Dude, you gotta try this Neiman Marcus cake – it’s that gooey, dreamy dessert with crispy edges that totally steals the show at any party. Straight outta Southern kitchens, it feels all fancy but uses stuff you probably already have hanging around. Hang tight, and I’ll spill the one trick that makes the texture outta this world.
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Rich History of Neiman Marcus Cake
Look, this Neiman Marcus cake recipe didn’t come from some ritzy store – that’s just a hilarious myth. It’s straight-up Southern comfort food from church potlucks and family hangouts, nicknamed after that fancy department store ’cause it tastes like a million bucks. Kinda like gooey butter cake’s cooler cousin – same buttery, cheesy goodness, but with its own legendary rep.​​
Folks have been messing with and sharing this homemade version for years – perfect for holidays or just ’cause you’re craving it. No surprise it’s blowing up online. I mean, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s indulgent AF without all the fuss?

The 1 Simple Trick: Master the Jiggle
Here’s the real game-changer for the moistest Neiman Marcus cake ever: the “jiggle test.” Pull it outta the oven when the edges are golden but the middle’s still wobbling like Jell-O. Boom – you’ve nailed that perfect gooey center without drying it out. That leftover oven heat finishes the job, keeping the cream cheese layer soft and silly.​​
Oh, and grab room-temp cream cheese and eggs – no lumps, I swear. Don’t overmix the batter either, or it’ll get tough like old sneakers. Nail this, and pros will be jealous of your texture game.
Why It Works (No BS)
- Saves the topping from turning rubbery – total buzzkill otherwise.
- Keeps it moist and pull-apart gooey, which is my absolute fave.
- Stick to 350°F, and you’re golden.
Authentic Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
This from-scratch Neiman Marcus cake is dummy-proof with basic pantry stuff. Ditch the mix if you’re feeling extra – flour, baking soda, and cocoa make a killer chocolate base. Feeds 12-16 in your 9×13 pan.
Neiman Marcus Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- A coupleof mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or spoon power
- Spatula for scraping
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
Cake Base (The Crunchy Bottom)
- 1 box Yellow cake mix 15.25 oz
- ½ cup Unsalted butter, melted 1 stick
- 1 Large egg
- 1 cup Chopped pecans
Gooey Topping (The Magic)
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened 1 block
- 4 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Fun Add-Ins (If You Want)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Crank oven to 350°F, grease that 9×13 pan (parchment sling is a genius hack).
- Crust time: Stir cake mix, melted butter, and egg till doughy. Pecans? Heck yes for crunch. Pat it flat – wet hands make it easy.
- Topping magic:Â Whip cream cheese smooth, then ease in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Room-temp keeps it creamy, not gritty.
- Bake smart: Dump topping on crust. 35-45 mins till edges crisp, center jiggles. Cool fully in the pan, fridge 2 hours for pretty slices.​
- Serve up:Â Powdered sugar shower. Ice cream or berries? Chef's kiss to cut the sweet.
Notes
- Southern classic, not off the shelf – purely opulent vibes!
- Chocolate mix = heaven.
- Fridge 7 days, freezes great.
- Room-temp + jiggle = gooey perfection.
Nutrition (Per Slice, About 12 Servings)
- Calories: 425-ish (some say 236, varies)
- Fat: 9-12g (mostly good)
- Sat Fat: ~5g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
- Sodium: 203mg
- Carbs: High (sugar star)
- Protein: 2-4g (not why we eat it)
Full-fat for max yum – numbers shift with extras.​
Why Neiman Marcus Cake Stands Out
What makes it special? That cookie-crust-meets-custard magic – beats your basic chocolate fudge cake hands down. All that butter, cream cheese, and sugar keep it stupid moist.​
Fold gently for airiness, preheat right, cool slow – boom, soft and tender every time. No wonder it rules potlucks.
Flavor Variations to Try
Mix up your homemade Neiman Marcus cake – it’s built for tinkering, like classic desserts on steroids.
- Neiman Marcus Chocolate Cake:Â Devil’s food + chips on top. Cocoa heaven.
- Lemon Twist: Lemon mix and zest – zesty kick!
- Spice Delight: Spice cake with cinnamon – fall vibes all day.
- Coconut Crunch:Â Flakes in crust for true Southern flair.
Gooey stays, fun ramps up.
Expert Baking Tips
Make moist Neiman Marcus cake a lock with these faves.
- Mix Right: Cream butter and sugar first, fold the rest – no tough batter.
- Pan Hack:Â Foil lift for clean squares, every time.
- Moisture Boost:Â Sour cream in base? Extra tender, no doubt.
- Texture Fix:Â Dense crumb? Less mixing next round.
Pro tip: Powdered sugar magic is why Neiman Marcus cake stays so moist.​
Storage and Make-Ahead
Counter 1-2 days, fridge a week, freeze slices 3 months. Tastes better day two – total make-ahead win.
FAQs
Is Gooey Butter Cake identical to this Cake?
Why is it called Neiman Marcus Cake?
How do you get a soft cake texture?
Jiggle + room-temp dairy = no chew.
What is the secret to achieving a moist chocolate cake?
Fats, folds, timing – easy peasy.
Can I bake without cake mix?
Totally, flour-sugar-soda base rocks from-scratch.
Introducing your new obsession – the Neiman Marcus cake. Nail the jiggle, tweak flavors, own every gathering. Bake it, buddy – kitchen party’s on!





