oatmeal cake

my friend brought this amazingly yummy cake to a party and i couldn't get enough...so i asked her for the recipe. i'm not usually a cake person, but this one changes my mind. thanks, debbie!

Oatmeal Cake

1c. quick oatmeal                                         
1 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. boiling water                                     
1 teasp. baking soda
1/2 c. butter or margarine                               
1 teasp. nutmeg
1 c. sugar                                                     
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 c. brown sugar                                            
1/2 teasp. salt
2 eggs

Pour boiling water over oats in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside.  In a
large mixing bowl, cream butter with all the sugar. Add eggs and mix well. Stir
in oats. Add dry ingredients and stir till everything is combined. Pour into a
lightly greased and floured 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25- 30 minutes.
It should be a little moist in the center. (After putting topping on, the total
baking time will be about 35 to 40 minutes.)

Topping  (Note:  Start preparing the topping about 12-15 minutes before cake is
done.)

6 Tablespoons butter                                       
1/4 c. brown sugar                            
1/2 c. sugar                                                    
1 c. coconut
1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts                       
1/4 c. evaporated milk

Melt butter in small saucepan. Add remaining ingredients and heat till bubbly.
(Sugar should be dissolved.) Stir in 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Remove cake from oven
and pour topping over hot cake. Put back in the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes
until the topping is golden brown. If pressed for time, you can put in under the
broiler for 3 or 4 minutes if you watch it very carefully.