Classic Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe (Gooey & Irresistible!)

Introduction

For those who crave luxurious comfort in a dessert, the Classic Neiman Marcus Cake is a must-try. Famous for its luscious, gooey center and irresistible buttery crust, this cake offers the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and nutty flavors. It’s a legendary Southern treat that comes together with minimal effort yet delivers maximum wow—ideal for potlucks, holidays, or any event where you want every guest asking for the recipe!

Why This Neiman Marcus Cake Is a Crowd Pleaser

What sets this cake apart is its decadently gooey texture—formed by a cream cheese and powdered sugar topping that bakes into a fudge-like layer atop a golden butter cake base. The result is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s sweet enough for special occasions but simple enough for a cozy family night.

Mixing Up the Gooey Neiman Marcus Cake Topping

The true magic lies in the topping. A blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and eggs whips up silky smooth, then is poured over your cake base to bake up into a sensationally gooey crown. Optional chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded in for a crunchy, nutty boost—making every bite a perfect balance of rich, tangy, and sweet.

Assembling Your Gooey Cake Layers

Begin by pressing the buttery cake base into your baking pan. Next, carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the top. Use a spatula to ensure even coverage—this ensures a perfect gooey top in every slice. Bake until the edges are set but the center still has a gentle jiggle for that signature gooey finish.

Serving Suggestions for an Irresistible Neiman Marcus Cake

Once cooled, cut your cake into generous squares and dust with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert experience. Serve it as a standout at celebrations or as a decadent ending to your weeknight meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 12–16 servings, depending on how you slice it. Each piece typically contains between 330–380 calories, making it a delightfully indulgent treat best enjoyed on special occasions.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to generate a smart, organized shopping list with every ingredient sorted by grocery section for quick and easy meal prep.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined. The batter will be thick.
3. Press the cake mix mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
5. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add the melted butter. Continue mixing until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Fold in chopped nuts if using.
6. Pour the cream cheese layer evenly over the cake base, using a spatula to spread it to the edges.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the edges are golden and set, but the center still jiggles slightly. Avoid overbaking to keep the gooey texture.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with extra powdered sugar for a finishing touch, if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Classic Neiman Marcus Cake is perfect for make-ahead gatherings and weekly treat planning. Save and schedule this recipe to integrate it seamlessly into your weekly menu and auto-generate a consolidated shopping list for all your meal plans.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculate ingredient totals across planned recipes
• Organize all shopping list items by grocery store sections
• Reduce duplicate purchases and minimize forgotten ingredients
• Streamline weekly meal prep for stress-free cooking

Pro tip: Save all your favorite recipes and schedule them for the week in CookifyAI to spot overlapping ingredients—helping you use up items efficiently and prevent waste. If this cake and another dish both use eggs or butter, your list updates totals automatically!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

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Indulge in the rich, gooey magic of this Classic Neiman Marcus Cake. Its simplicity, crowd-pleasing flavor, and fuss-free ingredients make it a star for bakers of all levels—especially when paired with smart meal planning tools like CookifyAI!