Neiman Marcus Cake
This Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that brings together simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering treat.
Often associated with the high-end department store, Neiman Marcus, this cake has become a popular recipe for those looking to impress their guests with a delicious homemade dessert.
With its buttery base, creamy filling, and nutty crunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this cake is sure to stand out.
Ingredients
1 box cake mix (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
Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and two large eggs. Stir the ingredients until fully incorporated and smooth.
creating the base layer of the cake. Pour this batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to cover the bottom.
Next, in a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and one large egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
This cream cheese mixture will serve as the rich filling on top of the cake. Gently pour this mixture over the cake batter, spreading it out evenly across the surface.
Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer. This will add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the creamy and soft texture of the cake.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The cake should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few crumbs.
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
This helps it set before serving. After cooling, slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve.
You can refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh longer or store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How to Make
Begin by preparing your ingredients and preheating the oven to 350°F. The first step is to mix together the dry cake mix, melted butter, and eggs.
Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients until a thick batter forms. The consistency should be slightly thick but pourable.
Once ready, pour the batter into a greased baking dish, making sure to spread it evenly to avoid uneven baking.
Then, make the cream cheese filling by combining softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and one egg.
Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fluffy, ensuring there are no lumps of cream cheese. Carefully pour this cream cheese mixture on top of the cake batter, spreading it out evenly.
After you’ve added the cream cheese layer, top the cake with chopped nuts. You can use any kind of nuts you like, though pecans and walnuts are traditional.
The nuts will add a crunchy texture to the soft, creamy layers of the cake. Bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes, checking after 30 minutes to ensure it’s golden and set.
As the cake bakes, the top layer will become golden, and the cream cheese filling will firm up. The result is a moist, rich cake with a slightly chewy texture.
thanks to the cake base and the creamy center. Once baked, let the cake cool for a while, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once it’s cooled to room temperature, you can slice and serve.
Variations
If you’re looking to mix up the flavor profile of the Neiman Marcus Cake, there are plenty of variations to explore.
For example, instead of a traditional yellow or chocolate cake mix, try using a spice cake mix for a warm, autumnal flavor.
The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg in the cake base will pair wonderfully with the cream cheese filling.
For a tropical twist, you can substitute the chopped nuts for shredded coconut. This will give the cake a deliciously sweet and chewy texture.
balancing perfectly with the creamy filling. If you’re a fan of citrus flavors, try adding lemon zest or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture to give the cake a fresh, zesty kick.
You can also experiment with different types of nuts, like almonds or pistachios, for an added depth of flavor.
For a more indulgent version of the cake, drizzle a little chocolate syrup on top of the nuts before baking, adding a rich chocolatey layer to the dessert.
To make the cake even more festive, consider adding a layer of fruit preserves or jam between the cake and cream cheese layers.
Raspberry or strawberry jam would complement the richness of the cream cheese filling and create a fruity contrast.
Another variation involves turning the Neiman Marcus Cake into cupcakes. Instead of baking it in a 9×13-inch dish, pour the batter into a cupcake pan and adjust the baking time.
The result is individual servings of the cake that are perfect for parties or gatherings.
If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using a sugar-free cake mix and replacing the butter with applesauce.
You can also swap the powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling for a sugar substitute to make it a little lighter.
Tips
When making Neiman Marcus Cake, it’s important to let the cream cheese soften before mixing. If you try to mix cold cream cheese.
it may become lumpy and hard to incorporate smoothly. Softening it allows for a smoother, more even mixture, resulting in a creamier filling.
For an even more velvety texture, you can sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the cream cheese. This will help prevent clumps of sugar and ensure a silky-smooth filling.
Make sure to grease and flour the baking dish thoroughly before pouring in the cake batter. This will prevent
the cake from sticking to the pan, making it easier to remove once it’s baked. You could also use parchment paper to line the pan for an added layer of protection.
If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can easily skip the nuts or replace them with other ingredients, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit.
This will give the cake a different texture but still allow you to enjoy the creamy filling.
For the best results, allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Cutting it while it’s still warm can cause the layers to break apart.
Cooling it helps the cake set, making it easier to slice neatly and serve.
You can also freeze the cake to keep it fresh for longer. If you plan to freeze it, let it cool completely.
before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. This will help preserve the flavor and texture for up to two months.
Consider serving the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
The cool, creamy topping will complement the warm, rich cake, making for a truly luxurious dessert.
Conclusion
Neiman Marcus Cake is a delightful dessert that balances rich flavors and textures. With a simple preparation.
process and a few key ingredients, it offers a deliciously indulgent treat that will surely become a family favorite.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a homemade dessert, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Its versatility allows for endless variations, meaning you can make it your own by adjusting the flavors or adding your favorite ingredients.
Whether you keep it classic or get creative, the Neiman Marcus Cake will always be a hit.