Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe

The Magical Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe Everyone Adores

Sweet memories have a special way of dancing through my neiman marcus cake recipe, bringing comfort and joy to any gathering.

Whispers of nostalgia float around this classic dessert that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.

My grandmother first shared this magical recipe during a lazy Sunday afternoon, filling our home with incredible aromas.

She would carefully mix ingredients while telling stories about family traditions and special celebrations.

Each slice carries a rich, decadent promise of pure indulgence that melts right on your tongue.

Chocolate chips create unexpected bursts of happiness throughout this remarkable dessert.

Sprinkled with love and a touch of Southern charm, this cake promises to become your next favorite sweet treat.

Neiman Marcus Cake That Feels Like Luxe In Every Bite

  • Quick Weekend Delight: Takes less than an hour from start to finish, ideal for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute gatherings. Busy families and novice bakers can effortlessly create a crowd-pleasing dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with the classic softness of cake mix, delivering a decadent dessert that appeals to multiple taste preferences. The layered approach creates a gooey, indulgent experience that feels both homemade and sophisticated.
  • Versatile Celebration Cake: Works brilliantly for various occasions like potlucks, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Its elegant appearance and luxurious taste make it suitable for everything from weekend brunches to birthday parties, ensuring guests are always impressed.

Neiman Marcus Cake Layering Ingredients

Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Classic base for the cake, provides standard cake structure and flavor.
  • Eggs: Help bind ingredients and provide richness to the cake texture.
  • Butter (Melted): Adds moisture and enhances the cake's overall flavor profile.
Nuts:
  • Chopped Nuts: Brings crunch and nutty depth to the cake, optional but recommended for texture variation.
Cream Cheese Topping:
  • Cream Cheese (Softened): Creates a creamy, tangy layer that complements the sweet cake base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth cream cheese mixture.
  • Egg: Helps stabilize and bind the cream cheese topping.
Optional Garnish:
  • Powdered Sugar: Light dusting provides extra sweetness and elegant presentation, can be adjusted to taste.

Prepare A Neiman Marcus Cake With These Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

Make sure to coat every nook and cranny to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cake Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Cake mix
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a luscious, thick batter that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Enhance with Crunch

Gently fold in chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to add a delightful texture and nutty flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Canvas

Smooth the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even surface that will serve as the foundation for your creamy topping.

Step 5: Whip Up Cream Cheese Magic

In a separate bowl, beat together:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Egg

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Layer the Creamy Goodness

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, creating a tantalizing two-layer masterpiece.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Look for a slightly golden top and a center that’s still soft and gooey – the hallmark of an incredible Neiman Marcus Cake.

Step 8: Cool and Celebrate

Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

When ready to serve, slice into generous portions.

For an extra touch of elegance, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Cake Tips With Neiman Marcus Sweetness

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer.
  • Select fresh, crunchy pecans or walnuts and toast them lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor and add extra depth to the cake.
  • Use the toothpick test near the edge of the pan, not the center, as the cream cheese layer will remain slightly soft and gooey.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing of the cake.
  • Substitute gluten-free cake mix and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to make this recipe accessible for different dietary restrictions.

Neiman Marcus Cake: Tips for Keeping It Tasty

  • Store leftover Neiman Marcus Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power, or bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  • For longer storage, freeze the cake in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Easy Combos For Marcus Cake

  • Pair Velvety Red Wine: Select a smooth cabernet sauvignon or merlot to complement the cake's rich cream cheese layer and nutty undertones, enhancing the dessert's decadent profile.
  • Create Coffee Companion: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the cake's sweetness, cutting through the creamy texture and highlighting its deep caramelized notes.
  • Match Dessert Wine Magic: Choose a sweet port or moscato to harmonize with the cake's gooey center, creating a luxurious dessert experience that elevates each delectable bite.
  • Refresh with Vanilla Milkshake: Blend a classic vanilla milkshake that provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm cake, adding a playful and indulgent dimension to the dessert.

Rich and Moist Neiman Marcus Cake Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Nut-Free Option: Omit the chopped nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies or nut restrictions.
  • Low-Sugar Swap: Use a sugar-free cake mix and replace powdered sugar with a monk fruit or stevia-based sweetener to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly version.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use vegan butter alternative, and choose a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to create a plant-based friendly version of the classic cake.

FAQs

  • What makes Neiman Marcus Cake different from other desserts?

This cake combines a rich cake mix base with a creamy cream cheese layer, creating a unique texture that’s both dense and gooey, offering a luxurious dessert experience.

  • Can I use a different type of nut in the recipe?

Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for chopped nuts, you can easily substitute with pecans, walnuts, or almonds based on your preference or what you have available.

  • Is this cake suitable for people who aren't expert bakers?

Yes, this recipe is quite forgiving and easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can successfully create this delicious dessert.

  • How do I know when the cake is properly baked?

Look for a slightly golden top and a soft center. The cake should be set but not completely firm, which gives it that signature rich and gooey texture that makes Neiman Marcus Cake so special.

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Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe

Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky Neiman Marcus cake delivers pure chocolate indulgence with its rich, velvety layers and luxurious ganache. Southern bakers cherish this classic dessert, promising an irresistible slice of sweet comfort you’ll savor to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
  • 1 stick (113 grams / 4 ounces) butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg

Nuts:

  • 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Sweetener:

  • 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) box powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking canvas by coating a 9×13-inch pan with grease and flour, then set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for optimal baking conditions.
  2. Craft the foundational cake layer by blending cake mix, melted butter, and eggs into a uniform, velvety mixture that promises rich texture and depth.
  3. Elevate the batter’s complexity by gently incorporating chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture to provide delightful crunch and nuanced flavor.
  4. Transfer the nut-enhanced batter into the prepared pan, carefully smoothing the surface to ensure an even and consistent base for the cream cheese layer.
  5. Create a luxurious cream cheese topping by whisking softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and egg until the mixture transforms into a silky, luminous blend with no lumps.
  6. Delicately cascade the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, using gentle motions to distribute it uniformly and create a marbled, artistic appearance.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, watching for a golden-kissed surface and a subtle jiggle in the center that promises a decadent, moist texture.
  8. Patience is key – allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, letting the layers meld and settle, then slice and serve, optionally dusting with a whisper of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Swap out regular cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to make this dessert celiac-friendly and inclusive for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts to add unique flavor profiles and textural variations to the classic recipe.
  • Consider reducing sugar content by using a sugar substitute or cutting powdered sugar quantity for a lighter, less sweet version of the cake.
  • Enhance cream cheese layer by adding a hint of vanilla extract or lemon zest to create a more complex and bright flavor dimension.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 307
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 72 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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