Neiman Marcus Cake
A decadent dessert bar with a gooey cream cheese top, buttery base, and rich Southern charm.
This Neiman Marcus Cake is a vintage dessert that’s made for indulgence. Built on a buttery cake base and crowned with a luscious layer of cream cheese and powdered sugar, it’s the kind of treat that’s impossible to eat just one piece of. Whether you know it as gooey butter cake or Texas gold bars, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cake is all about the texture—rich, soft, gooey, and slightly crisp on top. It’s incredibly easy to throw together with a box of cake mix and a few pantry staples, but the flavor and mouthfeel are pure bakery-level indulgence. It travels well, slices neatly, and always gets recipe requests.
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor – yellow or butter cake works best)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
Optional Toppings
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips on top
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Make the Base Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs until a thick batter forms.
Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts.
Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
3. Mix the Topping
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and egg until smooth and creamy.
Pour over the cake layer and spread evenly to cover.
4. Bake
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
This ensures that signature gooey texture.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Serve at room temp or chilled for an extra dense bite.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the topping.
- Don’t overbake—a little jiggle = gooey magic.
- Let cool fully before slicing to get clean, bakery-style squares.
- Make it ahead—flavor intensifies after a day in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Neiman Marcus Cake is rich on its own, but pairs beautifully with lighter or retro-style desserts for variety:
- Serve with Pecan Pie Bars for a sweet Southern spread.
- Pair with Big Family Banana Pudding for the ultimate potluck duo.
- Add Old-School No-Bake Cookies to the table for texture and nostalgia.
- Keep it casual with Edible Cookie Dough for a fun dessert bar vibe.
- Include Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for bite-sized variety.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in the fridge tightly covered for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual squares for up to 2 months—just thaw and serve.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Big Family Banana Pudding
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies
- Edible Cookie Dough
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
Final Thoughts
Neiman Marcus Cake is one of those simple, satisfying recipes that feels like home. With its gooey, sweet center and buttery cake base, it’s perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holidays—or anytime you need a dessert that brings the wow without the work.
Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac or leave a comment below to share your slice of gooey greatness. And don’t forget to follow for more nostalgic, crowd-friendly bakes!
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