Preheat the oven to 350°F, and grease a 9x13-inch cake pan.
Sprinkle the coconut and pecans in an even layer across the bottom of the cake pan.
1 cup chopped pecans, 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the package directions. Carefully pour the batter into the pan, taking care not to displace the coconut and pecans.
13.25 ounces German chocolate cake mix, 1 cup water, ½ cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs
In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps. Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time until completely combined.
8 ounces block-style cream cheese, ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the cake batter.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the cream cheese mixture.
1 cup chocolate chips
Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool most of the way before serving.
Notes
The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 slice of cake. Actual calories will vary.
The water, oil, and eggs listed in the ingredients are specific to the brand of cake mix we used. Use the amounts listed on the box of mix you purchase. It may differ from ours.