Outrageously Good Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe You’ll Crave Again and Again

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I’m extra excited to share this Neiman Marcus Cake recipe with you—it’s one of those nostalgic desserts that has been passed around church potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday tables for decades. With its gooey cream cheese layer, buttery base, and nutty crunch, it’s no wonder this cake earned a name as fancy as Neiman Marcus.

This recipe is a classic “ooey-gooey butter cake” with a twist, and it only needs a handful of pantry staples to create something absolutely irresistible. If you love recipes that combine simplicity with a touch of indulgence, this one is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list for more cozy, crowd-pleasing recipes straight to your inbox!

Overview of Recipe Content

The Neiman Marcus Cake is essentially a dessert bar that starts with a cake-mix base enriched with butter and eggs, then gets topped with a luscious cream cheese layer. After baking, you’re left with chewy edges, a gooey center, and a delicate crunch from the nuts.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Foolproof recipe with simple steps.
• Feeds a crowd—perfect for potlucks or holidays.
• Gooey, rich, and buttery with a slightly tangy cream cheese layer.
• Can be made ahead and stored easily.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, rich, buttery, nutty, and tangy all at once.

Health/Nutritional Benefits: Okay, let’s be honest—this cake is pure indulgence! But in moderation, it’s a lovely treat to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

PIN IT

• 1 box cake mix (yellow or butter works best, but you can use any flavor)
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar
• 1 large egg

Tools Needed:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Spatula

Suggested Substitutions & Additions:

• Try chocolate cake mix for a “brownie-style” version.
• Add shredded coconut for extra texture.
• Swap nuts for chocolate chips if you prefer.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Cake

PIN IT

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 baking pan.
2. Mix the base layer. In a bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs. Stir until a soft dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking pan.
3. Prepare the topping. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add the powdered sugar and 1 egg. Mix until creamy.
4. Assemble. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
5. Bake. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown. The center should remain slightly gooey—that’s the magic!
6. Cool & Serve. Let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tip: Resist the temptation to overbake; the gooey center is what makes this cake legendary.

What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Cake

This cake is rich enough to stand alone, but here are a few serving ideas:

• Pair with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for an afternoon treat.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Dust with extra powdered sugar for a festive holiday presentation.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Always use softened cream cheese for a smooth topping.
• Line your pan with parchment for easy lifting.
• Let the cake cool fully before slicing for neat bars.
• Use fresh nuts for the best flavor—stale nuts can ruin the taste.

Storage Instructions

• At room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• In the fridge: Lasts up to 5 days when wrapped tightly.
• Freezing: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

General Information

The Neiman Marcus Cake is often nicknamed “gooey butter cake” in the Midwest and South. While the department store connection is more urban legend than fact, this recipe has become a staple at bake sales and holiday spreads across America.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Neiman Marcus Cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day.

2. Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
If your kitchen is warm, yes. Otherwise, room temp for 2 days is fine.

3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Stick with full-fat for the best texture—it’s worth it.

4. Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely, just omit the nuts or replace with chocolate chips.

Conclusion

There’s a reason the Neiman Marcus Cake has stood the test of time—it’s simple, indulgent, and always a hit with guests. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or treating your family, this cake is bound to be the first dessert gone from the table.

If you loved this recipe, try these other desserts too:

• Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

PIN IT

Interactive Elements

If you try this Neiman Marcus Cake, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with your review, or share a photo on Pinterest and tag me @poulefrecipe.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, based on 12 servings)

Calories	Fat	Saturated Fat	Carbs	Sugar	Protein	Sodium
365	18g	9g	46g	33g	5g	220mg

Print