ThisOld Fashioned Oatmeal Cake recipeis a rustic cake with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. It’s a classic cake that’s so easy to make!

This is a recipe from my Great Grandma, and it always makes me happy when I make it. It’s an old-fashioned oatmeal cake, which, if you’re not familiar with it, is justa very dense, spiced cake made with oats, applesauce, and some simple cake ingredients!

I love it in the cooler months because those warm spices make it theperfect dessert orsweet pick-me-upon a chilly day.You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it’sdelicious with Broiled Nut Icing, store-bought cream cheese frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. I can’t wait for you to make and fall in love with this scrumptious cake just as much as I am.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love thisold-fashioned oatmeal cake recipefrom my Great-Grandma because it’sstraightforward, subtly spiced and sweet, and just plain delicious.
It’seasy, making it perfect for any occasion:a birthday,brunch, or just any old dessert. You can’t go wrong because it’s pretty foolproof, and the ingredients and instructions are simple.
Perfect in the cooler seasonsbecause of the warm spices, and your house will smell amazing!

Recipe Ingredients

Oats –rolled or old-fashioned
Flour –whole wheat and all-purpose
Sugar –granulated and brown
Baking Powder and Soda
Spices –cinnamon and nutmeg
Butter
Applesauce
Vanilla
Eggs

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake

Add the dry oats to boiling water and stir.
Add the dry ingredients and mix.
Add the butter, applesauce, vanilla, eggs, and oat/water mixture.
Pour batter into a pan and bake.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of oats do you use in old-fashioned oatmeal cake?

You can use rolled oats, old-fashioned oats, or quick/instant oats in this cake! They’ll lend a similar texture to the end product. You’ll end up with a bit chewier cake with the rolled oats (a bigger cut), and the texture will be finer if you use instant or quick oats. Use what you have and what you like.

Is oatmeal cake vegan?

It is not—there’s butter and eggs in it, but if you want to make a vegan version, you can try swapping in mashed banana for the egg and avocado oil for the butter. I think that it’ll work just great.

What does applesauce do in old fashioned oatmeal cake?

Applesauce is a natural sweetener and moistener for cakes. It adds a touch of sweetness and moisture without adding many more calories or fat! Plus I just think apples and oats are just meant to go together aren’t they?

Expert Tips

Try theseold fashioned iced oatmeal cookies, orthis easy oatmeal cookie recipefor moreyummy oatmeal recipes!
Flour is pretty integral to this recipe and many cake recipes, butif you want to make it with all whole wheat flour, gluten-free flour, or another flour varietal, it should work just fine!
Replace the flour with oats ground in the blender to make oat flour.Your cake will be pretty dense if you do this, but I’d do it if that’s what you have on hand!