Neiman Marcus Cake: A Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Classic
Neiman Marcus Cake stands out as a crowd favorite for both casual get-togethers and festive occasions. Combining the ease of boxed cake mix with a cream cheese-based topping, this dessert delivers a rich, buttery flavor profile that appeals to fans of both gooey butter cake and classic cheesecake bars. With six accessible ingredients, it’s an ideal option for anyone seeking a reliable treat with minimal fuss. Let’s break down everything you need to know in order to make, enjoy, and adapt Neiman Marcus Cake.
What Makes Neiman Marcus Cake Special
The charm of Neiman Marcus Cake lies in its contrast— a dense, buttery crust anchors a creamy, tangy topping. It slices cleanly but stays decadently soft. The familiar taste of yellow cake meets the sweetness of powdered sugar and a lift from pure vanilla, while cream cheese brings a slight tang. This makes it ideal for potlucks, birthdays, office parties, or as a reliable dessert to have on hand when guests drop by.
Ingredient Rundown
Each ingredient in this recipe has a defined role. If you’re new to this dessert, here’s why each one matters and how you might personalize the cake to suit your preferences:
- Yellow Cake Mix
The shortcut that guarantees a dependable, golden crust. Brands such as Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker both work. - Eggs
You’ll need eggs for both the crust and filling. They serve as the structure that holds everything together and add moisture. - Unsalted Butter
Melted butter combines with the cake mix to form a crust with rich flavor (though salted butter is fine if that’s what you have). - Cream Cheese
Block-style, full-fat cream cheese works best, as it creates a smooth, sturdy layer. - Powdered Sugar
Adds sweetness and helps the topping set. Sift it to avoid lumps. - Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and depth to the flavor in the topping.
Many bakers experiment with ingredient swaps. Almond extract creates a different twist. Some mix in a handful of chocolate chips or nuts. For a gluten-free version, just choose a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Role in Recipe | Substitution Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Cake Mix | Base crust | White or spice cake mix |
| Eggs | Structure, texture | Egg substitute if needed |
| Unsalted Butter | Fat, richness | Salted butter or margarine |
| Cream Cheese | Creamy, tangy filling | Neufchâtel cheese |
| Powdered Sugar | Sweetness, texture | None recommended |
| Vanilla Extract | Flavor depth | Almond extract |
Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation
Start by assembling your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan, two bowls, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a spatula.
- Prepare the Pan
Grease your pan thoroughly. Use nonstick spray or a thin coating of butter. For easy removal, line the bottom with parchment and allow the sides to overhang. - Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Give it time to preheat while you mix your batter.
Make the Crust
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, two eggs, and melted butter.
- Stir with a wooden spoon or mix on low speed until the ingredients come together in a thick, soft dough.
- Press the mixture evenly over the base of your pan, forming a flat, cohesive crust.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Place the softened cream cheese in a clean mixing bowl.
- Beat on medium speed until silky. Add two eggs and vanilla extract, and mix again until smooth and glossy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, scraping down the sides as needed. Mix until the topping is free of lumps.
Assemble the Cake
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust.
- Carefully spread it to the corners with a spatula for full coverage.
- Lightly tap the pan to settle the filling and release any large air bubbles.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should appear lightly golden, and the center may jiggle slightly (it will set as it cools).
- Avoid overbaking— the goal is a custardy center.
Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan until it reaches room temperature. For clean slices, chill it for at least one hour before cutting. Use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts.
Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Cake
- Bring dairy to room temp: Set cream cheese and eggs out an hour before baking for a silkier filling.
- Go slow with sugar: Add powdered sugar in stages to prevent a cloud of dust and keep the texture smooth.
- Customize the flavor: Fold in a small amount of citrus zest, coconut flakes, or toffee bits to the filling for a new twist.
- Grease well: Don’t skimp on greasing the pan—gooey edges can stick.
- Use parchment for clean removal: Especially helpful if serving at a party.
Serving Suggestions
Neiman Marcus Cake works as a standalone treat, but it’s also a great base for toppings. You can serve it with:
- Fresh berries
- A dusting of cocoa powder
- A swirl of caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
Cut the cake into generous squares or bars. For parties, smaller bite-sized bars are easy to pick up and eat on the go.
Storage and Make-Ahead Advice
Having leftovers isn’t common with this cake, but it stores well.
- Refrigeration:
Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This helps the filling stay firm and fresh. - Freezing:
To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. - Transport:
If you’re bringing this dessert to an event, slice at home but keep bars in a lidded container with wax or parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chocolate cake mix?
Yes, chocolate cake mix for the base creates a new flavor profile reminiscent of brownie cheesecake bars.
What makes Neiman Marcus Cake different from Gooey Butter Cake?
The recipes are similar but Neiman Marcus Cake uses boxed cake mix and a denser cream cheese topping. Gooey Butter Cake might use cream instead.
Can I halve the recipe?
Easily halve all ingredients for an 8×8-inch pan. Reduce baking time by around 5-10 minutes and watch for the same slightly jiggly center.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too runny in the center:
May need a few extra minutes in the oven, but the middle will firm as it cools. - Lumpy topping:
Cream cheese not softened enough.
Always bring dairy to room temperature and add sugar gradually. - Edges are tough or burned:
Pan too close to oven wall or overbaked. Check at the minimum baking time.
Neiman Marcus Cake delivers reliable results with minimal effort. Its combination of a buttery base and creamy topping makes it tough to beat for almost any occasion. Tweak it to fit your preferences or serve as is—either way, you’ll end up with a sweet, soft-centered dessert that rarely leaves leftovers. Keep it in your rotation for a dessert that’s always sure to disappear fast.
Neiman Marcus Cake
Indulge in Neiman Marcus cake. It is a rich, buttery dessert with a moist base. The topping is tangy cream cheese. Delicious, easy to make, and 100% addictive.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust. Spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes. The edges should be set. The center will have a slightly gooey texture.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Cut it into squares or bars. Enjoy!
