It's like a warm hug....Oatmeal Cake

Do you ever feel like you just need a hug?  You know the kind of  hug that will make you feel better inside and out?  Well, lately the weather here in Southern NH has been cloudy, almost dreary with rain sprinkles (sometimes even a down pour of showers).  Such weather starts to really effect me when it goes on for more than 3-4 days.  All I want is to be hugged....a nice warm cozy hug to make the "drabby weather" feeling go away!  I have also discovered a recipe that gives me the same cozy, warm and happy feeling.....an Oatmeal Cake.  This cake is delish!  And FULL of flavor and texture with a sweet frosting on top to give it the all around happiness that if offers to those that eat it.  

So far, everyone I've shared this cake with I've been able to give them a nice BIG ol'smile of happiness once they bite into this cake.  It's like a warm happy hug in one single bite.  

The recipe comes from one of my newest cook-book finds.....Southern Cakes - Sweet and Irresistible Recipes for Everyday Celebrations by Nancie McDermott.  It is a gem of a cook-book!

Oatmeal Cake

(recipe from Southern Cakes)

Ingredients:

1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal (NOT quick-cooking)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into 6 pieces

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tsp nutmeg (I used cinnamon instead...of course you could use both if you wish too)

1 cup sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten well

1 tsp vanilla extract

Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1/4 cup evaporated milk

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

*1 cup chopped pecans (if need be you can go without)

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Generously grease either two round 9" pans or one 9x13 pan.

2. In a medium bowl combine the oatmeal, butter and boiling water.....

 Stir to mix them together a bit.....

...... Set aside for 20-30 minutes.

3. In another medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda, salt and nutmeg (or cinnamon or both) and stir with a fork to mix everything together well.....

4. In a large bowl combine both kinds of sugar with the eggs and vanilla - beat with a mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until thick and light colored.

5. Gently stir in the flour mixture in two batches into the egg/sugar mixture - beating just long enough each time to make the flour disappear.  Mix in the oatmeal mixture - stirring and folding to combine everything into a nubby but well-mixed batter.

6. Pour batter into pan(s).....

...and bake for 25-30 minutes - I made my cake in a 9x13 pan and it took 35 minutes to fully bake.  Cake will be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched in the center.  It will also just begin to pull away from sides of cake pan showing that it is done.  Cool.  If you have used round cake pans, carefully remove from pans after 10 minutes of cooling.

7. Frosting time!  Start off with putting butter, evaporated milk and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.....

 Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.  After the mixture comes to a gentle boil remove from heat.

8. Stir in vanilla extract, pecans and coconut....

*I did not use pecans the first time I made the frosting for this cake....I just used the coconut and it was still VERY yummy with a good consistency.

9. Beat frosting well with a wooden spoon or a whisk until you have a thickened, cooled frosting.  Spread between layers and then on top of cake or spread over top of 9x13 cake....

Serve warm with a cup of tea = warm hug = happiness!!

Happy Oatmeal Cake Baking!

This post has been linked to...

Tuesday's at the Table

Delicious Dishes

And Baby Makes Five