Neiman Marcus Cake: A Gooey, Golden Classic That Melts in Your Mouth
If you’ve never tried Neiman Marcus Cake, get ready to meet your new favorite dessert. This rich, buttery cake has a gooey, cheesecake-like top that makes every bite irresistible. Best of all? It starts with a box of cake mix and ends in pure indulgence.
This cake is a staple at potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings—simple to make, and always the first thing to disappear from the dessert table.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s buttery. It’s gooey. It’s got crunch from the nuts and a rich layer of cream cheese icing baked right in. Neiman Marcus Cake is one of those magical desserts that looks humble but tastes luxurious. And because it uses boxed cake mix as the base, it’s ultra convenient.
It’s also wildly flexible—swap the cake mix flavor, change up the nuts, or add toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor—yellow and chocolate are most popular)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
Directions
- Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Make the Base Layer
In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs until a thick batter forms. Stir in chopped nuts. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. - Mix the Top Layer
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and 1 egg until smooth. Pour over the cake base and spread evenly. - Bake
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is set and just lightly golden. The center should jiggle slightly—this gives the cake its signature gooey texture. - Cool and Slice
Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars or squares.
Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Cake
- Don’t overbake: That gooey center is key to its magic.
- Let it cool fully: It sets up as it cools, making slicing easier.
- Go wild with flavors: Try chocolate cake mix with walnuts or spice cake mix with pecans.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust the top with extra powdered sugar
- Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
Pair with:
- Blueberry Lemonade – for a bright, refreshing sip
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins – when you need to double up on cozy treats
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Balls – to balance out the sweetness with a snackier bite
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making dessert for a potluck or just treating yourself to something sweet, Neiman Marcus Cake never disappoints. With its gooey top, buttery bottom, and rich flavor, it’s an easy classic that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Tried it? Snap a pic and tag @ChefManiac—let us see your slice of heaven! 🍰✨
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