Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake is rich, moist, and topped with a gooey coconut broil—an old-fashioned favorite that’s perfect for cozy weekends or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Old-Fashioned Comfort: A vintage dessert that brings back warm memories with every bite.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Uses basics like oats, sugar, and coconut—no fancy ingredients required.
- Unique Broiled Topping: The caramelized coconut topping sets it apart from other cakes.
- Incredibly Moist Texture: The oatmeal gives the sponge an almost melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings—just slice and serve from the pan.
- Easy to Make: Despite the two-part process, it’s beginner-friendly and fuss-free.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg pair beautifully with the sweet topping.
- No Frosting Needed: The rich topping replaces the need for frosting—less mess, more flavor.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Tastes even better the next day.
- Delicious Warm or Cold: Equally tasty fresh from the oven or served at room temperature.
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For The Topping:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine oats and boiling water. Let sit for 20 minutes to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the softened oats.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and cream, and cook until the sugar is dissolved. Add coconut and vanilla; stir to combine.
- Remove the cake from the oven and switch the oven to broil.
- Spread the topping evenly over the hot cake.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the topping is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Best served warm or at room temperature.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories Per Serving: ~420 kcal
Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for added crunch.
- Spiced Up: Boost the warm flavors with a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom.
- Tropical Flavor: Use unsweetened coconut and add a splash of pineapple juice to the topping.
- Chocolate Chip Upgrade: Fold in mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute plant-based butter and cream.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the topping for extra indulgence.
- Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions.
- Berry Boost: Add a layer of raspberries or blueberries under the topping.
- Holiday Spice: Increase cinnamon and nutmeg and add cloves for a holiday twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–30 seconds or reheat the whole pan in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
FAQs
What Makes This Cake “Lazy”?
It’s a Depression-era name that reflects the simplicity of the recipe—minimal prep, basic ingredients, and no fancy tools needed.
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead Of Rolled Oats?
Yes, but rolled oats provide a better texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch but may make the cake slightly mushier.
Do I Have To Broil The Topping?
Yes, broiling caramelizes the topping and gives it that signature gooey, golden finish.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. It holds up well and may even taste better the next day as the flavors meld.
Is This Cake Too Sweet?
It’s rich, but the cinnamon and nutmeg balance the sweetness. You can reduce the sugar slightly if desired.
What’s The Best Way To Serve It?
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is a great addition.
Can I Use Unsweetened Coconut?
Yes, but you may want to increase the brown sugar in the topping slightly for balance.
Can I Bake This In A Different Pan Size?
Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Thinner layers will bake faster, and thicker layers may need more time.
Is It Okay To Skip The Spices?
Technically, yes—but cinnamon and nutmeg are part of what gives this cake its signature flavor.
Can I Add Fruit To The Cake?
Yes! Chopped apples or raisins in the batter add a nice texture and sweetness.
Conclusion
Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. With its hearty, moist crumb and irresistible coconut topping, it’s a delicious nod to simpler times. Whether you’re new to baking or just want something comforting and unfussy, this classic cake is always a crowd-pleaser—and one you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Try More Nostalgic and Comforting Desserts
If you’re a fan of cozy, old-fashioned cakes like Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake, you’ll love our Old-Fashioned Ginger Loaf Cake packed with warm spice. For a gooey twist, try the rich layers in our Caramel Brownie Cheesecake—a crowd-pleasing dessert. The Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is another fall favorite, balancing crunch and warmth. Coconut lovers shouldn’t miss our soft Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. And for an indulgent bite-sized delight, the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a must-try addition to your baking list!
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Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake
Description
This nostalgic Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake features a light, moist oatmeal-infused sponge topped with a warm, broiled coconut and brown sugar glaze. A classic Depression-era dessert that’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for topping)
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine oats and boiling water. Let sit for 20 minutes to soften.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the softened oats.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and cream, and cook until the sugar is dissolved. Add coconut and vanilla; stir to combine.
- Remove the cake from the oven and switch the oven to broil.
- Spread the topping evenly over the hot cake.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the topping is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Cool before serving. Best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Soaking the oats is essential for achieving the cake’s moist texture.
- Keep a close eye while broiling to prevent burning the topping.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.