A hearty, comforting oatmeal cake for a crowd.

My parents were both alive during the Depression, and that certainly shaped the way we ate.

Most meals and baked goods were made at home using what was on hand.

Southern Living Oatmeal Cake sliced and ready to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wenddorf; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

My grandparents always had a large garden, as well as grapevines and apple trees.

Produce was picked then canned or frozen with lots of jams andhomemade applesauce.

My sister and I learned to cook and bake from our mom.

Southern Living Oatmeal Cake ingredients

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wenddorf; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Store covered at room temperature for up to three days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to five days, or freeze for up to two months.

Bring to room temperature before serving.

Southern Living Oatmeal Cake in the baking dish ready to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wenddorf; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Let mix stand for 20 minutes.

Cream butter and sugars in another bowl; add eggs, and beat thoroughly.

Stir oatmeal and vanilla into creamed mixture.

Southern Living Oatmeal Cake stirring the flour into the batter mixture

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wenddorf; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Bake at 375F for 35 minutes.

For Topping:

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan; heat over low flame until melted.

Spread over warm Cake.

Southern Living Oatmeal Cake pouring the batter into the baking dish

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wenddorf; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Place topped Cake in oven under broiler set to low heat until bubbles form in the Topping.

Keep a close eye on it so the coconut doesnt burn.

Southern Living Oatmeal Cake preparing the topping in a saucepan

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wenddorf; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Southern Living Oatmeal Cake spreading the topping over the cake

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wenddorf; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Southern Living Oatmeal Cake after broiling the topping

Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wenddorf; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen