Introduction
Indulging in a homemade cake can be a delightful experience, especially when it’s paired with a rich frosting. This recipe not only highlights the simplicity of cake-making but also incorporates the flavors of coconut and pecans. The combination of oats and sugars creates a moist and flavorful cake, perfect for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cake:
– ½ cup quick cooking oats
– ¾ cup boiling water
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup light brown sugar
– ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 large egg
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Frosting:
– ⅓ cup light brown sugar
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
– ½ cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons milk
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time
Preparation time for this delightful cake is approximately 15 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 9-12 people
Enjoy making this delicious cake, and relish the harmonious blend of flavors and textures it offers!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take an 8×8-inch baking pan and grease it thoroughly with baking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Oats
In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup of quick cooking oats with ¾ cup of boiling water. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit aside for a few minutes to soften the oats.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, mix together ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar, ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 large egg, and 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Stir in the oatmeal mixture from Step 2 until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of light brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Add in ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut, ½ cup of chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything until well combined.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is fully baked, take it out of the oven and spread the frosting evenly over the top. For an added touch, place the cake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the coconut is lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing it into squares and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Note 1: Oat Consistency
Ensure that the oats are properly soaked in boiling water to achieve a soft texture in the cake.
Note 2: Baking Time
Baking times may vary based on your oven; always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
Note 3: Broiling Precautions
When broiling the cake, stay close to monitor as it can quickly go from lightly toasted to burnt.
Note 4: Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to substitute chopped walnuts for pecans or use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet frosting if desired.
Cook techniques
Preparing Boiling Water Oats
Combine quick cooking oats with boiling water in a bowl and let them sit covered. This will soften the oats and help incorporate them into the cake batter seamlessly.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, flour, salt, and baking soda thoroughly. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and sweetness throughout the cake.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Beat the softened butter, egg, and the oat mixture together until well combined. This process adds moisture and richness to the cake.
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. This method helps achieve a uniform rise and texture.
Preparing the Frosting
Whisk together melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth, then fold in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, milk, and vanilla extract. This technique creates a creamy and textured frosting.
Broiling for Toasting
After spreading the frosting on the cake, placing it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes will help achieve a golden-brown finish. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Cooling the Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps improve the texture and prevents the frosting from melting off.
FAQ
Can I substitute quick oats with regular oats?
Yes, but you might need to adjust the soaking time to ensure they soften properly.
What can I use instead of light brown sugar?
You can substitute with granulated sugar, but the flavor and moisture may be slightly different.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter is recommended to better control the salt level in your cake, but salted butter can be used if you adjust the additional salt in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of nut in the frosting?
Yes, feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or your preferred nut.
How should I store the cake after baking?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Conclusion
The combination of quick cooking oats and rich toppings in this cake results in a delightful texture and taste. The sweetness of the sugars complements the nutty pecans and toasted coconut, creating a perfect balance that will satisfy any dessert lover. Enjoy this moist cake as a treat for yourself or share it with friends and family for a lovely gathering.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Replace some of the flour in your cookie dough with quick oats to add a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
Coconut Pecan Muffins
Use the frosting ingredients to create a sweet topping for fluffy muffins made with coconut and pecans for a breakfast treat.
Oatmeal Pancakes with Coconut Topping
Transform the cake’s base into fluffy pancakes and top with a mixture of the coconut, brown sugar, and pecans for a delicious breakfast.
Coconut Cream Oatmeal
Cook oats with coconut milk and top with chopped pecans and a sprinkle of brown sugar for a cozy breakfast bowl.
Brown Sugar Pecan Granola
Mix oats, chopped pecans, and a touch of brown sugar and toast for a crunchy granola that can be enjoyed with yogurt or milk.
