If you love decadent, gooey desserts that melt in your mouth, Neiman Marcus Cake is the treat you’ve been looking for. This vintage-inspired dessert, also known as “Texas Gold Bars” or “Gooey Butter Cake,” is a rich, layered cake that’s unbelievably easy to make. The base is buttery and nutty, while the top is creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy thanks to cream cheese. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth delight that feels fancy but takes very little effort.
Perfect for weeknight desserts, potluck gatherings, or holiday parties, this cake never disappoints. Best of all, you only need a handful of pantry staples—cake mix, eggs, butter, cream cheese, and sugar—to pull it together. Once baked, the golden edges and creamy top layer make it irresistible to cut into squares and serve as little bars of heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy ingredients: Uses cake mix and cream cheese for a fuss-free dessert.
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Crowd-pleasing: A guaranteed hit at family gatherings, holidays, and church potlucks.
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Versatile: Works with any cake mix flavor—yellow, chocolate, lemon, or even spice.
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Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after resting overnight.
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Rich & gooey: Perfect balance of crunchy nutty base with creamy, sweet topping.
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Beginner-friendly: No complicated steps or special equipment needed.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Base Layer
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Cake mix (any flavor): The shortcut star of this recipe. Yellow cake mix is traditional, but you can customize with chocolate, lemon, or spice.
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Butter (melted): Creates a rich and moist base while binding everything together.
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Eggs: Add structure and richness to the cake layer.
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Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts): Provide crunch and nutty depth that balances the sweetness.
For the Creamy Top Layer
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Cream cheese: Adds tangy flavor and creamy texture, giving the cake its signature gooey top.
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Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer while keeping it smooth.
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Egg: Helps the topping set while baking without losing its creaminess.
Pro Tips
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Use room temperature cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly into the topping without lumps.
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Don’t overbake: The center should still be slightly soft when you take it out—the cake firms up as it cools.
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Line the pan: For easy removal and neat slicing, line your baking pan with parchment paper.
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Rest before cutting: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into bars to get clean, even edges.
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Experiment with flavors: White chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or fruit preserves can be swirled into the top layer for variety.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Different cake mix flavors: Chocolate for a brownie-like version, lemon for a bright twist, or red velvet for a festive look.
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Nut-free option: Skip the nuts or replace them with shredded coconut.
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Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free cake mix for the same gooey results.
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Holiday twist: Add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for Christmas.
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Swirled version: Mix in raspberry jam or caramel sauce to the cream cheese layer before baking.
Serving Suggestions
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Cut into small squares and serve on a dessert platter at parties.
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Pair with coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon treat.
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Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
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Garnish with fresh berries to cut the richness with a tart contrast.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Bake a day before serving for best results.
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Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Freezer-friendly: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
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Reheating: Serve chilled or bring slices to room temperature for a softer texture.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Neiman Marcus Cake has become a Southern potluck staple and is often tied to the famous Neiman Marcus department store. While its origins aren’t officially connected to the retailer, the name stuck because of the cake’s luxurious, indulgent quality. Many bakers also call it “Gooey Butter Cake,” a Midwestern classic that dates back to St. Louis in the 1930s. No matter the name, it’s been loved for generations as an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Neiman Marcus Cake without nuts?
Yes! Simply leave them out or replace with shredded coconut or chocolate chips for texture.
Why is my cream cheese layer runny?
Make sure your cream cheese is softened but not melted, and that you’ve measured powdered sugar correctly. The cake firms up as it cools.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes—just use a larger baking pan (like 11×15) and extend the baking time slightly.
Is this the same as Gooey Butter Cake?
Very similar! Gooey Butter Cake is the inspiration, and Neiman Marcus Cake is a popular variation.
What’s the best cake mix flavor to use?
Yellow cake mix is classic, but chocolate or lemon are equally delicious. Choose based on the occasion or your favorite flavor.
Neiman Marcus Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs until well blended. Fold in chopped nuts.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and 1 egg, mixing until creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Swirl gently with a knife to marble.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before cutting and serving.
