Whip up a gooey, buttery Neiman Marcus Cake with yellow cake mix, cream cheese, eggs, butter, and powdered sugar. Pure comfort in every bite!
Let me tell you about the first time I made this Neiman Marcus Cake. It was for a church potluck—you know, one of those “bring your best dish or be judged silently” affairs. I was already stressed because my usual go-to, the infamous layered Jell-O salad, had bombed the month before (someone’s kid said it “wiggled funny,” and that was that). So I needed a win.
I remembered my aunt Linda raving about this Neiman Marcus Cake. She said it was “idiot-proof,” and hey, I’ve been known to test the limits of that statement. So I baked it the night before, and my kitchen smelled like what I imagine heaven does… if heaven serves melted butter and vanilla as a welcome drink.
At the potluck? That cake vanished. I’m talking—gone before the casserole lids came off. I swear, Sister Doris took two slices and stuffed one in her purse (but that’s between you and me).
Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe?
So, here’s the deal with this Neiman Marcus Cake. It’s ridiculously easy. We’re using a boxed yellow cake mix (yep, boxed—no shame here), and turning it into something that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. The base is thick, buttery, and golden. Then comes the top layer, which bakes into a creamy, sweet, slightly caramelized topping. It’s gooey in the middle with edges that give just the right chew.
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids, picky adults, that one guy who claims he doesn’t like dessert? They’ll all love it. Trust me.
Ingredient Notes:
Look, this isn’t rocket science. But a couple of things can take this Neiman Marcus Cake from good to “holy cow, gimme another piece.”
- Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz): Any brand works. I usually go for Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker, whichever’s on sale.
- 4 Eggs: Two go in the base, two in the topping. And yes, I’ve forgotten once. Don’t be me.
- Butter (½ cup, melted): Use the real stuff. Margarine makes it sad.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Optional. But like your grandma says, a little vanilla never hurts.
- Powdered Sugar (3 ½ cups): Don’t skimp here. It makes that gooey top, well, gooey.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Full fat, baby. We’re not doing this halfway.
How To Make Neiman Marcus Cake?
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set that baby to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 pan. Or if you’re me and you forgot to buy nonstick spray, just butter it up.
Step 2: The Base Layer
Mix the cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. You’ll think, “Is this thick enough to patch a tire?” It is. Press that sucker into your pan. I usually use my hands. Don’t judge.
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Step 3: The Gooey Layer
In another bowl (or the same one if you’re tired of washing dishes), beat together the cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, and powdered sugar. Beat it till smooth. Pour it over your cake base and marvel at your work.
Step 4: Bake
Pop it in for about 35 minutes. Here’s the trick—when the edges are golden and the center is a little wiggly (but not sloshy), it’s done. If you overbake it, the gooey center gets sad.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Let it cool if you want clean slices. If you’re like me and can’t wait, grab a spoon and go for it.
Storage Options:
- Countertop: Covered tightly, it’s good for 2-3 days.
- Fridge: I actually love this cake cold. It’ll last about a week, but who are we kidding?
- Freezer: Freeze squares in an airtight container. They’ll keep for 2 months. Midnight snack secured.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Chocolate Version: Use chocolate cake mix and add chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer. You’re welcome.
- Nutty: Throw in chopped pecans for a little crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Grab a gluten-free cake mix. You won’t notice the difference.
- Swirl Jam: A spoonful of raspberry or apricot jam swirled into the top? Fancy and tasty.
What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Cake?
- Strong Coffee: The bitterness cuts the sweetness. Trust me, it works.
- Whipped Cream: Just because.
- Fresh Berries: If you want to convince yourself it’s healthy.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Always a solid move.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is it called Neiman Marcus Cake?
Beats me. Maybe it’s as fancy as shopping there but way cheaper.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but I wouldn’t. This cake deserves full fat.
My cake is gooey in the middle—is that right?
100%! That gooey center is the magic.
And that’s my take on the Neiman Marcus Cake! If you try it (and you should), let me know how it goes. Did you add your own twist? Did Aunt Doris steal a slice at your potluck too?
Drop me a comment—I can’t wait to hear all about it!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Neiman Marcus Cake
Ingredients
- 1 package 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs divided
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
Prepare the Base Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, two eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until a stiff batter forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
Prepare the Topping Layer
- In a separate bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, the remaining two eggs, and the confectioners' sugar. Continue mixing until the topping becomes smooth and creamy in texture.
Assemble the Cake
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base layer in the baking pan, ensuring the surface is smooth and level.
Bake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean but still slightly moist.
Cool and Serve
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
