Neiman Marcus Cake

Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, buttery dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery! It starts with a simple cake mix but transforms into a decadent treat with a tangy cream cheese topping.

Whenever I need a foolproof dessert that everyone will love, this is my go-to. No one can resist the creamy, buttery combo.

With only six ingredients and a boxed cake mix, it’s one of the easiest desserts in my recipe box!

Why You'll Love This Neiman Marcus Cake

Rich and Buttery: A golden, buttery crust and tangy cream cheese filling make this dessert a family favorite.

Quick & Easy: Just 10 minutes of prep! Simply mix, pour, and bake for a foolproof, delicious treat.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings, this portable treat is always a crowd favorite. Every time I bring it, it’s the first dessert to disappear!

Ingredient Notes

• Yellow Cake Mix: The foundation of the cake batter and key to the buttery crust. I'm a Betty Crocker fan but use your favorite brand.
  
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness. They also act as binding agents in both the crust and filling.
  
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender crust when melted and combined with the cake mix. I've used salted butter before, and it tastes fine, too. I just tend to stick to unsalted to regulate my salt content.
  
• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the cream cheese layer. It creates a smooth, tangy filling that becomes cheesecake-creamy when baked.
  
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to enhance the buttery crust and filling.
  
• Powdered Sugar: For sweetness without graininess.

How to Make Neiman Marcus Cake

Just wait until you see how easy this cake is. You'll make it all the time.

1. PREP. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. MAKE CRUST. Combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, and melted butter in a large bowl. Once the mixture thickens, press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

3. MAKE FILLING. Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla. Mix well, gradually beating in the powdered sugar until smooth.

4. ASSEMBLE. Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the crust.

5. BAKE for 35 to 40 minutes. The center should still be slightly gooey when it's ready.

6. COOL & SERVE. Let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares or bars. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Cake

Here are a few of my favorite tips for making this cake top-notch:

• Set cold ingredients out early. Ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling. I typically set mine out about 90 minutes in advance because I keep my house cool. An hour should suffice for most.

• Liberally grease the pan. When I say liberally, I mean liberally! Spray the bottom and sides with nonstick cooking spray or use butter or oil. Lining it with parchment paper or foil is another option.

• Go slow with the sugar. Add the powdered sugar gradually to the cream cheese mixture. Doing so will help you avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.

• Have fun with it! My favorite thing about baking recipes is playing with the ingredients. I've added chocolate chips and chopped nuts to the batter. In a pinch, I've also substituted almond extract for vanilla and used different boxed cake mix flavors. You can even top it with fresh berries!

How to Store

If I take this cake to a potluck, I never have leftovers. But I do occasionally get lucky when I make it just for my family.

If you're fortunate enough to have leftovers, here's how to keep them fresh for days:

To Store: Place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to a week. Ensure the container is sealed well to maintain the cake's moisture and texture.

To Freeze: Wrap each slice of the cake individually in plastic wrap. Store them together in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Label the container and freeze for up to 3 months.

More Simple Cake Recipes with Boxed Cake Mixes

Crack Cake
Heath Bar Cake
Banana Pudding Cake
Orange Cake