NEIMAN MARCUS CAKE

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Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe

This Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, buttery, gooey dessert that's incredibly easy to make. With a golden cake mix crust, a sweet cream cheese topping, and a soft, decadent center, this classic dessert is perfect for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, and whenever you're craving an indulgent homemade treat.

Also known as Neiman Marcus Bars or Gooey Butter Cake, this dessert comes together with simple ingredients and requires very little preparation. The contrast between the slightly crisp bottom layer and creamy, gooey topping makes every bite irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Neiman Marcus Cake

  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Rich, buttery, and wonderfully gooey
  • Uses a convenient cake mix
  • No complicated decorating required
  • Perfect for parties and potlucks
  • Delicious served warm or chilled
  • Can be prepared ahead of time
  • A family-friendly dessert everyone loves

Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Cake

For the Bottom Layer

  • 1 box yellow cake mix, approximately 15.25 ounces
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

For the Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Ingredient Notes

Yellow Cake Mix

Yellow cake mix creates the buttery, tender base of the dessert. A standard 15.25-ounce box works well.

Cream Cheese

Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest and creamiest topping. Make sure it is softened to room temperature before mixing.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar provides sweetness while helping create the smooth, creamy consistency of the topping.

Butter

Butter adds richness and helps create the classic gooey texture of this dessert.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg.

Mix until a thick dough forms.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping

In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Add the two eggs and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

Step 4: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.

Continue mixing until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add the Melted Butter

Slowly mix in the melted butter until the topping is completely combined.

The mixture should be thick, smooth, and pourable.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix base.

Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for approximately 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is still slightly soft.

Do not overbake. The center should remain a little gooey as the cake will continue to set while cooling.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting.

For cleaner slices, refrigerate it for 1–2 hours before serving.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touch

Dust the top with additional powdered sugar just before serving if desired.

Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Cake

Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese

Softened cream cheese blends much more easily and helps create a smooth topping without lumps.

Don't Overbake

The center should look slightly soft when the cake comes out of the oven. Overbaking can make the dessert firm instead of gooey.

Press the Bottom Layer Evenly

Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the cake mixture into an even layer.

Let It Cool Before Cutting

The topping becomes firmer as it cools. Cutting the cake while it's very hot can result in messy slices.

Refrigerate for Cleaner Slices

For neat dessert bars, chill the completely cooled cake before slicing.

What Does Neiman Marcus Cake Taste Like?

This dessert tastes like a combination of a buttery cake, cheesecake, and gooey dessert bar. The bottom layer is rich and slightly chewy, while the cream cheese topping is sweet, creamy, and soft.

The result is an indulgent dessert with a delicious contrast of textures.

Neiman Marcus Cake Variations

Chocolate Neiman Marcus Cake

Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a rich chocolate version.

Lemon Neiman Marcus Cake

Use lemon cake mix and add a little fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese topping.

Strawberry Neiman Marcus Cake

Use strawberry cake mix for a fruity variation with a beautiful pink color.

Chocolate Chip Version

Fold 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer before spreading it over the crust.

Peanut Butter Version

Add 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter to the cream cheese mixture for a rich peanut butter dessert.

Coconut Neiman Marcus Cake

Add 1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut to the topping before baking.

Pecan Neiman Marcus Cake

Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans over the cream cheese layer before baking.

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Cake

This dessert is delicious on its own, but you can make it even more special with your favorite toppings.

  • Powdered sugar
  • Whipped cream
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh berries
  • Caramel sauce
  • Chocolate sauce
  • Fresh strawberries

Can I Make Neiman Marcus Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes. This is an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Prepare and bake the cake, allow it to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.

In fact, chilling the cake can make it easier to cut into neat squares.

How to Store Neiman Marcus Cake

Because the dessert contains cream cheese, store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Cover the baking dish tightly or place individual pieces in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can You Freeze Neiman Marcus Cake?

Yes. Cut the cooled cake into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.

Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to approximately 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Neiman Marcus Cake runny in the middle?

The cake needs time to cool and set. If it remains very liquid after cooling completely, it may have been underbaked. The center should be soft and gooey, but not liquid.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes. Salted butter can be used, although unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

You can, but full-fat cream cheese provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Absolutely. Yellow, white, chocolate, lemon, and strawberry cake mixes can all be used to create different variations.

Why did my top crack?

A few cracks are completely normal. Overbaking can also cause the topping to crack more than usual, so remove the cake when the center is still slightly soft.

Should I refrigerate this cake?

Yes. Since the topping contains cream cheese, leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator.

Recipe Card

Neiman Marcus Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 2 hours
Servings: 12–16 bars
Category: Dessert, Cake Bars
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Bottom Layer:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix, approximately 15.25 ounces
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a thick dough forms.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
  4. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
  5. Add two eggs and vanilla and mix well.
  6. Gradually add powdered sugar.
  7. Mix in the melted butter until smooth.
  8. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake base.
  9. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center remains slightly soft.
  10. Cool completely before slicing.
  11. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
  12. Refrigerate leftovers.

Final Thoughts

This Neiman Marcus Cake is the perfect dessert when you want something rich, gooey, buttery, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of a soft cake mix crust and sweet cream cheese topping creates a dessert that's almost impossible to resist.

Whether you're preparing it for a holiday, potluck, birthday celebration, or simple family dessert, these gooey cake bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Save this easy Neiman Marcus Cake recipe and enjoy a rich, gooey treat that's perfect for any occasion!

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