Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
Introduction
Neiman Marcus Cake is a wonderfully rich and creamy dessert with a golden cake base and a luscious cream cheese topping. This reassuringly simple recipe produces a moist, sweet treat perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Its layered texture and classic flavors make it a family favorite that’s easy to bake and enjoy.

Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs, divided
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well—the batter will be stiff.
- Step 3: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. To help spread easily, you can spray the back of your spatula with cooking spray.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, softened cream cheese, and the remaining 2 eggs. Mix well until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter, spreading evenly.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to preserve the layered texture and enhance the flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For easier batter spreading, spray your spatula with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Try substituting lemon cake mix and add a tablespoon of lemon zest for a citrus twist.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cream cheese layer for extra depth of flavor.
- Swirl in some raspberry jam on top of the cream cheese layer before baking for a fruity surprise.
- Reduce the confectioners’ sugar if you prefer a less sweet cake, as 3 ½ cups can be quite sweet.
Storage
Store Neiman Marcus Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain moisture, cover it well to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired, though it is delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?
Yes, you can stir in chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Fold them in gently before spreading the batter in the pan.
Can I use brown sugar or maple syrup instead of confectioners’ sugar?
This recipe relies on the fine texture of confectioners’ sugar to blend smoothly with the cream cheese. Brown sugar or maple syrup won’t provide the same texture or sweetness balance, so it’s best to stick with confectioners’ sugar for optimal results.
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Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings 1x
Description
Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, buttery dessert featuring a moist yellow cake base topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer. Baked to perfection, this cake offers a distinct two-layer texture — a tender cake bottom with a luscious, slightly tangy cream cheese topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasion, it’s a classic crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with indulgent flavor.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Topping
- 3 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, blend the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The batter will be stiff. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. For easier spreading, spray the back of your spatula with cooking spray.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, softened cream cheese, and the remaining 2 eggs until smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake batter layer in the pan.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean. The topping will be creamy and slightly gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely to room temperature before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier. Serve in squares and enjoy the rich flavor combination.
Notes
- For easier spreading of the cake batter, spray the spatula with cooking spray.
- You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the confectioners’ sugar in the topping if desired.
- To store, cover and refrigerate to maintain freshness, especially if made a day ahead.
- This cake freezes well when cut into squares and wrapped tightly.
- Variations include adding almond extract to the cream cheese topping or incorporating fruit toppings such as cherries for extra flavor.
- Using reduced sugar substitutions like powdered Stevia can make it diabetic-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Neiman Marcus cake, cream cheese cake, yellow cake, layered cake dessert, gooey butter cake, holiday dessert, potluck cake

