AWARD-WINNING OATMEAL CAKE WITH TOPPING VARIATIONS--HEAVY, MOIST, DELECTABLE!

This delectable OATMEAL CAKE, an old family favorite for many years, is one of my all-time favorite cakes!  I just love everything about it--the spiced-just-right flavor, the moist, heavy texture, and, of course, the quick way it whips up, and last, but certainly not least, the wonderful aroma of it baking--I think my favorite smell of any dessert I make!  There are two different toppings to choose from.  One is the delicious vanilla sauce recipe I use for my fresh apple cake and homemade pancake syrup;  the other is a topping you mix together, bring to a boil, then pour on the cake,  (you can also put it under the broiler for a minute or two).   Both are delicious!  It's great warm served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or, I like to keep it in the refrigerator--it's great chilled as well. 

OATMEAL CAKE

1 1/2 cup boiling water

1/2 cup butter

1 cup oatmeal (I use regular, not quick)

Bring the water to boiling, and pour over the cube of butter and cup of oatmeal in a mixing bowl.  Let sit until butter is completely melted.   

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cup flour

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat eggs.  Add to butter/oatmeal mixture.  Add dry ingredients and mix together until blended.  Bake at 350 degrees about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. 

COCONUT/BROWN SUGAR/NUT TOPPING

1/4 cup butter

1 cup coconut

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup cream

1 to 1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Mix ingredients together.  Bring to boil, then pour on warm cake.  OR Mix together until butter melts and ingredients are blended, then pour on cake and put about 2" under broiler for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until lightly browned. 

VANILLA CREAM SAUCE

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1/3 cup butter

2 Tablespoons flour

1 Tablespoon vanilla

Mix all ingredients together in sauce pan.  Cook on medium heat until mixture thickens.  Serve by spooning on individual pieces of warm cake and a dollop of sweet, whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.   Delicious!