Are you craving a comforting, moist, and utterly delicious cake but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This chocolate oatmeal cake recipe is the perfect solution. It's surprisingly easy to make, requires simple ingredients you probably already have, and delivers a rich, decadent flavor that will impress everyone. This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that are also incredibly satisfying desserts. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup boiling water
- Optional: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for topping
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to ensure even baking.
Combining the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
Bringing it Together:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Adding Moisture:
- Slowly pour in the buttermilk, mixing until the batter is smooth. Then, carefully add the boiling water and stir until the batter is completely combined and smooth. The batter will be thin.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. If you're adding chocolate chips or nuts, sprinkle them over the top now.
Baking Time:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar or serve as is.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chocolate Oatmeal Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh baking powder and soda: Old baking powder and soda won't provide the proper lift.
- Let the cake cool completely: This prevents it from crumbling when you cut it.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature: The cake will stay moist for several days.
Delicious Variations:
- Add different mix-ins: Try chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips.
- Make it a layer cake: Bake the batter in two 9-inch round pans for a beautiful layer cake.
- Frost it: Top with your favorite chocolate frosting or cream cheese frosting.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutritional calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-50g
This easy chocolate oatmeal cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without a lot of effort. It's a delicious dessert that's also a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients like oats into your diet. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe!