Neiman Marcus Dessert Bars – Perfect for Birthdays or Parties

The Neiman Marcus Cake is a legendary dessert that’s indulgent, ultra-moist, and surprisingly simple to make. It’s sometimes called “Gooey Butter Cake’s Fancy Cousin,” and with good reason—this dessert combines a buttery yellow cake base with a rich cream cheese topping that bakes into a chewy, golden, slightly crisp crust. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, holiday gathering, or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to be the first thing gone from the dessert table.

The Story Behind the Cake

Despite its upscale name, the Neiman Marcus Cake isn’t actually connected to the famous luxury department store. The name likely came about as part of a chain email urban legend or a tongue-in-cheek nod to how “rich” the cake tastes. Over the years, it’s taken on a life of its own, becoming a beloved dessert across the Southern U.S. and beyond.

Made with a box cake mix and a handful of ingredients, the Neiman Marcus Cake is the definition of easy elegance. With its gooey top, buttery flavor, and irresistible sweetness, it tastes like you spent hours baking—but only takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

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Ingredient Breakdown: The Secret to the Gooey Goodness

Each part of this cake plays an important role in delivering that signature texture and flavor.

Boxed Yellow Cake Mix

The base of the cake. It provides structure and flavor while saving time. You can use butter golden, vanilla, or even chocolate cake mix for a variation.

Butter (Melted)

Adds rich flavor and moisture. Butter also helps give the crust a slightly crisp, chewy texture that contrasts with the gooey filling.

Eggs

Used in both the crust and topping to help bind and set the cake while keeping it soft and rich.

Cream Cheese

The hero of the gooey top layer. Softened cream cheese gives the topping its creamy, tangy finish.

Powdered Sugar

Sweetens the cream cheese topping and gives it a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture as it bakes into the cake.

Vanilla Extract

Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery and creamy flavors.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Mix, Pour, Bake

1. Preheat and Prep

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

2. Make the Base Layer

In a large bowl, combine:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

Stir until a thick, soft dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

3. Make the Gooey Topping

In another bowl, beat until smooth:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Then mix in:

• 4 cups powdered sugar

Beat until fully smooth and creamy. Pour over the base layer and spread evenly with a spatula.

4. Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle. The edges should be set, and the top may crack slightly—that’s perfect.

Let cool completely before slicing. The center will firm up as it cools, giving you that perfect gooey texture.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temp for a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overbake: The center should still have a slight jiggle when it comes out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools.

• Cool Completely: Letting the cake cool fully before slicing helps the layers set and keeps the gooey top intact.

Variations

• Chocolate Neiman Marcus Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix and top with chocolate chips before baking.

• Lemon Version: Use lemon cake mix and add lemon zest to the topping for a fresh twist.

• Pumpkin Spice: Add ½ cup canned pumpkin and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice to the topping for a fall version.

• Pecan Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cream cheese layer before baking for crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Cake Mix: Use your favorite GF yellow cake mix.

• Flavored Cream Cheese: Try strawberry or cinnamon cream cheese for fun variations.

• Reduced Sugar: You can use 3 cups powdered sugar instead of 4 for a slightly less sweet cake.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This cake is a go-to for:

• Potlucks: It’s easy to make and travels well.

• Holiday Dinners: A rich dessert to cap off Thanksgiving or Christmas.

• Birthday Parties: Serve in squares with whipped cream or ice cream.

• Brunch Buffets: Sweet enough to pass as a coffee cake.

Serving Suggestions:

• Dust with powdered sugar before serving

• Add fresh berries or fruit compote

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence

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Nutritional & Health Notes

Let’s be honest—this cake is rich, sweet, and indulgent. But that’s why it’s so good.

Nutritional Highlights:

• Cream cheese adds calcium and a bit of protein

• Portion control: The cake is rich, so smaller slices are still satisfying

• Gluten-free options are easy with boxed mixes

To lighten things up:

• Use light cream cheese

• Reduce powdered sugar to 3 cups

• Use a sugar-free cake mix for a lower-carb version

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Neiman Marcus Cake ahead of time?

Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

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2. Do I have to refrigerate it?

Yes, because of the cream cheese topping, store it in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

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3. Can I freeze it?

Definitely. Freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or microwave gently to reheat.

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4. Why is my topping runny?

It may need more baking time. Bake until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly—not fully liquid. Cooling completely helps it firm up.

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5. Can I use a homemade cake mix?

Yes. Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ cups sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt to substitute for the boxed mix.

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6. What’s the difference between this and gooey butter cake?

They’re very similar. Gooey butter cake is often associated with St. Louis and traditionally uses a yeast dough base. Neiman Marcus Cake uses cake mix and is even easier to make.

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7. Can I add chocolate chips or fruit?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, white chocolate, chopped nuts, or swirls of raspberry jam are all great add-ins for the topping.

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