Neiman Marcus cake recipe is a rich, decadent dessert made with a yellow cake base and a sweet cream cheese layer.
I made this Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe because I was inspired after watching a Southern baking show where it was featured. Seeing the creamy topping melt into the buttery crust made me want to try it immediately.
The Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe texture looked irresistible and comforting. I decided to recreate it in my kitchen and bring that same experience to life.
Now, I will show up and guide you step-by-step through making this incredible Neiman Marcus cake recipe.
Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
This Neiman Marcus Cake recipe is a beloved Southern classic known for its rich flavor and irresistible texture. It starts with a soft, buttery yellow cake crust and is topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer that bakes into a gooey, golden topping.
Often called a “gooey butter cake” in some regions, this version is inspired by the elegance and indulgence associated with the Neiman Marcus name.
Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe incredibly easy to make using pantry staples and delivers a bakery-style dessert right from your oven. Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or sweet cravings.
How To Prepare Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cake Crust:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 3½ cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
How To Make Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly grease it or give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside for now.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, dump in the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, smooth batter. Don’t worry—it’s supposed to be pretty dense.
Step 3: Press Into the Pan
Take that thick cake mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. You can use a spatula or just your fingers—whatever works. This is going to be the chewy base of your cake.
Step 4: Whip Up the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 more eggs, and a splash of vanilla. Use a hand mixer (or a stand mixer if you’ve got one) and beat it until everything’s smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese topping over the crust and gently spread it out so it covers the whole thing. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should look set and the top golden brown. The middle might still be a bit jiggly—that’s exactly how you want it.
Step 6: Let It Cool and Enjoy
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once it’s cool, cut it into squares and dig in. Keep any extras in the fridge (if there are any leftovers at all!).
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe because it brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels truly special.
The buttery cake crust paired with the smooth, sweet cream cheese topping creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Every bite feels comforting, like a warm reminder of happy moments shared with loved ones. It’s easy enough to make any day feel like a celebration, yet rich enough to impress anyone who tries it. This Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe always leaves me smiling and wanting more.
Expert Tips For Neiman Marcus Cake
● Especially the cream cheese and eggs. It helps create a smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer that bakes evenly.
● Once the cake mix, butter, and eggs are combined, mix just until incorporated. Over mixing can make the crust tough instead of tender.
● When spreading the crust in the pan, press it down firmly and evenly with your hands or a spatula. This ensures a sturdy base that holds the creamy topping well.
● Cutting it too soon will cause the cream cheese layer to fall apart. Cooling also helps the flavors meld beautifully.
● Refrigerate the cake after it cools to let the texture firm up and the sweetness mellow. It’s even better the next day!
● When slicing, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for clean, neat slices.
What To Serve With Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe is rich and sweet, so it pairs best with lighter, fresh sides to balance the flavors. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream adds a cool, creamy contrast that complements the cake’s gooey texture.
Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries offer a bright, tangy note that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
For drinks, a hot cup of coffee or black tea works perfectly, enhancing the cake’s flavors without overpowering them. These simple additions turn each bite into a well-rounded and satisfying dessert experience.
How To Make Neiman Marcus Cake More Delicious
➤ Add a hint of citrus zest — Mix in some finely grated lemon or orange zest into the cream cheese layer for a subtle bright flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
➤ Use browned butter for the crust — Instead of just melting the butter, brown it gently to add a nutty, caramelized depth to the crust.
➤ Mix in chopped nuts or toffee bits — Add some chopped pecans, walnuts, or toffee pieces to the crust or cream cheese layer for extra crunch and flavor.
➤ Swirl in fruit preserves — Before baking, gently swirl raspberry or strawberry jam into the cream cheese layer to add bursts of fruity sweetness.
➤ Top with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce — After baking and cooling, drizzle some homemade caramel or melted chocolate on top to ramp up the decadence.
➤ Sprinkle sea salt on top — Just a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the cream cheese layer before baking or right after adds a perfect salty-sweet balance.
➤ Use high-quality cream cheese and butter — Fresh, full-fat ingredients really make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Variations
◆ Chocolate Neiman Marcus Cake: Replace the yellow cake mix with a chocolate cake mix for a rich, chocolate twist. You can also add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer for extra texture.
◆ Pecan or Walnut Crust: Mix ½ to 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust batter for a nutty crunch that complements the creamy topping.
◆ Berry Swirl: Swirl in fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries) or berry jam into the cream cheese layer before baking for bursts of fruity flavor.
◆ Pumpkin Spice Version: Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the crust mix and fold ½ cup canned pumpkin into the cream cheese layer for a seasonal treat.
◆ Lemon or Orange Zest: Stir in 1 teaspoon of citrus zest into the cream cheese layer to brighten up the flavor.
Storage Recommendations
To keep your Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe fresh and delicious, store it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Because of the cream cheese topping, it’s best to refrigerate the cake.
It will stay good for up to 4-5 days in the fridge. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly.
If you want to store it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil frozen cake lasts about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better after chilling overnight. The flavors meld and the texture firms up, making it easier to slice and even more delicious.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely. Yellow cake mix is traditional, but chocolate or spice cake mixes work well for tasty variations.
How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from cracking?
Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing, and avoid over baking. The center can be slightly jiggly when done; it will set as it cools.
Can I freeze Neiman Marcus Cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.
Is this cake suitable for special diets?
It contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. However, you can make substitutions such as gluten-free cake mix, dairy-free cream cheese, and egg replacers to adapt it for specific dietary needs.
Conclusion
The best and most surprising moment of making the Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe was when the creamy layer perfectly set on top of the buttery crust, creating a rich and gooey texture that exceeded my expectations.
The first bite was pure delight sweet, smooth, and satisfying. I hope you try this Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe soon and experience how incredibly delicious it is fresh from the oven.
Trust me, once you taste Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan,
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cake Crust:
- 1 box 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 3½ cups powdered sugar confectioners’ sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly grease it or give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside for now.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, dump in the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, smooth batter. Don’t worry—it’s supposed to be pretty dense.
Step 3: Press Into the Pan
- Take that thick cake mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. You can use a spatula or just your fingers—whatever works. This is going to be the chewy base of your cake.
Step 4: Whip Up the Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 more eggs, and a splash of vanilla. Use a hand mixer (or a stand mixer if you’ve got one) and beat it until everything’s smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cream cheese topping over the crust and gently spread it out so it covers the whole thing. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should look set and the top golden brown. The middle might still be a bit jiggly—that’s exactly how you want it.
Step 6: Let It Cool and Enjoy
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once it’s cool, cut it into squares and dig in. Keep any extras in the fridge (if there are any leftovers at all!).