Neiman Marcus Cake

I finally caved and made the famous Neiman Marcus cake, and wow, where has this been all my life?

Think of it as a cross between a cheesecake and a yellow cake, with this incredible cream cheese layer with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

With just a handful of ingredients, it transforms into a dessert that looks like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. 

Fair warning: it’s dangerously addictive!

Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Cake

Taste Sensation: The Neiman Marcus cake offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It combines a buttery, dense crust with a creamy, sweet filling that melts in your mouth.

Simple Preparation: With just a few straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners.

Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich, indulgent taste and attractive appearance, this cake is sure to impress guests.

Make-Ahead Marvel: The cake can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Ingredients

• Yellow Cake Mix: It serves as the foundation for the buttery crust.
  
• Eggs: They provide structure, richness and act as a binding agent in both the crust and filling.
  
• Unsalted Butter: It creates a rich, tender crust when melted and mixed with the cake mix.
  
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese creates a smooth, tangy filling that becomes creamy when baked, similar to cheesecake.
  
• Vanilla Extract: It adds warm, sweet flavor to enhance the buttery crust and cream cheese filling.
  
• Powdered Sugar: It creates a smooth texture and provides 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 your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the crust. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press this evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

3. Make the filling. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until smooth.

4. Assemble. Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly.

5. Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center will have a slightly gooey texture.

6. Cool and serve. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars.

Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Cake

Follow these simple tips to make this cake top-notch.

• Room temperature is a must. Ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling texture.

• Grease up the pan. Grease the baking dish or line it with parchment paper or foil for easy removal and cutting.

• Mix up your technique. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix the crust ingredients, as the dough will be thick, like cookie dough.

• Keep things even. Press the crust evenly into the pan to ensure consistent baking and texture.

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

How to Store

To enjoy your cake for days to come, follow these storage steps.

To Store: Place the cake in an air-tight container and refrigerate it for up to one 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 and store them together in an air-tight, freezer-safe container. Label the container and freeze for up to 3 months.