Neiman Marcus Cake

I have no idea why my in-laws call this recipe Neiman Marcus cake. I just know it's been a family tradition for as long as they all can remember. My mother-in-law fixes it for both Thanksgiving and Christmas and it's a hit with the younger generation as well. My 19 -year-old nephew-in-law requested it as his official birthday cake last week.


It's a cross between the two layers of what I've always heard called "Ooey Gooey Butter Cake" and the chocolate/coconut combination of a German Chocolate cake. Try it and see what you think.


Neiman Marcus Cake
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg

1 pound box powdered sugar
2 eggs
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9 by 13 glass baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.


In a medium bowl, mix together first five ingredients until well-blended. Final product will resemble a firm cookie dough. Spread into prepared pan.


Using a mixer, blend remaining ingredients, reserving 1/2/ cup chopped pecans, until smooth. Pour over first layer.


Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, then lower oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly (or overnight) before serving.