Neiman Marcus Cake

Neiman Marcus Cake: A Decadent Bakery-Style Dessert You Can Make at Home

Neiman Marcus Cake stands out for its rich layers and simple preparation. It puts a gourmet twist on classic sheet cake by pairing the buttery flavor of yellow cake with a tangy, cheesecake-like topping. Baked in one pan with familiar pantry ingredients, this Southern favorite wins over any crowd. If you’ve never tried Neiman Marcus Cake, now’s your chance to discover what makes it such a beloved treat.

What Is Neiman Marcus Cake?

Neiman Marcus Cake goes by many names―Gooey Butter Cake, Texas Gold Bars, St. Louis Butter Cake―but the core idea is the same: a buttery yellow cake bottom, topped with a sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy layer of cream cheese baked to perfection. The name “Neiman Marcus” gives it a touch of luxury, but you don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced skills to turn out an impressive pan.

This recipe relies on a box of yellow cake mix, cream cheese, eggs, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. The bottom layer forms a dense, chewy crust while the top bakes into a golden, almost custardy finish. Each bite delivers contrast—sweet, creamy, and just a little tangy. It’s a favorite at potlucks, family gatherings, and holidays because the bars slice cleanly, travel well, and stay fresh for days.

Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Cake

Every component of this cake contributes to its standout taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Role in Recipe	Notes
Yellow Cake Mix	Base layer, structure, and buttery flavor	Use any favorite brand
Eggs	Structure, binding, richness	Used in both layers
Unsalted Butter	Moisture, rich flavor	Melted for easy blending
Cream Cheese	Tangy, creamy topping	Full-fat, block style for best result
Vanilla Extract	Rounds out sweetness and adds warmth	Pure vanilla preferred
Powdered Sugar	Sweetens the topping and creates a smooth texture	Adds silkiness

You won’t need any fancy equipment—just a few mixing bowls, a hand mixer, and a standard 9×13-inch pan. This minimal prep is one reason the cake has become a trusted baking shortcut.

Step-by-Step: Making Neiman Marcus Cake

Breaking the process down ensures you get bakery-quality results every time.

1. Prep Your Materials

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Use nonstick spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Crust

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, two eggs, and 1/2 cup of melted butter.
Stir until the mixture thickens to a stiff dough.
Press this evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a uniform layer.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add two eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract; beat to combine.
Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until the topping is creamy and lump-free.

4. Assemble and Bake

Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer, ensuring full coverage to every edge.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the center should stay slightly gooey.

5. Cool and Slice

Let the cake cool completely to room temperature. This helps the topping set for clean cutting.
Slice into bars or squares. Lift out with a spatula for serving.

Tips for Success

To help you make a Neiman Marcus Cake with perfect texture and rich flavor, here are a few key pointers:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the cream cheese and eggs sit out until they reach room temperature. This allows the topping to mix smoothly and bake with a creamy finish.
Slow Addition of Sugar: Don’t dump all powdered sugar in at once. Add it gradually, mixing after each portion to prevent lumps.
Thorough Greasing: Use plenty of nonstick spray, butter, or parchment. This ensures each piece lifts cleanly from the pan.
Test for Doneness: The center will be soft but should not jiggle. A light golden hue on top indicates it’s ready.

Customization Ideas

Neiman Marcus Cake is classic, but experimentation keeps things interesting. You can adapt the base or topping to match your preferences:

Cake Mix Flavors: Try white cake mix, butter cake mix, or even spice cake for a new twist.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a layer of texture.
Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese topping, or start with chocolate cake mix.
Citrus Zest: A bit of lemon or orange zest in the filling brightens the flavor.
Berry Toppers: After the cake cools, top with sliced strawberries or blueberries for a fresh finish.

With these options, you can keep the essence of the recipe while switching up the flavors to suit seasons or your own creativity.

Serving Suggestions

Neiman Marcus Cake is rich enough to serve on its own, but there are a few ways to present it for extra appeal:

Light Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Sift a bit over cooled bars for a classic look.
Creamy Whipped Topping: A swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a touch of celebration.
Fresh Fruit: Serve each bar with berries on the side for color and tart contrast.
Coffee or Tea: The indulgent, buttery topping is perfect with a hot beverage.

Because the bars hold together well, they travel easily and make a striking addition to dessert platters.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Neiman Marcus Cake keeps its moist texture and flavor over several days, making it an ideal choice for planning ahead.

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover bars in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to seven days. The flavor remains rich, and the texture stays creamy.

Freezing for Longer Storage

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
Collect the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

The cake’s texture stands up well to freezing, so you can always have a stash for sudden dessert cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

A: Full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and taste, but you can use low-fat in a pinch. Avoid whipped or spreadable types—they don’t set as well.

Q: Is boxed yellow cake mix essential?

A: While the classic recipe uses cake mix for ease and texture, you could use a homemade yellow cake base. The result will still be rich and flavorful.

Q: Why is my topping runny?

A: If the cream cheese or eggs were too cold, the filling might not set. Make sure to use room temperature ingredients and take care not to underbake.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

A: Yes. Use two 9×13-inch pans, or a single larger pan if you have one that fits your oven. Increase baking time slightly as needed.

Nutritional Snapshot

A typical serving (about 1/20th of the pan) contains:

Nutrient	Amount (Approximate)
Calories	350
Fat	17g
Carbohydrate	45g
Protein	3g

These values may vary with ingredient brands or added extras.

Neiman Marcus Cake brings together effortless convenience and bakery-style indulgence. Start with a few simple ingredients, follow these clear steps, and you’ll bake a dessert worthy of any special event or family night. Keep this recipe at the ready—after the first bite, it’s bound to become a standby in your kitchen.

Neiman Marcus Cake
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