Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe: The Gooey, Decadent Dessert You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of rich, gooey desserts that are as simple to make as they are delicious, you’ve come to the right place. This Neiman Marcus Cake is a showstopper that combines layers of buttery cake, crunchy nuts, and a creamy topping for a dessert that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or simply indulging at home, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
What is a Neiman Marcus Cake?
Contrary to what the name might suggest, this dessert isn’t tied directly to the Neiman Marcus department store. Instead, it’s one of those timeless recipes that has been passed down and adapted by generations of home bakers. It’s also known as “Gooey Butter Cake” in some regions, owing to its soft, custard-like top layer and dense cake base. The cake features a handful of pantry staples, making it an easy go-to dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
1. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Using a box cake mix as the base cuts down on prep time, but the final result tastes like it’s made from scratch.
2. Versatile Flavor Options: With this recipe, you can swap the cake mix flavor to suit your taste or the occasion—yellow, chocolate, and spice cake mixes are all excellent choices.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: From holidays to birthdays or just a casual treat, this cake is always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and indulgent dessert:
• 1 box cake mix (yellow is classic, but feel free to experiment with chocolate, spice, or any flavor)
• 1 stick butter, melted (unsalted or salted, based on your preference)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are traditional, but you can use your favorite)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cake Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and two eggs. Mix until you achieve a thick, sticky batter. Fold in the chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Spread the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth it out.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and egg together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture over the cake batter, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
4. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown. Be careful not to overbake—the center should still be slightly soft to maintain that gooey texture.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows the layers to set properly. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle the top with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Neiman Marcus Cake
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest cream cheese layer, ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: In addition to nuts, try adding shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or toffee bits to the batter for added flavor and texture.
• Custom Flavors: Lemon cake mix with a touch of lemon zest in the cream cheese layer creates a refreshing twist, while chocolate cake mix with a hint of cocoa powder in the topping results in a decadent dessert.
How to Store Your Neiman Marcus Cake
• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat it within 2-3 days, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Refrigeration: To extend its shelf life, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. The creamy top layer will stay firm yet deliciously gooey.
• Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for a quick treat.
Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser
This Neiman Marcus Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a conversation starter. The rich, buttery cake base paired with the creamy, slightly tangy topping is a combination that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can make it your own by switching up flavors and add-ins.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make but delivers on flavor and presentation, this Neiman Marcus Cake is the perfect choice. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a dessert that will wow everyone who tries it.
Bake this cake for your next gathering, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe. It’s a keeper!