Neiman Marcus Cake is a sweet, gooey dessert that’s super easy to make. It has two layers that bake together into one delicious treat. The bottom is like a soft cookie, and the top is creamy and rich.
According to Wikipedia, this cake actually started in St. Louis in the 1930s as a bakery mistake. A baker accidentally used the wrong amount of butter, but people loved it anyway! Now it’s called different names like gooey butter cake or chess bars.
The name “Neiman Marcus” comes from a fun story. Eater Dallas explains that people said a fancy store charged $250 for this recipe. But that story isn’t true. The cake just sounds fancier with that name!
Why This Cake Is Special?
This cake is perfect for beginners because it uses a boxed cake mix. You don’t need to measure lots of ingredients or follow complicated steps.
Barbara Bakes notes that this dessert takes only about 10 minutes to prepare. The oven does most of the work for you. Kids love helping make this cake because mixing is fun and easy.
The texture is what makes people come back for more. It’s soft, sticky, and melts in your mouth.
Quick Summary Card
Neiman Marcus Cake
Gooey Butter Cake • 10-Min Prep • Classic DessertHow to Make It
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1. Prepare the Base Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs into a thick dough. Press evenly into a greased 9×13 pan.
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2. Mix the Gooey Topping Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, the remaining 2 eggs, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
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3. Combine & Layer Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base. Sprinkle with pecans (optional) and spread gently to the edges.
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4. Bake to Perfection Bake for 35-40 mins. The edges should be golden, but the center should still jiggle slightly. Cool for 30 mins before slicing.
What You’ll Need?
Ingredients List
For the bottom layer, gather these items:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the top layer, you’ll need:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
According to Allrecipes, these exact measurements create the perfect gooey texture. Using a different cake mix size might change how it turns out.
Equipment Needed
You only need basic baking tools. Most kitchens already have everything required.
Get ready:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Two mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
The Kitchn recommends using a glass baking dish if you have one. Glass helps the cake bake evenly without burning the edges.
Time and Temperature Guide
| Step | Time Needed | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Work | 10 minutes | Room temp |
| Baking Time | 35-40 minutes | 350°F |
| Cooling Time | 30 minutes | Room temp |
| Total Time | About 80 minutes | – |
Baking guidelines from Barbara Bakes and Food.com
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Turn your oven on to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it warm up while you mix the ingredients.
According to Serious Eats, preheating ensures even baking from the start. Grease your 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray or butter. Make sure you cover all the corners so the cake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Make the Bottom Layer
Pour the cake mix into a large bowl. Add the melted butter and 2 eggs to the same bowl.
Mix everything together with a spoon until combined. Lil’ Luna explains that this mixture will be very thick, almost like cookie dough. That’s exactly how it should be!
Press this thick mixture into the bottom of your greased pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Top Layer
In a different bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Barbara Bakes recommends letting cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using it.
Add the powdered sugar gradually while mixing. Then add 2 eggs and vanilla extract. Beat everything until the mixture is creamy and smooth with no lumps.
Step 4: Combine the Layers
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer in your pan. Use a spatula to spread it gently and evenly across the top.
According to advice from Reddit bakers, you don’t need to worry about mixing the layers. They’ll stay separate while baking.
If you’re adding pecans, sprinkle them on top now. They’ll add a nice crunch to each bite.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place your pan in the preheated oven. Set a timer for 35 minutes and let it bake.
Food.com notes that the edges should turn golden brown when done. The center will still look a little jiggly, and that’s perfect! Don’t overbake or it won’t be gooey.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Take the cake out of the oven carefully using oven mitts. The pan will be very hot, so be careful.
Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. According to Cooking at Clark Towers, cooling helps the layers set properly. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Expert Baking Tips
Use Softened Cream Cheese
Hard cream cheese makes lumpy batter. Barbara Bakes suggests taking it out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before baking.
You can also soften it quickly in the microwave. Use 15-second bursts on low power until it’s soft but not melted.
Don’t Overbake
The middle should jiggle slightly when you take it out. According to Reddit discussions, overbaking makes it dry instead of gooey.
Check at 35 minutes by gently shaking the pan. If the edges are set but the center moves a bit, it’s done.
Let It Cool Completely
Cutting too early makes messy squares. Allrecipes recommends waiting at least 30 minutes, or even cooling it in the refrigerator.
Cold cake cuts cleaner and holds its shape better on the plate.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Neiman Marcus Cake
Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix. Facebook bakers say adding chocolate chips to the top layer makes it extra rich.
This version tastes like chocolate cheesecake brownies. Kids especially love this twist!
Lemon Version
Use lemon cake mix instead of yellow. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for extra zing.
According to Taste of Home, citrus flavors pair perfectly with the sweet, creamy topping. This version is great for summer gatherings.
Fruit Addition
Fresh or frozen berries work wonderfully in this cake. Sprinkle blueberries or raspberries on top of the cream cheese layer before baking.
Reddit users suggest using about 1 cup of berries. The fruit adds color and a tart contrast to the sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Substitute Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow cake mix | Chocolate, lemon, or spice mix | Changes flavor profile |
| Butter | Margarine | Slightly less rich |
| Cream cheese | Neufchatel cheese | Lower fat option |
| Pecans | Walnuts or almonds | Any nut works |
| Powdered sugar | Regular sugar (not recommended) | Won’t dissolve well |
Substitution ideas from Reddit bakers and recipe testing
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftover Cake
Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. According to FDA food safety guidelines, desserts with cream cheese must be refrigerated.
This cake stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. The gooey texture actually improves after a day in the refrigerator!
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze individual squares for up to 2 months. The Kitchn recommends wrapping each piece in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag.
Thaw frozen pieces in the refrigerator overnight. They taste almost as good as fresh!
Reheating Tips
This cake is delicious cold, at room temperature, or warm. To reheat, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds.
According to Serious Eats, gentle reheating brings back the gooey texture. Don’t overheat or the cream cheese layer will get runny.
Nutrition Information
One square of Neiman Marcus Cake contains approximately 425 calories. Barbara Bakes provides a complete nutritional breakdown showing 17 grams of fat and 66 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
The cake also has about 4 grams of protein from the eggs and cream cheese. Calcium from the dairy ingredients helps build strong bones.
This is definitely a dessert to enjoy in moderation. The high sugar content makes it a special treat, not an everyday food.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings
Serve this cake with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy toppings balance the sweet richness perfectly.
Reddit users suggest dusting powdered sugar on top right before serving. It makes the cake look fancy for parties!
When to Serve?
This dessert works great for potlucks, bake sales, and family gatherings. Because it serves 12-16 people, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
According to Facebook food groups, many people make it for holidays. The easy preparation means less stress during busy times.
Important Safety Notes
Allergy Warnings
This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and often nuts. According to FDA allergen guidelines, always tell guests about these ingredients.
If someone has a nut allergy, simply leave out the pecans. The cake tastes great without them!
Kitchen Safety
Always use oven mitts when handling hot pans. The cake and pan will be extremely hot right out of the oven.
Let children help with mixing, but keep them away from the hot oven. According to food safety experts, adult supervision prevents kitchen accidents.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to make a delicious Neiman Marcus Cake from scratch. This gooey, sweet dessert is easier than it looks and always impresses people.
The best part is that you can make it your own. Try different cake mix flavors, add fruits, or skip the nuts. There’s no wrong way to enjoy this treat!
Share a piece with friends and family. According to social media posts, everyone who tries it asks for the recipe. Happy baking!
