Chocolate Oatmeal Cake

There’s something about the chill of winter that makes me hungry for oatmeal. I love it in the morning made with milk and filled with apple chunks and almonds.

But at my house oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast! I love to add it to many baked goods, including meatballs, muffins, pancakes and chocolate cake.

I discovered this dense, moist cake some years ago and it has become my father-in-law’s favorite! And since it has oatmeal in it- I can at least pretend it’s good for us!

Chocolate Oatmeal Cake

In a large bowl pour 1 – 3/4 cup boiling water over 1 cup of quick oatmeal and 1/2 cup butter. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Add:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 large eggs

Mix well. Add:

1 – 3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 heaping tablespoons baking cocoa

Mix well.

Stir in 6 oz. of chocolate chips. Sprinkle with another 6 oz. of chocolate chips  and 3/4 cup nuts.

Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes.

My favorite variation is to put all the nuts and chips right in the batter and spread this classic coconut topping on instead.

Topping:

Mix together:

1 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup nuts
1 cup coconut

Spread on the hot cake and put under the broiler for just a few minutes until brown and bubbly.

Either way – you have a delicious warm winter comfort food!

Enjoy!