Name: Neiman Marcus Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Some desserts are good, and then there are those that completely steal the show—Neiman Marcus Cake is one of them. Rich, buttery, and absolutely irresistible, this cake is pure indulgence in every bite. It’s got a gooey, sweet cream cheese layer on top of a soft, buttery crust, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a potluck, a family gathering, or just because you deserve something sweet (which you do!), trust me—this cake is a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Neiman Marcus Cake

Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because you’re craving something sweet.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Quick and Easy: No complicated techniques—just mix, pour, and bake.

Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with everyone. Once you serve this, expect requests for seconds (and the recipe!).

Ingredients

Ingredients in Neiman Marcus Cake

This cake is all about simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Let’s break it down:

Yellow Cake Mix: The base of the cake, providing a soft and flavorful foundation. Using a boxed mix makes this recipe super easy.

Butter: Because everything is better with butter! It adds richness and moisture.

Eggs: Help bind everything together while keeping the texture perfectly soft.

Cream Cheese: The secret to that irresistibly creamy, slightly tangy topping.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the top layer, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden top.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until well combined. This forms the crust.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier later.

Assemble the Dish

Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, remaining eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well combined.

Pour and Spread

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread it out evenly.

Cook to Perfection

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and slightly set. The center should still have a slight jiggle—it will firm up as it cools.

Finishing Touches

Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing. This allows the layers to set properly.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice, serve, and enjoy this gooey, buttery delight! It’s perfect on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar takes it to the next level.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approx. 350

(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on ingredient brands and additions.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Cake

This cake is a treat all on its own, but if you want to elevate it, here are some serving ideas:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
Dust with powdered sugar for a simple but elegant finish.
Top with fresh berries for a fruity contrast.

Additional Tips

Don’t overbake: The center should have a slight jiggle when you take it out.
Room temperature ingredients: Let the cream cheese and eggs come to room temp for a smoother mixture.
Experiment with flavors: Try using a butter pecan or chocolate cake mix for a twist!
Let it cool completely: This ensures clean slices and the best texture.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make Neiman Marcus Cake ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature.

2. Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

4. Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can use chocolate, butter pecan, or even spice cake for a fun variation.

5. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or chocolate chips add a nice crunch and extra flavor.

6. What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
You can make your own by blending granulated sugar until it’s fine and powdery.

7. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes! A hand mixer works perfectly to combine the cream cheese layer smoothly.

8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cake mix, and you’re good to go.

9. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The edges should be golden, and the center should have a slight jiggle.

10. Can I add a frosting or glaze?
It’s already rich, but a light cream cheese glaze or a drizzle of caramel would be delicious!

Conclusion

Neiman Marcus Cake is the kind of dessert that turns any day into a special occasion. It’s buttery, gooey, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a party or sneaking a piece straight from the fridge at midnight (no judgment!), this cake is bound to become a favorite. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Neiman Marcus Cake

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, buttery, and gooey dessert with a soft cream cheese topping. This easy-to-make cake has a chewy texture with a hint of vanilla and pecan crunch, making it a favorite for potlucks and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the crust:

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the topping:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and egg until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until creamy.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake crust and spread evenly.
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top if using.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the center is slightly gooey.

Let it cool before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For an extra caramelized top, sprinkle a little brown sugar before baking.
You can replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.