Neiman Marcus Cake is a classic dessert that combines a soft, buttery yellow cake base with a rich, creamy cream cheese layer. The result is a sweet, indulgent treat with a slightly gooey center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for easy dessert recipes, this cake is simple to make yet impressive enough for special occasions. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a homemade dessert that feels elegant but requires minimal effort, making it a favorite for families and dessert lovers alike.
With a few simple ingredients, this cake delivers a bakery-quality dessert that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weekend baking. Optional toppings like chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar add texture and a touch of sophistication, making it irresistible at first glance and every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and beginner-friendly dessert that anyone can make
- Combines buttery cake with rich, creamy cream cheese
- Crowd-pleasing flavor that’s perfect for holidays and gatherings
- Minimal ingredients, all pantry staples
- Versatile dessert that can be served warm or chilled
- Budget-friendly recipe with bakery-quality results
About the Ingredients
Yellow Cake Mix
Provides a soft and flavorful base for the cake and keeps prep fast and simple.
Butter
Melted butter adds richness and a tender texture to both the cake base and cream cheese layer.
Eggs
Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure and creamy layer.
Cream Cheese
Gives the signature creamy, slightly tangy flavor to the middle layer, creating the cake’s iconic texture.
Powdered Sugar
Sweetens the cream cheese layer while keeping it smooth and luscious.
Vanilla Extract
Enhances the flavor and adds warmth to the dessert.
Optional Toppings
Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch, while powdered sugar gives a decorative and subtle sweetness.
Using these simple ingredients ensures a dessert that’s easy to prepare but impressively delicious.
Tips & Tricks
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free layer
- Press the cake base evenly to prevent cracking or uneven baking
- Bake until the center is slightly gooey; it will set as it cools
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing for clean edges
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easier removal and serving
These baking tips help you achieve the perfect Neiman Marcus Cake every time.
Pro Tips
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for a firmer texture
- Lightly toast nuts for extra flavor if using as a topping
- Use a hand whisk or stand mixer to ensure smooth cream cheese
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a professional look
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Base
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until creamy. Stir in melted butter and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown but still slightly gooey in the center.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Allow the cake to cool. Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle chopped nuts for extra texture. Serve warm or chilled.
These easy step-by-step instructions ensure a perfect balance of soft cake and creamy topping.
Variations
- Chocolate Neiman Marcus Cake: Mix 1/4 cup cocoa powder into the cake base for a chocolate twist
- Nutty Top Layer: Fold finely chopped nuts into the cream cheese layer for crunch
- Fruit-Infused: Add a layer of thinly sliced strawberries or peaches between the cake and cream cheese
- Mini Cakes: Bake in cupcake tins for individual servings
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix
These customizable dessert variations make this recipe versatile for any occasion.
How to Store Neiman Marcus Cake
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain the creamy texture
- Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving
- This cake is perfect for make-ahead desserts for holidays or parties
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Neiman Marcus Cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
Do I need to use a cake mix?
While a cake mix makes it faster, you can use a homemade yellow cake base if desired.
What nuts work best as a topping?
Chopped pecans or walnuts are ideal, but any nut of your choice works.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, a gluten-free yellow cake mix works perfectly for this recipe.
Neiman Marcus Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until well combined.
- Press cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to mix until creamy. Stir in melted butter until fully incorporated.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over cake base and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown but still slightly gooey in the center.
- Let cake cool before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
- Serve warm or chilled.
