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Neiman Marcus Cake slice with a caramelized golden top, creamy center, and crumbly buttery crust on a white plate.

Neiman Marcus Cake

This Neiman Marcus Cake is a gooey, buttery Southern classic that starts with a box of yellow cake mix and transforms into a bakery-worthy dessert. With its crisp crackly top, creamy cheesecake-like center, and toasty pecans, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes like it took hours to make.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: Neiman Marcus Cake, Neiman Marcus cake #chocolate, Neiman Marcus cake lemon, Neiman Marcus cake origin, Neiman Marcus cake story, Why is it called Neiman Marcus cake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Servings: 16 squares
Calories: 420kcal
Cost: $11

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch glass baking dish (For even baking)
  • 1 Electric hand mixer (To beat cream cheese layer)
  • 2 Large mixing bowls (For cake base and topping)
  • 1 Rubber spatula (For smooth spreading)
  • 1 Pastry brush (Optional—creates toffee-like crust)
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons (Accurate measurements)

Ingredients

Bottom Layer

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix - or butter pecan mix
  • ½ cup butter, melted - plus extra for brushing pan
  • 1 large egg - room temperature
  • 1 cup chopped pecans - toasted for best flavor

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese - softened
  • 1 lb (3 ¾ cups) powdered sugar - sifted
  • 2 large eggs - room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - or ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt - optional
  • ½ cup extra pecans - for topping (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Combine cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
  • In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in eggs and vanilla until silky.
  • Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer. Spread evenly to cover.
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden at the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.
  • Cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow layers to set.
  • Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled for a firmer texture.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes

Nutrition

Serving: 85g | Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 280mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1mg