Not Unhealthy Oatmeal Cake

Still experimenting with baking. Saw this recipe in the Penzy's catalog and it reminded of a cake I frequently made when I was a teenager. I cut back on the sugar and used unsweetened coconut. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and so it's a good choice when you need to bring something to a potluck or you want something sweet with no fuss. And oatmeal is a whole grain, right?

Not Unhealthy Oatmeal Cake

Cake:
1 cup quick-cooking or regular oats
1 1/4 cups boiling water
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup sugar (I used 3/4)
1 cup brown sugar (I used 3/4)
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon

Topping:

1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup heavy cream (I used 2% evaporated milk)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup shredded coconut (I used Bob's Red Mill dried unsulfured, unsweetened coconut)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or use cooking spray for a 9x13 pan - use a baking pan, not a glass casserole dish, as the topping will need to be broiled briefly.
Combine oats with the boiling water in a medium bowl and let stand for 5-10 minutes until soft and water is absorbed.
Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, cream the sugars and the butter till fluffy. Add the oats and mix. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix very well.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, soda salt and cinnamon. Gradually add to the oats/sugar mixture and mix well.
Pour into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until knife comes out clean.
Turn on the broiler. In a separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients and mix well. Spread evenly over the warm cake (if you like a lot of icing, you may want to double the ingredients. ) Place the cake under the broiler 2 inches from the heat and broil until lightly browned.

How to REALLY Win Friends and Influence People

I've been trying to do more baking. I haven't given up on the healthy food, but when it comes to cooking for others, it seems baked goods are always appreciated. (and eaten)
The following recipes got good feedback.

This brownie recipe is more cake-like. It's not a gooey, fudge-like brownie, but definitely rich.

Double-Chocolate Brownies

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup unsweetned cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2/3 cup chocolate morsels
a dash of salt, if you must

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating just until blended.
Add cocoa and vanilla; beat at low speed 1 minute. Gradually add flour, mixing well.
Stir in morsels and nuts (if using) into a greased 13x9 inch pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.

The following recipe is from a worn church cookbook dating back 30 yrs. that features recipes from family members.

Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake

1 cup shortening
3 cups cake flour
3 cups sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 tsp. baking soda
5 eggs
2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. lemon extract

The secret is mixing buttermilk and soda with mixer, set aside.
Cream sugar and shortening with a mixer until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each. add buttermilk and flavorings. Add flour. Bake in bundt pan. Do not preheat oven. Bake at 325 degrees fro 1 1/2 hours or until toothpick comes out clean.