Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, buttery, irresistibly sweet dessert with a soft cake layer and a creamy, slightly chewy topping. Also known as Neiman Marcus Cake, Neiman Marcus Bars, or a version of gooey butter cake, this classic dessert is incredibly easy to make and requires simple ingredients.
With a buttery yellow cake base, a rich cream cheese topping, and a golden baked crust, this cake is perfect for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, bake sales, birthdays, and weekend desserts. It is one of those easy homemade desserts that looks impressive but requires very little effort.
If you love rich cream cheese desserts, gooey cake bars, and classic Southern-style baking, this BEST Neiman Marcus Cake recipe is one you’ll want to save. The contrast between the firm cake bottom and soft, gooey cream cheese topping makes every bite absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Cake
- Easy to make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Rich and buttery: The cake mix and butter create an irresistible flavor.
- Gooey cream cheese topping: The creamy top layer becomes soft and delicious as it bakes.
- No complicated decorating: There is no frosting or decorating required.
- Perfect for gatherings: One pan makes plenty of delicious dessert squares.
- Make-ahead friendly: The cake can be prepared ahead of time and chilled before serving.
- Family favorite: The combination of cake, cream cheese, and powdered sugar is hard to resist.
What Is Neiman Marcus Cake?
Neiman Marcus Cake is a classic American dessert made with a cake mix base and a sweet cream cheese topping. Despite its name, the dessert is not an elaborate pastry from a luxury bakery. Instead, it is a simple homemade cake that became popular because of its rich flavor and incredibly easy preparation.
The bottom layer is usually made with yellow cake mix, melted butter, and an egg. The topping combines cream cheese, eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla. During baking, the topping becomes golden around the edges while remaining soft and rich in the center.
The finished dessert can be cut into squares and served as bars or enjoyed as a cake. It is especially delicious after cooling because the layers become easier to slice while keeping their soft, gooey texture.
Neiman Marcus Cake Ingredients
You only need a few ingredients to make this easy cake. For the best results, allow the cream cheese and eggs to come close to room temperature before mixing.
For the Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix, approximately 15.25 ounces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Neiman Marcus Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides. This makes it much easier to lift the cooled cake from the pan before cutting it into squares.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
Place the yellow cake mix in a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and one large egg.
Mix until a thick dough-like batter forms. The mixture will be much thicker than traditional cake batter, and that is exactly what you want.
Step 3: Press the Cake Mixture Into the Pan
Transfer the cake mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch pan.
Using your hands, a spatula, or the bottom of a measuring cup, press the mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan.
Try to create an even layer so the cake base bakes consistently. If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly grease your fingers before pressing it into the pan.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the two eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is completely combined and smooth.
Step 5: Add the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Once all the sugar has been incorporated, increase the speed slightly and mix until the topping is smooth.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 6: Add the Cream Cheese Layer
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base.
Use a spatula to gently spread the topping all the way to the edges. Try not to disturb the bottom cake layer while spreading.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
The edges should become golden brown and set, while the center should still have a slight softness or gentle jiggle.
Do not overbake. The center will continue to set as the cake cools. Overbaking can result in a dry topping and a less gooey texture.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before cutting.
For the cleanest slices and best texture, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 to 2 hours after it has cooled to room temperature.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, cut the Neiman Marcus Cake into squares. You can dust the top with a little powdered sugar before serving.
Serve chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed depending on your preferred texture.
Tips for Making the Best Neiman Marcus Cake
Use Softened Cream Cheese
Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more easily than cold cream cheese. Softened cream cheese also helps create a smooth topping without lumps.
Do Not Overmix
Mix the topping until smooth and combined, but there is no need to beat it excessively. Overmixing can incorporate unnecessary air into the mixture.
Do Not Overbake
This is one of the most important tips. The center should still look slightly soft when the cake comes out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools.
Let It Cool Before Cutting
Cutting the cake while it is piping hot can cause the creamy topping to spread and make the squares difficult to handle. Cooling gives the layers time to set.
Use Parchment Paper
A parchment sling makes this dessert much easier to remove from the pan and gives you cleaner slices.
How to Tell When Neiman Marcus Cake Is Done
Unlike a traditional cake, you should not wait for the center of Neiman Marcus Cake to become completely firm in the oven.
Look for golden-brown edges and a topping that appears set around the outside while the middle remains slightly soft. A gentle jiggle in the center is normal.
As the cake cools, the cream cheese layer will continue to firm up while remaining soft and rich.
Delicious Neiman Marcus Cake Variations
Chocolate Neiman Marcus Cake
Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a rich chocolate version. You can also add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer.
Lemon Neiman Marcus Cake
Use lemon cake mix and add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese topping. A little lemon juice can also add extra brightness.
Strawberry Neiman Marcus Cake
Use strawberry cake mix for a fruity variation. Serve the finished squares with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Carrot Cake Version
Use carrot cake mix and add chopped pecans and a touch of cinnamon to the cream cheese topping.
Coconut Neiman Marcus Cake
Add shredded sweetened coconut to the topping and sprinkle additional coconut over the finished cake.
Pecan Neiman Marcus Cake
Fold chopped pecans into the cream cheese topping or sprinkle them over the cake before baking.
Chocolate Chip Version
Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer for little pockets of melted chocolate throughout the dessert.
Can I Use Different Cake Mix Flavors?
Absolutely. Yellow cake mix is the classic choice, but this recipe is incredibly versatile.
Try chocolate, lemon, strawberry, spice, butter pecan, or white cake mix depending on the flavor you want.
Just remember that different cake mixes can vary slightly in size and composition, so the final texture may change somewhat.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Cake Extra Gooey
The secret to a gooey Neiman Marcus Cake is avoiding overbaking. The cream cheese layer should be set around the edges while remaining soft in the center when removed from the oven.
Allowing the cake to cool completely also helps create the ideal texture. Once cooled, the top should be creamy and rich rather than completely firm like a traditional cake.
How to Store Neiman Marcus Cake
Because this dessert contains cream cheese, it should be stored in the refrigerator.
Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake squares to an airtight container. Refrigerated Neiman Marcus Cake will generally keep well for several days.
For the best flavor and texture, allow refrigerated squares to sit at room temperature for a short time before serving if you prefer a softer consistency.
Can You Freeze Neiman Marcus Cake?
Yes, this dessert can be frozen.
Cut the cooled cake into individual squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to approximately 2 to 3 months for the best quality.
To thaw, transfer the desired number of pieces to the refrigerator overnight or allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours.
Can I Make Neiman Marcus Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes. In fact, this cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert because the texture improves after it has had time to cool and chill.
You can bake it a day before serving, refrigerate it overnight, and cut it into squares shortly before serving.
What to Serve With Neiman Marcus Cake
This rich dessert is delicious on its own, but simple toppings can make it even more special.
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh raspberries
- Blueberries
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate sauce
- Fresh fruit
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
- A cup of coffee or tea
Perfect Occasions for Neiman Marcus Cake
This easy dessert is perfect whenever you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Holiday parties
- Thanksgiving dessert tables
- Christmas gatherings
- Birthday celebrations
- Potluck dinners
- Family reunions
- Church gatherings
- Baby showers
- Brunches
- Bake sales
- Weekend family desserts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Cold Cream Cheese
Cold cream cheese can leave lumps in the topping. Let it soften before mixing for the smoothest result.
Adding Too Much Flour
This recipe uses cake mix, so there is no need to add additional flour to the base.
Overbaking the Cake
Overbaking is the most common mistake. Remove the cake when the edges are golden and the center is still slightly soft.
Cutting It While Hot
Give the cake enough time to cool and set. Chilling it before slicing will make the squares much easier to cut.
Not Greasing the Pan
Although the dessert contains butter, greasing the pan makes removal much easier and reduces the chance of sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Neiman Marcus Cake runny?
If the center is very loose after cooling, the cake may have been underbaked. Keep in mind that the topping should remain soft and gooey, but it should not be liquid. Oven temperatures can vary, so baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. Salted butter works well in the cake base. The flavor may be slightly different, but the recipe will still be delicious.
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of cake mix?
You can experiment with a homemade yellow cake base, but the traditional easy version uses boxed cake mix because it provides the correct texture with minimal preparation.
Can I make this dessert in a smaller pan?
Yes, but a smaller pan will produce a thicker dessert and may require additional baking time. Watch the center carefully to avoid overbaking the topping.
Should Neiman Marcus Cake be refrigerated?
Yes. Because the topping contains cream cheese, store the finished cake in the refrigerator.
Can I add nuts?
Yes. Pecans and walnuts are especially delicious in this dessert.
Can I add coconut?
Yes. Shredded coconut works beautifully with the buttery cake and cream cheese topping.
Can I serve it warm?
Yes. You can serve a slightly warm square, although chilled or room-temperature Neiman Marcus Cake is easier to slice and has a more defined texture.
How to Cut Perfect Neiman Marcus Cake Squares
For clean dessert squares, allow the cake to cool completely and refrigerate it before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts.
If you want especially neat edges, chill the cake for several hours before slicing. A parchment-paper sling can also help you lift the entire cake from the pan.
Why This Cake Is So Popular
The appeal of Neiman Marcus Cake comes from its simplicity. There is no need to prepare multiple complicated components or decorate the finished dessert.
The cake base is buttery and slightly chewy, while the cream cheese topping is rich, sweet, and soft. Together, they create a dessert that tastes much more elaborate than the effort required to make it.
It is also easy to customize. Once you know the basic recipe, you can create lemon, chocolate, strawberry, coconut, pecan, and many other variations.
Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe Card
Recipe: Neiman Marcus Cake
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Cooling Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours
Yield: 1 9×13-inch cake
Servings: 16–24 squares
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a thick mixture forms.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add two eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is still slightly soft.
- Cool completely before slicing.
- For the best texture, refrigerate for 1–2 hours before cutting into squares.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
Final Thoughts
This BEST Neiman Marcus Cake is proof that an incredibly delicious dessert does not have to be complicated. With a buttery cake base, sweet cream cheese topping, and golden baked edges, every square is rich, soft, and completely irresistible.
Whether you are preparing dessert for a holiday gathering, bringing something to a potluck, or simply craving an easy homemade treat, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Make it once and you may find yourself making it again and again.
Everything you need is below 👇🏻🤤
