Neiman Marcus Gooey Cake

Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich and gooey dessert bar that brings buttery cake and creamy topping together in perfect harmony. This Southern favorite delivers indulgence with a simple preparation, making it ideal for potlucks, holidays, or any time you want a treat that pleases a crowd.

I stumbled upon this recipe years ago and it quickly became my favorite dessert whenever I needed something impressive yet effortless. Everyone always asks for seconds and it never lasts long on the table.

Ingredients

• Yellow cake mix: the foundation giving a light, fluffy crumb so choose a quality brand you like
• Melted butter: adds richness and moisture, using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness
• Eggs: three total for structure and richness, use large eggs at room temperature for best results
• Cream cheese: softened fully for a smooth, creamy topping without lumps
• Vanilla extract: boosts flavor, choose pure vanilla for the best aroma
• Powdered sugar: the sweetener in the cream cheese layer that also dusts the top for a pretty finish, sift if clumpy

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Prepare the Cake Base:

In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, half a cup of melted butter, and one egg. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended and smooth. Press this batter into the greased pan in an even layer to create the cake base for the topping.

Make the Cream Cheese Topping:

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and lump free. Add the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Continue beating until the mixture turns creamy and uniform.

Assemble and Bake:

Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the cake base using a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when the edges turn golden brown and the center jiggles slightly but is set. Avoid overbaking to keep the gooey center intact.

Cool and Serve:

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Once cool, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. Slice into squares and serve.

My favorite ingredient is the cream cheese for its silky texture that marries perfectly with the simple cake base. One holiday season my family gathered around this cake and the smiles as everyone took their first bites reminded me why I cherish cooking for loved ones so much.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Because of the cream cheese layer, chilling keeps the topping stable and fresh. Before serving again, bring pieces to room temperature to regain that melt in your mouth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter pecan or spice cake mix can replace the yellow cake mix for a flavorful twist. Using light cream cheese instead of full fat may reduce richness but keep creaminess. Vanilla bean paste can be substituted for vanilla extract if you want a more intense vanilla flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a fresh contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm slices makes it an irresistible dessert. It also cuts well into small bars, perfect for parties or afternoon tea.

These gooey cream cheese bars are a simple yet impressive dessert to share with friends and family. They keep well refrigerated for up to four days and are best served at room temperature.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What makes this dessert gooey?

The slightly jiggly center achieved by careful baking creates the rich gooey texture combined with the cream cheese topping.

→ Can I use other cake mixes?

Yes, butter pecan or spice cake mixes add interesting flavor twists to the base.

→ How do I prevent lumps in the topping?

Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

→ What is the best pan size for baking?

A 9×13-inch pan is ideal to ensure even baking and the right thickness of layers.

→ How should the dessert be cooled?

Allow it to cool completely before slicing, which helps the topping set and enhances serving presentation.