cake, truly exceeded my expectations.
My household, with four energetic boys, often revolves around quick and easy breakfasts, especially on school days. Cereal is a firm favorite, and I’m constantly amazed by how quickly we go through boxes! While daily gourmet breakfasts aren’t usually feasible, weekends are different. That’s when I love to roll up my sleeves and cook up something special and fun. My boys eagerly anticipate these weekend treats, and this Oatmeal Coffee Cake has quickly become a beloved part of our weekend baking tradition.
The Comfort of Coffee Cake & The Magic of Oatmeal
Coffee cake holds a special place in my heart. My mom used to bake it frequently throughout my childhood, filling our home with its comforting aroma. To me, eating coffee cake for breakfast has always felt like a delightful permission to enjoy dessert first thing in the morning! There’s truly nothing better than a warm slice of fresh-from-the-oven coffee cake, especially when paired with a cold glass of milk. It’s a treat that rivals even the best cookies, offering a unique blend of cake-like softness and satisfying crunch.
The standout feature of this particular coffee cake is its incredible moistness. This is where the star ingredient – oatmeal – truly shines. Cooked oatmeal, when incorporated into the batter, doesn’t just add a subtle flavor; it transforms the cake’s texture, making it exceptionally soft, tender, and rich. You can distinctly taste the wholesome goodness of the oatmeal throughout every bite, adding a depth of flavor that sets it apart from traditional coffee cakes. Beyond the cake itself, a delightful nut topping adds another layer of texture. This delicious streusel, made with chopped pecans and brown sugar, provides a wonderful crunch that perfectly complements the moist cake beneath.
This isn’t just a coffee cake; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors. The soft, tender crumb, infused with the gentle earthiness of oatmeal, meets the sweet, buttery crunch of the pecan streusel. Each forkful is a harmonious blend that makes this cake truly irresistible, whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon indulgence.
A Healthier Twist on a Classic Indulgence
One of the aspects I love most about this Oatmeal Coffee Cake is how easily it can be adapted to be a bit more health-conscious without sacrificing flavor or texture. In this recipe, I’ve opted for Truvia sweetener instead of traditional sugar. This simple swap significantly reduces the sugar content, making it a wonderful option for those looking to cut back on refined sugars. Truvia provides a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the flavors of the cake without any artificial aftertaste.
Furthermore, I’ve used a combination of white whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour. White whole wheat flour offers all the nutritional benefits of whole grains, including extra fiber and nutrients, but with a lighter texture and milder flavor than traditional whole wheat flour. This means you get a more wholesome cake without the dense texture often associated with whole wheat baking. The blend ensures the cake remains light and airy while boosting its nutritional profile.
If you’re a fan of the comforting taste of oatmeal and the delightful indulgence of coffee cake, then this recipe truly offers the perfect blend. It combines the hearty, wholesome qualities of oats with the sweet, spiced deliciousness of coffee cake, all with a mindful approach to ingredients. It’s a feel-good treat that you can enjoy with less guilt, making it ideal for any time of day.
Tips for the Perfect Oatmeal Coffee Cake
- Use Cooked Oatmeal: The recipe specifically calls for cooked oatmeal. This is crucial for the cake’s moistness and texture. Using dry oats will yield a completely different result. Leftover oatmeal from breakfast is perfect for this!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher cake. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Even Streusel Distribution: Ensure the pecan streusel topping is evenly sprinkled over the batter. This guarantees a satisfying crunch in every bite. Gently pat it down if needed.
- Check for Doneness: The cake is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Baking times can vary depending on your oven.
- Cool Before Slicing: While it’s tempting to dive in immediately, letting the coffee cake cool slightly in the pan allows it to set properly, making for cleaner slices and preventing it from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Oatmeal Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
- With Coffee or Tea: As the name suggests, it’s a perfect companion to your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea.
- A Scoop of Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Fresh Fruit: Pair it with a side of fresh berries or sliced peaches for a lighter touch and a burst of freshness.
- Glaze Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk or lemon juice) drizzled over the cooled cake can be delightful.
- Nut Variations: If pecans aren’t your preference, try walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of different nuts in the streusel topping.
- Dried Fruit Addition: For added flavor and chewiness, you can gently fold in a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots into the cake batter before baking.
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Oatmeal Coffee Cake
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Equipment
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8 x 8 pan
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup Truvia sweetener or 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup cooked oatmeal
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour*
- 1/2 tsp. cloves
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. baking soda
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For the Streusel Topping:
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C). Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the melted coconut oil, eggs, Truvia sweetener (or brown sugar if preferred), vanilla extract, and the cooked oatmeal until well combined.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, ground cloves, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared 8×8-inch pan.
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For the streusel topping, combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, chopped pecans, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Crumble this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter in the pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy your deliciously moist Oatmeal Coffee Cake!
Notes
Nutrition
Ready for more delicious breakfast and snack ideas? Check these out:
Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins – Light, fluffy, and bursting with juicy blueberries, these oatmeal muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier breakfast on the go. Made with wholesome oats, they offer a satisfying start to your day.
No-Bake Granola Bites – Craving a quick and healthy snack? These no-bake granola bites are incredibly easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a pre-workout boost or a satisfying treat anytime.
