This Neiman Marcus Cake is a decadent, gooey dessert that’s rich in flavor and incredibly easy to make. Combining a simple cake mix base with a luscious cream cheese topping, this cake is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or satisfying your sweet tooth. Its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty crunch make it an irresistible treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy & Foolproof: Made with pantry staples and a cake mix, this recipe is simple enough for beginners.
- Rich & Gooey: The cream cheese layer creates a creamy, indulgent topping that pairs perfectly with the cakey base.
- Customizable: Swap nuts or cake flavors to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor—yellow, chocolate, or spice work well)
- 1 stick butter , melted (½ cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended)
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese , softened
- 1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix , melted butter , and 2 eggs . Mix until a thick batter forms.
- Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
- In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese , powdered sugar , and 1 egg together until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes , or until the top is set and slightly golden. The center should still be a bit soft to give the cake its signature rich, gooey texture.
- If the edges start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, slice into squares and serve as-is or dust with additional powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
Tips for Success:
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate, lemon, or spice for a unique twist. Pair chocolate cake with chocolate chips or lemon cake with a citrus glaze.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts or replace them with shredded coconut or chocolate chips for a nut-free version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days . Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze Option: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Nutritional Information (per slice, serves 12):
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~18g
Enjoy this Neiman Marcus Cake as a rich, indulgent dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Its gooey texture, creamy topping, and nutty crunch make it a timeless favorite for any occasion!