As the golden rays of autumn sun filter through the trees, I find myself reminiscing about the warm kitchens of my childhood. The scent of freshly baked goods wafting through the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the changing leaves outside, felt like a comforting embrace. Oatmeal cake was a beloved staple at our family gatherings, where laughter and stories mingled with the sweet notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Today, I invite you to create a heartwarming Maple Oatmeal Cake, topped with a spiced caramel glaze that will transport you to those cherished moments.
Ingredients
For the cake:
– 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1 ½ cups boiling water
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon salt
For the spiced caramel glaze:
– ½ cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ¼ cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, allowing you to easily remove the cake later.
In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats and boiling water. Let this mixture sit for about 20 minutes, allowing the oats to soften and absorb the water.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Once the oats have cooled slightly, fold them into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, prepare the spiced caramel glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.
Reduce the heat and carefully add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and glossy, then remove it from the heat.
Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the warm spiced caramel glaze generously over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
This Maple Oatmeal Cake is not only a nostalgic treat but also a delightful dessert that is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, and let the flavors transport you to a cozy gathering filled with warmth and joy.