Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake
There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of baking cake, and when it comes to the Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake, that scent is just the beginning of the joy it brings. I remember the first time I tried this recipe; I was at a friend’s house during a crisp fall afternoon. The kitchen was warm and inviting, filled with laughter and the enticing aroma of oats and spices. Everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting to taste a slice. The combination of chewy raisins and warm spices created a perfect balance that left us all wanting more.
What makes the Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake so special is not just the incredible flavors but also the memories it creates. It’s a cake that brings people together, making it a perfect treat for gatherings, afternoon snacks, or even just to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a quiet day. I love how simple and straightforward the recipe is, allowing you to whip it up without any fuss. This cake is a testimony to the beauty of using wholesome ingredients like oats and raisins, transforming them into a delightful dessert that feels both indulgent and homey.
As you bake the Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake, I encourage you to take a moment to enjoy the process. Savor the texture of the oats, the sweetness of the raisins, and the smooth cream cheese frosting that adds a delicious finish. With this cake, every bite is a celebration of warmth, love, and the joy of sharing delicious food.
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
30 mins
30 mins
Medium
250 kcal
3 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
12 g
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Large Pot, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon
What You’ll Enjoy About This Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake
Wholesome Ingredients
The combination of oats and raisins makes this cake feel hearty and satisfying. I love how the oats provide a wonderful texture while the raisins add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices. The use of cream cheese frosting is a simple yet luxurious touch that elevates the cake without overwhelming it. This dessert is not just tasty; it’s a delightful way to enjoy nutritious ingredients.
Easy to Make
One of the best things about the Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake is how easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy kitchen equipment or complicated techniques. Just mix the ingredients, pour them into a pan, and let the oven do the work. This simplicity allows anyone, regardless of their baking experience, to create something truly delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet, the Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake fits the bill perfectly. It’s always a hit at potlucks, and you can easily serve it for dessert or as a mid-afternoon snack.
Frosting Options
While the cream cheese frosting is a favorite of mine, you can also experiment with other frostings or even enjoy it plain. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a new layer of flavor, allowing you to customize the cake to your liking.
Great for Meal Prep
This cake keeps well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. You can bake it ahead of time, and it stays moist for several days when stored properly. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet treat to grab on the go. Having a homemade cake at the ready is a lovely way to make your week a little brighter.
Kid-Friendly
Kids love this cake! The chewy raisins and fluffy texture make it appealing to young ones. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some wholesome ingredients without them noticing. Serve it at a birthday party or as an after-school snack, and watch them smile.
What You’ll Need for Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake

The ingredients for the Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake come together beautifully to create a rich and moist cake. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the texture and flavor that makes this cake a favorite. You’ll find that the combination of oats, raisins, and warm spices creates a truly indulgent experience. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:
- 1½ cups boiling water
- 1½ cups raisins
- 1 cup quick-cooking steel cut oats
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cold cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Making Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake

Making the Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake is a delightful experience that you’ll cherish. Just think of the sweet aroma filling your kitchen as you bake! Follow these easy steps to create this delicious dessert:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it well to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the boiling water, raisins, and oats. Stir them together and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes. This step allows the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
- While the oats are soaking, prepare the dry ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and both granulated and light brown sugar together on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. This step is essential for incorporating air into the batter.
- Reduce the mixer speed to medium, and add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.
- Now, it’s time to add the oat mixture to the mixing bowl. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gently incorporate the soaked oats and raisins.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the batter, beating until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, as this could make the cake dense. Give the mixture a final stir using a rubber spatula to ensure everything is well combined.
- Carefully transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to taste!
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the cream cheese frosting, in a clean mixing bowl, beat together the cold cream cheese and unsalted butter on medium-high speed until smooth, which should take about 3 minutes. It’s important to start with cold cream cheese for the best texture.
- Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Finally, add the remaining vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Increase the mixer speed back to medium-high and beat until you have a light and fluffy frosting, about 2 minutes.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Now, slice and serve your lovely Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake to friends and family. Enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Always measure your flour accurately. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid compacting it in the measuring cup.
- To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the oats before adding them to the batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting for the best results.
- This cake can be made up to two days in advance; store it in an airtight container.
Substitutions and Tips

Here are some useful tips to enhance your baking experience with the Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake:
- Storage: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating it.
- Freezing: This cake can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Pairing: Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Variations: Feel free to add chopped nuts or different dried fruits to customize the cake to your taste.
- Frosting options: If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can also work beautifully.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like allspice or cloves for a unique flavor profile.
- Egg alternatives: For a vegan version, you can substitute eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture.
Serving Options for Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake
When it comes to serving the Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake, the options are endless! Here are some delightful ideas:
- Afternoon Tea: Serve slices of cake with a warm cup of tea for a lovely afternoon treat.
- Family Gatherings: This cake is perfect for family celebrations or holiday gatherings. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Picnics: Cut the cake into squares and pack it for a picnic. It travels well and tastes amazing even at room temperature.
- Birthday Parties: An ideal cake for a kid’s birthday party—kids love it!
- Seasonal Pairings: Pair this cake with other fall delights like apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes.
- Leftover Storage: If you have leftovers, keep them covered on the countertop or in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy slices for breakfast, perhaps with a smear of peanut butter or a sprinkle of nuts for added protein.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake is truly a special dessert that combines wholesome ingredients with comforting flavors. I encourage you to give it a try and savor every bite. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a quiet afternoon at home, this cake is sure to bring smiles and warmth to your table.

Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab a 9x13-inch baking pan and grease it well to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the boiling water, raisins, and oats. Stir them together and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes. This step allows the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
- While the oats are soaking, prepare the dry ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and both granulated and light brown sugar together on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. This step is essential for incorporating air into the batter.
- Reduce the mixer speed to medium, and add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.
- Now, it’s time to add the oat mixture to the mixing bowl. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gently incorporate the soaked oats and raisins.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the batter, beating until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, as this could make the cake dense. Give the mixture a final stir using a rubber spatula to ensure everything is well combined.
- Carefully transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to taste!
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the cream cheese frosting, in a clean mixing bowl, beat together the cold cream cheese and unsalted butter on medium-high speed until smooth, which should take about 3 minutes. It’s important to start with cold cream cheese for the best texture.
- Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Finally, add the remaining vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Increase the mixer speed back to medium-high and beat until you have a light and fluffy frosting, about 2 minutes.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Now, slice and serve your lovely Oatmeal Raisin Snack Cake to friends and family. Enjoy!
Notes
- Tip 1: Nutritional values are based on one serving.


