Coffee Cake With Oats Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Let’s talk about the absolute comfort food that will make your mornings cozy, your afternoons delightful, and your evenings just a little bit sweeter. Yes, you guessed it-coffee cake! But, we’re not talking about the standard coffee cake here. We’re diving into a delicious twist-a Coffee Cake with Oats. Think of it as the warm embrace you never knew you needed, with a little crunch, a touch of health, and a lot of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for brunch or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, this oat-infused beauty is bound to be your new favorite go-to treat.

Coffee cake, with its crumbly top and soft, moist texture, is already a winner, but when you introduce oats into the mix, it elevates the experience to something even more special. Oats not only add a nice depth of flavor and texture but also come with a host of nutritional benefits that make you feel good about every bite. Ready to dive into this easy-to-make, oat-filled masterpiece? Let’s go!

Coffee Cake With Oats Recipe

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds-classic coffee cake and the wholesome, nutty goodness of oats. It’s incredibly simple to whip up and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be baking this on repeat!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this coffee cake with oats to life:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats (use old-fashioned oats for a chewy texture)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (you can substitute with whole wheat flour if you prefer)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (or you can substitute with coconut sugar for a more natural option)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (this is the secret to giving your cake that warm, cozy flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk, just use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted for a rich flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because vanilla makes everything better)
• ½ cup brown sugar (for the crumble topping)
• 1/3 cup rolled oats (for the crumble as well-yes, double the oats!)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for the crumble)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (more cinnamon = more yum)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the crumble)

How To Make Coffee Cake With Oats

Okay, time to get your hands a little dirty and start baking! Here’s how you can put this all together:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them all together until everything is evenly distributed. This ensures your oats and flour are nicely mixed before you add the wet ingredients.
3. Prepare the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Combine wet and dry: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring as you go. You want to make sure you don’t overmix, just mix until everything is incorporated. It’ll be a bit thick, but that’s the way we want it!
5. Make the crumble topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Use a fork to mix everything together until you get a crumbly texture. This crumble is going to add that irresistible crunch on top.
6. Assemble the cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the batter. Don’t be shy here; the more, the better!
7. Bake: Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s a little science to get you even more excited about this coffee cake:

• Oats: Oats are not just a great source of fiber, but they also bring in some good carbs that are slow to digest, helping to keep you fuller for longer. They also bring a nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Buttermilk: This tangy liquid doesn’t just make the cake moist, but it also reacts with the baking soda to give the cake a light, fluffy texture. The acidity of buttermilk helps break down gluten, making for a tender crumb.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is more than just a delicious spice; it’s packed with antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It also adds that perfect warm flavor to balance out the sweetness of the cake.
• Butter: Butter doesn’t just add flavor; it also helps create a light, fluffy texture and keeps the cake moist. Its rich fat content is key to the decadent mouthfeel.

Expert Tips

To make sure your coffee cake with oats turns out perfect every time, here are a few pro tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: If your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are all at room temperature, they’ll mix more evenly and give you a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing the batter too much can result in a dense coffee cake. Stir until everything is just combined to keep that light, airy texture.
• Check your oven temperature: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking time. If it’s golden brown on top, it’s probably done.
• Customize your crumble: You can swap out the brown sugar for white sugar if you prefer a less caramelized taste, or add a handful of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for extra crunch.

Recipe Variations

What if you’re in the mood to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun variations to customize your coffee cake:

• Add fruit: Toss in some fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples) into the batter. They’ll create little pockets of sweetness throughout the cake.
• Make it gluten-free: If you’re gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy twist: Want to add more warmth? Toss in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter for a spicier twist that’s perfect for colder months.
• Vegan version: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and swap the butter for coconut oil. Use a non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk.

Final Words

There’s something so satisfying about creating a dish that not only tastes amazing but also has a little extra nutrition packed in. By using oats, you’re adding that hearty, filling texture and a healthy dose of fiber to a classic comfort dessert. This coffee cake with oats strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome. It’s a treat that feels like a hug for your stomach, and let’s face it, who doesn’t need a little more of that in their life?

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Essential For A Coffee Cake With Oats Recipe?

The essential ingredients typically include rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar (brown or white), butter, eggs, milk or buttermilk, vanilla extract, and spices such as cinnamon. Additional ingredients may include nuts, raisins, or a streusel topping.

Can I Substitute Rolled Oats With Instant Oats In The Coffee Cake Recipe?

While rolled oats provide a chewier texture and more structure, instant oats can be used as a substitute, but the texture will be softer and less distinct. For best results, use rolled oats unless the recipe specifies otherwise.

How Do Oats Affect The Texture Of Coffee Cake?

Oats add a hearty, slightly chewy texture to the coffee cake. They also contribute a nutty flavor and can enhance moisture retention, making the cake denser and more satisfying compared to a traditional coffee cake without oats.

Is It Possible To Make A Gluten-free Coffee Cake With Oats?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free coffee cake by using certified gluten-free oats and substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check all ingredients for gluten contamination.

What Is The Best Way To Prepare The Oats Before Adding Them To The Coffee Cake Batter?

In most recipes, oats are added directly to the batter without pre-cooking. However, soaking oats in milk or buttermilk for about 10-15 minutes before mixing can soften them and improve the texture of the cake.

Can I Add Nuts Or Dried Fruits To The Coffee Cake With Oats Recipe?

Absolutely. Common additions include chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds, as well as dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates. These ingredients complement the oats and add extra flavor and texture.

How Long Should I Bake A Coffee Cake With Oats, And At What Temperature?

Typically, a coffee cake with oats is baked at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 45 minutes. Baking time may vary depending on the size of the pan and oven, so it’s best to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.

What Type Of Topping Works Best For An Oat Coffee Cake?

A classic streusel topping made from oats, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon works excellently. It adds a crunchy, sweet layer that contrasts nicely with the soft cake beneath.

Can I Prepare The Coffee Cake With Oats Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Additionally, baked coffee cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Is Coffee Cake With Oats Suitable For Breakfast Or Just As A Dessert?

Coffee cake with oats is versatile and can be enjoyed both as a breakfast treat alongside coffee or tea and as a dessert. The oats add a wholesome element that makes it a more filling option for breakfast.