Neiman Marcus Cake

Name: Neiman Marcus Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix; 4 large eggs; 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups confectioners' sugar; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)

Published: December 6, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a decadent taste that delights every palate.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this cake is perfect for bakers of any skill level.
Versatile Dessert: Whether served at a birthday party or a cozy family dinner, this cake fits any occasion beautifully.
Impressive Layers: Achieve stunning layers that look as good as they taste, making it a showstopper on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Neiman Marcus Cake, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure perfect results. Having the right equipment can simplify the process and enhance your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

13×9-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

13×9-inch baking pan: This size is ideal for even baking and easy serving of your delicious cake.
Electric mixer or whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring the batter is well-mixed with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
4 eggs
0.5 cup butter
vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Layer

4 cups confectioners’ sugar
8 ounces cream cheese

How to Make Neiman Marcus Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined; the batter will be stiff. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In another bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, cream cheese, and the remaining 2 eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture over the top of the cake batter in the pan.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Place your pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving

Allow your Neiman Marcus Cake to cool completely before cutting it into squares. This cooling period helps achieve those delicious layers you’ll want to showcase!

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Cake

Neiman Marcus Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

Classic Slice

Serve a generous slice of Neiman Marcus Cake on its own for an indulgent dessert experience.

With Fresh Berries

Top each slice with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to add a pop of color and freshness.

A La Mode

Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that adds creaminess and sweetness.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

Add a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the cake to enhance its rich flavors.

Whipped Cream Topping

Finish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for extra lightness and texture.

Coffee Companion

Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Neiman Marcus Cake

Perfecting your Neiman Marcus Cake takes just a few tips to make it truly unforgettable. Here’s how you can achieve that perfect slice every time:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the desired fluffy cake.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature. An oven that’s too hot or too cold can affect the cake’s rise.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps maintain those delicious layers without crumbling.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Neiman Marcus Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Neiman Marcus Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors of the cake perfectly.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cake.
Chocolate Mousse
This creamy dessert provides an elegant touch and pairs well with the buttery layers of the cake.
Pecan Pie Bars
These bars offer nutty sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of Neiman Marcus Cake.
Lemon Sorbet
The refreshing citrus flavor cuts through the richness, making it an excellent palate cleanser.
Coconut Macaroons
Their chewy texture and coconut flavor harmonize well with the creamy elements of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Neiman Marcus Cake, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the Preheating Step: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and proper rising of the cake.
Not Greasing the Pan Properly: If you don’t grease your baking pan well, the cake might stick. Use butter or cooking spray on all surfaces of the pan.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for fluffier results.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs and cream cheese can create lumps in your batter. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
Cutting Before Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting. This helps achieve those beautiful layers and prevents it from falling apart.

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store Neiman Marcus Cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Container: Place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Freezing Neiman Marcus Cake

Duration: You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months.
Container: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Neiman Marcus Cake

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the cake with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neiman Marcus Cake?

Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, buttery dessert known for its gooey texture and rich flavor. It’s reminiscent of traditional butter cakes but has a unique creamy layer on top.

How do I customize my Neiman Marcus Cake?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to the batter before baking. For extra flavor, consider using almond extract instead of vanilla.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with any flavor you like to create a unique twist on this classic recipe.

What should I serve with Neiman Marcus Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries also add a nice touch of flavor and color.

Final Thoughts

Neiman Marcus Cake is not only delightful but also versatile enough for various occasions. Its rich buttery layers make it an instant crowd-pleaser, while customization options allow you to make it your own. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe at home!

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