Hurricane Cake

I’m not much for stereotypical birthday cakes with oodles of frosting, candles and “happy birthday” scrawled across the top. As such, I decided to do something completely off the wall – I know … that’s SO unlike me ;) - for my 29th birthday. So, scouring the web, I came across this little gem and it was actually really good. I mean, it doesn’t look that great (hence the name) but the taste certainly makes up for it.

1/2 cup margarine, melted
2/3 cup chopped pecans
1 cup flaked coconut
1 - 18.25-oz package German chocolate cake mix
1 - 8-oz. package neufchatel cheese
1/2 cup margarine
3-3/4 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°. Spread melted butter in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle pecans and coconut evenly over the bottom, then set aside. Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter over coconut and pecans in pan. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over low heat, melt the other 1/2 cup of margarine and neufchatel cheese. Stir in powdered sugar until smooth. Spoon the cheese mixture randomly over top of the cake batter. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before serving.