Our Oatmeal Cake Recipe is a classic dessert that combines wholesome ingredients with delightful flavors. These oatmeal chocolate chip bars are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, thanks to the combination of white sugar, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon!

Baking oatmeal cake not only results in a comforting dessert but also offers a satisfying way to enjoy oats beyond breakfast. With its straightforward steps and rich flavor profile, this oatmeal bar recipe is an excellent option for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Oatmeal Cake: A Moist Dessert with Rich Flavor and Texture
Oatmeal cake offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. It features a moist crumb balanced with sweetness, making it an ideal dessert or snack for various occasions.
These oatmeal chocolate chip bars are a tasty way to eat your oats in the morning. This treat can be enjoyed morning, noon, and night. Making it a versatile recipe that is sure to become a regular go-to in your baking repertoire! It serves well at gatherings or as a comforting treat at home.
Why you’ll love this Oatmeal Cake
- Rich Flavor: The combination of white and brown sugar gives a well balanced sweetness. While the cinnamon enhances the flavor profile, adding warmth to each bite.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and steps, it’s accessible for both beginners and experienced bakers. The ingredient list is basic items that you most likely already have in your kitchen.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Oats are known for their nutritional benefits, making this cake a more wholesome dessert option. A delicious and healthier treat that you won’t feel guilty for enjoying.

Ingredients for Oatmeal Cake
Oats: For the base of this cake, you need 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats.
Water: Soften the oats using 1 ½ cups of boiling water.
Eggs: Create a great cake texture by adding 2 eggs to the batter.
Shortening: Add ½ cup of shortening to give the cake the fats needed to stay moist while baking.
Sugar: Sweeten the cake perfectly with 1 cup of white sugar.
Brown sugar: Use 1 cup of brown sugar to give this dessert a wonderful depth of flavor.
Flour: The structural base of this cake is made by adding 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour.
Salt: Balance the many incredible flavors with ½ tsp of salt.
Baking soda: Help the cake rise as it bakes by adding 1 tsp of baking soda.
Cinnamon: You need 1 tsp of cinnamon for warm, spiced flavor to this cake.
Chocolate chips: Sprinkle 1-2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot cake after it’s baked for a sweet, chocolatey taste in each bite.

How to make this Oatmeal Cake Recipe
Prep
The first step in making oatmeal cake is to soften the oats. Place them in a large bowl and pour the boiling water on top. Let the oats soak for about 10 minutes before adding the other ingredients.
Also, get the oven preheating to 350° F. Then spray a 9×13 pan with non-stick cooking spray, then set it aside.
Batter
Next add in the eggs, shortening, sugar, and brown sugar, to the bowl of oats, and mix well to combine.
After that add the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon to the mixture. Continue to mix until well incorporated.
Bake
Then pour the batter into the greased pan, place it in the preheated oven, and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven and then sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly on top. Slice and serve the cake immediately. Enjoy!


Variations & Add in’s for Oatmeal Cake
Add in’s:
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a crunchy texture.
- Fruit: Diced apples or mashed bananas enhance moisture and flavor.
- Spices: Additional spices like nutmeg or ginger can complement cinnamon.
Frosting Options:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Adds tanginess and richness.
- Chocolate Frosting: For chocolate lovers, a chocolate ganache pairs well.
Incorporating Different Flours:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Offers a nuttier taste and increased fiber.
- Gluten-Free Flour: For gluten-sensitive individuals, opt for gluten-free baking blends.

Oatmeal Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups boiling water
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1-2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prep: Place the oats in a large bowl and pour the boiling water on top. Let the oats soak for about 10 minutes before adding the other ingredients.
- Get the oven preheating to 350° F and spray a 9×13 pan with non-stick cooking spray, set it aside.
- Batter: Add in the eggs, shortening, sugar, and brown sugar, to the bowl of oats, and mix well to combine. Add the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon to the mixture. Continue to mix until well incorporated.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the greased pan, place it in the preheated oven, and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the cake from the oven and then sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly on top. Slice and serve the cake immediately. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
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What kind of oats work best in oatmeal cake?
I usually use old-fashioned oats in this recipe, but you can definitely use quick oats if that is what you have on hand. I prefer the texture and flavor of old-fashioned oats, so make sure to try them out and see what you prefer.
How do you store oatmeal cake?
Oatmeal cake will stay fresh when kept at room temperature for about 3-4 days. This recipe is one that tastes better warm, so if you don’t devour the whole thing when it’s fresh out of the oven, make sure to warm up any leftover pieces in the microwave before serving.
How can I ensure my oatmeal cake remains moist after baking?
To ensure the oatmeal cake remains moist, it is important to use shortening as it contributes needed fat. Additionally, incorporating plenty of liquid when soaking the oats helps retain moisture. Avoid overbaking the cake, as this can lead to a dry texture.

Love oatmeal? Check out our favorite oatmeal recipes here!
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Oatmeal Cake recipe that is easily made with old-fashioned oats, a few other simple ingredients and then topped with chocolate chips. These delicious oatmeal chocolate chip bars are easy to make and is so yummy, you don’t even need frosting!










Stephanie says
Have you tried this recipe with butter instead of shortening?
Nellie says
I haven’t tried it with butter, but I think it would work just fine!
Carol Meier says
Can you please give me the recipe for the coconut ,brown sugar topping for this oatmeal cake?
Nellie says
Sure! In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium-low heat. Add 1 tsp vanilla, 1/4 cup milk, 1 cup brown sugar and 1-2 cups coconut. Mix everything together and spread on top of slightly cooled cake. Broil for 3-5 minutes until coconut is lightly toasted – just watch carefully to make sure it doesn’t burn!
Candy Basey says
This Oatmeal Choc. Chip Cake looks Amazing. Great 👍🏽 REceipes here. Thank You
Katie says
I have never had anything like this before. It did not disappoint! We all loved it!
Christine says
This cake is so moist – Everyone loved it! I especially enjoy the cinnamon/chocolate flavor combo!