Easy Neiman Marcus Cake (Ultra-Rich, Gooey & Foolproof)

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By Gianna Poulef

Easy Neiman Marcus Cake

This Easy Neiman Marcus Cake is a classic American dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. A buttery cake-mix crust is topped with a sweet, tangy cream cheese layer that bakes into a gooey, golden masterpiece.

It’s rich. It’s indulgent. And it’s exactly the kind of cake people beg you to bring again. If you love simple desserts with old-fashioned charm, this one belongs in your recipe box. And before we get started, don’t forget to subscribe by email so you never miss a classic comfort dessert like this

Overview of Recipe Content

What This Recipe Is

A layered dessert made with yellow cake mix and a sweet cream cheese topping, baked until gooey and golden.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Uses pantry staples
  • Foolproof and beginner-friendly
  • Rich, gooey texture
  • Perfect for potlucks and holidays
  • Feeds a crowd

What It Tastes Like

Buttery, sweet, slightly tangy, and decadently soft in the center — like a cross between cheesecake bars and gooey butter cake.

Full & Complete Ingredient List

This Now, Make It Later!

Neiman Marcus Cake

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • A pinch of salt to balance sweetness
  • A dusting of powdered sugar for topping

How to Make Easy Neiman Marcus Cake

Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a bowl, mix dry cake mix with melted butter until crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy and lump-free.

Step 4: Assemble

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set but still gooey.

Step 6: Cool

Cool completely before slicing for clean bars.

What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Cake

  • Coffee or espresso
  • Fresh berries to cut the richness
  • Vanilla ice cream (for true decadence)
  • A glass of cold milk

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Use full-fat cream cheese
  • Don’t overbake — gooey is the goal
  • Let cool fully before slicing
  • Line pan with parchment for easy removal

Storage Instructions

  • Room temperature: 1 day, covered
  • Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Up to 2 months (slice first)

General Information

This cake became popular in mid-century American kitchens thanks to its simplicity and rich flavor. While the name’s origin is debated, the result is undisputed: a crowd-pleasing classic that never goes out of style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as gooey butter cake?

Very similar — this version uses cake mix and cream cheese.

Can I use another cake mix flavor?

Yes — lemon and chocolate both work beautifully.

Is it supposed to be gooey?

Yes! That soft center is the magic.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes — bake in an 8×8 pan.

Conclusion

This Easy Neiman Marcus Cake is rich, nostalgic, and wonderfully simple — the kind of dessert that brings people back for seconds. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated steps to create something unforgettable.

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Interactive Elements

Made this cake?
Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your slice on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

NutrientAmount
Calories410
Fat22g
Saturated Fat13g
Carbohydrates48g
Sugar35g
Protein4g
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Easy Neiman Marcus Cake (Ultra-Rich, Gooey & Foolproof)


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Classic Neiman Marcus cake with buttery cake mix crust and rich cream cheese topping. Easy, gooey, and crowd-pleasing.


Ingredients

Scale

1 box yellow cake mix

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 large eggs

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.

2. Mix cake mix with melted butter and press into pan.

3. Beat cream cheese until smooth.

4. Add eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla.

5. Spread over crust and bake 40–45 minutes.

6. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Do not overbake.

Use full-fat cream cheese.

Cool fully for clean slices.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
Easy Neiman Marcus Cake (Ultra-Rich, Gooey & Foolproof)
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

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