Decadent Chocolate Oatmeal Cake: A Moist and Delicious Treat
Are you looking for a cake that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this decadent chocolate oatmeal cake! This recipe combines the rich, comforting flavor of chocolate with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal, resulting in a cake that’s moist, tender, and utterly irresistible. The oatmeal adds a delightful chewiness and subtle nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra fiber! This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a special treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning and surprisingly simple chocolate oatmeal cake.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Oatmeal Cake
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this cake is a winner:
* **Moist and Tender:** The oatmeal and buttermilk work together to create a cake that’s incredibly moist and stays fresh for days.
* **Rich Chocolate Flavor:** We use both cocoa powder and melted chocolate to ensure a deep, intense chocolate flavor that will satisfy any chocolate craving.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Even beginner bakers can achieve success.
* **Unique Texture:** The oatmeal adds a delightful chewiness and subtle nutty flavor that sets this cake apart from ordinary chocolate cakes.
* **Versatile:** This cake can be enjoyed plain, frosted, or served with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, berries, or ice cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious chocolate oatmeal cake. Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results.
* **Dry Ingredients:**
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 cups (250g). Provides structure to the cake.
* **Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats):** 1 1/2 cups (135g). Adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle nutty flavor. Do NOT use instant oats.
* **Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:** 3/4 cup (75g). Contributes to the rich chocolate flavor.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 1/2 teaspoons. Helps the cake rise and gives it a light and airy texture.
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Works in conjunction with baking soda to provide leavening.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 3/4 cups (350g). Sweetens the cake and contributes to its tenderness.
* **Brown Sugar (Packed):** 1/2 cup (100g). Adds moisture, sweetness, and a hint of molasses flavor.
* **Wet Ingredients:**
* **Buttermilk:** 1 1/2 cups (360ml). Adds moisture and tanginess, resulting in a tender cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 1/2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and filling it to the 1 1/2 cup mark with milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1/2 cup (120ml). Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Provide structure, richness, and moisture.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons. Enhances the flavor of the cake.
* **Melted Unsweetened Chocolate:** 4 ounces (113g). Adds a deep, intense chocolate flavor. Use good quality chocolate for the best results.
* **Hot Coffee:** 1 cup (240ml). Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds moisture. Brew a strong cup of coffee for the best results. You can also use hot water if you prefer.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans**
* **Mixing Bowls** (one large, one medium)
* **Electric Mixer** (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* **Whisk**
* **Spatula**
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons**
* **Parchment Paper**
* **Wire Rack**
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious chocolate oatmeal cake.
**Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. To prevent sticking, you can also line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper rounds. Cut out circles of parchment paper that fit the bottom of your cake pans.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to ensure that the baking soda and baking powder are evenly distributed.
**Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients**
* In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
**Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
**Step 5: Add Melted Chocolate and Coffee**
* Gently fold in the melted unsweetened chocolate and hot coffee until everything is evenly incorporated. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly normal.
**Step 6: Pour Batter into Cake Pans**
* Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a kitchen scale to ensure that the pans have the same amount of batter, which will help the cakes bake evenly.
**Step 7: Bake the Cakes**
* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
**Step 8: Cool the Cakes**
* Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cakes in the pans first helps prevent them from breaking.
**Step 9: Frost and Decorate (Optional)**
* Once the cakes are completely cool, you can frost them with your favorite chocolate frosting. Some popular choices include chocolate buttercream, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese frosting. You can also decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries.
Frosting Suggestions
While the cake is delicious on its own, frosting takes it to the next level. Here are a few frosting ideas:
* **Classic Chocolate Buttercream:** A rich and creamy frosting that pairs perfectly with the chocolate cake. You can find countless recipes online.
* **Chocolate Ganache:** A simple and elegant frosting made with chocolate and heavy cream. It’s incredibly smooth and decadent.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** The tangy flavor of cream cheese frosting complements the chocolate beautifully. Add a touch of cocoa powder to make it chocolate cream cheese frosting.
* **Peanut Butter Frosting:** For a Reese’s-inspired cake, try pairing the chocolate oatmeal cake with a creamy peanut butter frosting.
Tips for Success
* **Measure Ingredients Accurately:** Baking is a science, so it’s important to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Use measuring cups and spoons designed for baking.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and stop when you still see a few streaks of flour.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk will help the ingredients combine more easily and create a smoother batter.
* **Don’t Overbake the Cake:** Overbaking the cake can make it dry. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
* **Cool Cakes Completely Before Frosting:** Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting them.
* **Use quality chocolate:** The better the quality of chocolate, the more pronounced and delicious the chocolate flavour will be in your cake.
Variations and Add-ins
Want to customize your chocolate oatmeal cake? Here are a few ideas:
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Fold chocolate chips into the batter for an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Add Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
* **Add Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm and comforting flavor.
* **Make Cupcakes:** Pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
* **Add Berries:** Add fresh raspberries or strawberries to the top of the cake or between the layers for a fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate oatmeal cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it:
* **Plain:** Enjoy a slice of cake with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy treat.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve the cake with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **With Berries:** Garnish the cake with fresh berries for a colorful and flavorful touch.
* **Dusted with Powdered Sugar:** Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, the cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
* **Freezer:** The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Chocolate Oatmeal Cake Recipe
Here’s the full recipe for this amazing chocolate oatmeal cake:
**Yields:** 12 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30-35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups (250g) All-Purpose Flour
* 1 1/2 cups (135g) Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats)
* 3/4 cup (75g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda
* 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 1 3/4 cups (350g) Granulated Sugar
* 1/2 cup (100g) Brown Sugar (Packed)
* 1 1/2 cups (360ml) Buttermilk
* 1/2 cup (120ml) Vegetable Oil
* 2 large Eggs
* 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
* 4 ounces (113g) Melted Unsweetened Chocolate
* 1 cup (240ml) Hot Coffee
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the melted unsweetened chocolate and hot coffee until everything is evenly incorporated.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Frost with your favorite frosting and decorate as desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate oatmeal cake!
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
*Calories: 350-450 (depending on frosting)*
*Protein: 5-7g*
*Fat: 15-25g (depending on frosting)*
*Carbohydrates: 45-55g*
*Fiber: 2-4g*
**Disclaimer:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Conclusion
This chocolate oatmeal cake is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s moist, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The oatmeal adds a unique texture and subtle nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delicious treat, this cake is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that everyone will love! Happy baking!