Oatmeal Cake w/ Broiled Icing



For the Cake
1 cup quick cooking oats
3/4 cup water, room temperature
3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Broiled Icing
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup sweetened, shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Preheat oven 350 degrees, with rack in the middle position. Spray an 8x8 inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine the oats with the water in a small bowl until the water is absorbed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. In a third bowl (if using a standing mixer, use your mixer bowl), combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter and beat until combined. Add vanilla and sugar and mix until combined. Add the flour mixture and beat the ingredients together. Finally, add the oats and mix until the ingredients are combined.

Using a spatula, smooth the batter until it is even across. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. The cake can be tested by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, it's ready to come out of the oven.

While letting the cake cool, turn on the broiler of your oven and move the oven rack down so that 8-10 inches are between the element and the rack. Whisk together the icing ingredients in a bowl. Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the mixture onto the cake. Broil the cake for up to 5 minutes, until the top is golden.

Let the cake cool completely.