Step 1

Place a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add applesauce and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in rolled oats. Let rest for 20 minutes.*Prep the rest of your ingredients while you wait for the applesauce to cool.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F after 10 minutes. Spray a 9-inch x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup butter and sugar for 1 minute. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until smooth.

Step 4

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; stir until just combined. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients. The batter will be thick.

Step 5

Add the applesauce/oat mixture to the bowl and stir to combine. The batter will loosen up thanks to the applesauce.

Step 6

Pour cake batter into prepared baking dish. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the cake has browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7

Add coconut, brown sugar, walnuts, 1/4 melted butter, and milk to a small mixing bowl. Stir together until all ingredients are combined and moistened. Carefully spread topping over the hot cake.

Step 8

Return to the oven and broil on HIGH for 1 to 2 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove cake from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes or a wire rack. Cut into 9 pieces and serve.