If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that’s creamy, rich, and downright irresistible, the Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This cake is a dreamy combo of a dense cake base topped with a luscious cream cheese layer that’s perfect for any celebration or casual treat. You’ll find yourself making it again and again because it’s as comforting as it is impressive.
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Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
I've made this cake countless times, and what never fails to impress is its luxurious texture and sweet, tangy cream cheese layer that perfectly balances the buttery cake base. Whether you're baking for a quiet evening at home or a special occasion, this recipe delivers every single time.
- Texture you want: Silky cream cheese topping with a tender, slightly dense cake base.
- Flavor that pops: Buttery sweetness paired with a subtle tang from cream cheese and vanilla.
- Everyday ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples like cake mix and cream cheese for ease.
- Works for any night: Foolproof for last-minute desserts or weekend baking projects.
Ingredient Spotlight
The magic of the Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe hinges on two main parts: the cake base and the cream cheese layer. Choosing quality ingredients here really shines through — especially when it comes to the cream cheese and butter. And don’t worry, the boxed cake mix keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.
- Yellow cake mix: I recommend classic for its subtle sweetness and sturdy crumb, making it the perfect foundation.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat, softened for smooth blending, it adds that signature tangy richness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to infuse moistness and flavor – control the salt yourself for balance.
Seasonality & Sourcing
You can find all these ingredients year-round at your local grocery store, which is one of the reasons the Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe is such a reliable go-to. For the best cream cheese, I usually grab a brand that’s rich and creamy without additives. In cooler months, I sometimes swap in toasted pecans or walnuts from fresh harvests to sprinkle on top, adding a seasonal crunch that feels extra special.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish is key—don’t skip this step or your cake might stubbornly stick. When pressing the cake base mixture into the dish, spread it evenly and compact it a bit; this helps set a firm crust that holds the cream cheese layer perfectly. One mistake to avoid is using cold butter here—make sure it’s melted but not hot, so you don’t scramble the egg when mixing.
Step 2 — Cook & Build Flavor
Once your butter, cake mix, and egg are combined and pressed into the pan, it’s time to whip up that creamy layer. Beat the cream cheese until silky smooth before adding eggs and vanilla—this ensures no lumps sneak in. Gradually stir in powdered sugar and melted butter to a luscious, creamy finish. Pour over the cake base and spread evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown on top but still a little gooey in the center—this slight underbake keeps it indulgently moist. If it’s less done, pop back in for five minutes, or if overbaked, serve warm with a dollop of cream or fresh fruit to balance dryness.
Step 3 — Finish & Rest
After baking, it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting your Neiman Marcus Cake cool is worth the wait. This resting period allows the cream cheese topping to set gently, making slices neater and texture silkier. You can enjoy it warm for that melty feel, or chill it in the fridge for a firmer, more cake-like bite. Either way, the flavors have time to meld, and the cake keeps beautifully.
Troubleshooting Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
If your cake turns out dry, check if the oven ran hot or if you baked too long—cut back on baking time next round, and try adding a splash of milk to the cake batter for added moisture. A bland taste usually means the cream cheese layer wasn’t mixed enough with vanilla or sugar; a quick taste test before baking helps avoid that. For soggy concerns, ensure the cake base is pressed firmly so it doesn’t weep, and cool completely before slicing to keep layers distinct.
Pro Tips
From years of making the Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that make it shine: timing is everything when baking to catch that perfect gooey center, and never underestimate the power of quality butter. Don’t rush cooling—patience rewards you with a better slice that doesn’t crumble.
- Heat control: Keep your oven temperature steady at 350°F to avoid overbaking the cream cheese layer.
- Timing window: Check doneness around 35 minutes to catch the gooey center just right.
- Make-ahead move: Bake a day ahead and refrigerate; flavors will develop beautifully.
- Avoid this pitfall: Don’t overmix the cream cheese layer or it can get too airy and crack.
Variations & Substitutions
Switch things up easily with this Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe. If you want a nutty crunch, toss chopped pecans or walnuts into the cream cheese layer or atop the cake before baking. For a lower sugar option, reduce powdered sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute that measures well in baking. You can even swap the yellow cake mix for a white or spice cake mix to jazz up the base flavor.
Great Debates
One common debate: butter versus oil in the cake base. I personally prefer butter because it adds that rich, toasty note that oil can’t match. But if you want a lighter texture or dairy-free option, oil works just fine here. Either way, this recipe’s forgiving nature means both will turn out tasty–just don’t skip the softening or melting steps to keep everything smooth.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
You can store the Neiman Marcus Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better after a day or two once the flavors mellow. For freezing, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and bring to room temperature before serving to restore the creamy texture.
Yield & Conversions
This recipe yields about 12-15 generous slices from a 9×13-inch pan. It’s easy to double if you’re hosting a crowd or halve for a smaller batch (use an 8×8 pan). For metric lovers, 350°F is about 175°C, and the cake pan is roughly 23x33 cm. Scaling this recipe keeps the texture and flavor consistent thanks to its simple base.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
I love serving Neiman Marcus Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream can lighten it up beautifully. For coffee lovers, pairing it with a bold dark roast complements the sweetness and balances the richness perfectly.
FAQs
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional here, white or spice cake mixes also work well and add their own flavor twist. Just follow the same instructions.
Look for a golden brown top with the center slightly jiggly but not runny. It should feel set around the edges but gooey in the middle. This keeps it moist and creamy.
You can try swapping cream cheese and butter for plant-based alternatives, but the texture and flavor might shift noticeably. I recommend trying a small test batch first.
Yes, because of the cream cheese layer, it’s best kept refrigerated and eaten within 4 days for freshness and safety. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.
Notes, Tools & Special Equipment
A 9×13-inch baking pan is essential for the right shape and thickness. Use an electric mixer for the cream cheese layer to get it super smooth and lump-free. A good spatula helps spread evenly. No fancy thermometers needed, just trust the visual cues and your oven thermometer if you want extra accuracy.
PrintPrintable Recipe 📖
Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, creamy layered dessert combining a buttery yellow cake base with a smooth cream cheese topping, perfect for any occasion when you crave a comforting and indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg, stirring until well blended. Press this batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the cake base.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Add in the two eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar while continuing to mix until the mixture is creamy and free of lumps. Finally, incorporate the melted butter, stirring gently until well combined.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the cream cheese layer over the pressed cake base, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown but remains slightly gooey in the center, indicating a perfect creamy texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Serve either warm or chilled, according to your preference.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling without lumps.
- You can substitute chopped walnuts with pecans depending on your preference or leave nuts out for a nut-free option.
- Be careful not to overbake the cream cheese layer to retain its creamy center.
- The cake can be refrigerated after cooling and served cold for a firmer texture.
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter in both layers as recommended.
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