Old-fashioned Oatmeal Cake

1. Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Oat Mixture

• In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats and boiling water. Stir to mix and let sit for 20 minutes, allowing the oats to absorb the water and soften.

3. Make the Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
• Stir in the softened oat mixture until fully incorporated.

4. Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

5. Prepare the Topping

• While the cake is baking, prepare the topping by combining the melted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream or milk in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth.
• Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.

6. Broil the Topping

• Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and turn on the broiler.
• Spread the topping mixture evenly over the hot cake.
• Place the cake under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

7. Cool and Serve

• Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.
• Cut into squares and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Nuts and Coconut: Substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for the pecans if desired. Unsweetened shredded coconut can also be used for a less sweet topping.
• Extra Moisture: For an extra moist cake, add 1/2 cup of applesauce or a mashed banana to the batter.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

This Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cake is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this classic recipe with your loved ones!