1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch square pan. In a medium bowl, combine boiling water and oats. Stir, then set aside for 40 minutes. Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Set aside.
2In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar and 1 cup white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the oat mixture. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. While cake is baking prepare topping.
4In a medium bowl, cream 3 tablespoons butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar until smooth. Beat in 1 egg and 3 tablespoons milk. Stir in coconut and pecans. Spread over hot cake. Return cake to oven for 10 minutes or until the topping is golden. Cool and cut into squares.