Neiman Marcus Cake Bars

This decadent Neiman Marcus Cake transforms a simple yellow cake mix into a showstopping dessert that has become my secret weapon for impressing guests with minimal effort. The contrast between the dense, buttery base and the creamy, cheesecake-like topping creates an irresistible texture combination that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

I first made this cake for a last-minute dinner party when I was completely out of ideas. The guests were so amazed that I had "made something so complex from scratch" that I almost felt guilty admitting how easy it actually was.

Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix: provides a foolproof foundation that saves time without sacrificing taste
• Unsalted butter: creates that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this cake unforgettable
• Large eggs: bind everything together while adding structure to both layers
• Cream cheese: forms the luxurious topping layer and adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness
• Powdered sugar: creates a silky smooth texture in the cream cheese layer that regular sugar cannot achieve
• Vanilla extract: enhances all the other flavors with its warm, aromatic notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F to ensure even baking. Take time to thoroughly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to get into all corners. A thin layer of cooking spray or butter followed by a light dusting of flour works best for clean removal.

Create the Cake Base:

Combine the yellow cake mix with 2 eggs and melted butter, mixing until you achieve a thick, almost dough-like consistency. This will be noticeably thicker than traditional cake batter. Press the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, paying special attention to creating a uniform layer all the way to the edges.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar gradually, beating continuously until the mixture reaches a silky, pourable consistency.

Assemble and Layer:

Pour the cream cheese mixture slowly over the cake base, starting from the center and moving outward. Use a spatula to gently spread the topping to ensure complete coverage without disturbing the base layer beneath.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking dish on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The cake is done when the edges turn golden brown and appear set, while the center maintains a slight jiggle similar to a cheesecake. Avoid overbaking as this will dry out the cream cheese layer.

Cooling Phase:

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes about 2 hours. This cooling period is crucial for the layers to set properly and develop their distinct textures.

Final Presentation:

Just before serving, lightly dust the top with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant finishing touch that elevates the appearance.

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The vanilla extract is my secret weapon in this recipe. I always use pure rather than imitation vanilla, and sometimes I splurge on Madagascar bourbon vanilla for special occasions. The difference in flavor depth is subtle but noticeable, especially in the cream cheese layer where the vanilla notes can really shine.

Perfect Pairings

This Neiman Marcus Cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness that contrasts with the cake's richness. I love serving it with a small bowl of mixed raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries on the side. The fruit cuts through the sweetness and adds a fresh element that makes the dessert feel lighter than it actually is.

Storage Solutions

Store this cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture actually improves after the first day as the flavors meld together more deeply. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

The Origin Story

Despite its luxury department store namesake, the Neiman Marcus Cake actually has humble beginnings. It belongs to a family of desserts known as "gooey butter cakes" that originated in St. Louis, Missouri, in the 1930s. Legend has it that a baker accidentally reversed the proportions of butter and flour in a cake recipe, creating this happy accident that became a regional favorite before spreading nationwide. The Neiman Marcus connection likely came from someone feeling the cake was luxurious enough to be sold at the high-end retailer.

Common Queries

→ What kind of cake mix works best?

Classic yellow cake mix is ideal, as it provides a balanced, buttery flavor and sturdy texture for the base.

→ Can I add mix-ins to the topping?

Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts can be folded into the cream cheese layer for extra flavor and texture.

→ How do I achieve clean slices?

Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting. This lets the layers set and prevents them from crumbling.

→ Can these bars be made ahead?

Yes, these bars store well. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days for best freshness and texture.

→ Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?

Using fully softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free topping that bakes evenly over the cake base.