If you’re looking for a rich, buttery dessert that’s incredibly moist, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make, this Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe is the perfect choice. Often called a “gooey butter cake,” this famous dessert features a soft yellow cake base topped with a luscious cream cheese layer that bakes into a deliciously gooey, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
Despite its luxurious name, the recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers and requires only a handful of pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, potlucks, birthdays, or whenever you’re craving an indulgent homemade dessert.
The combination of buttery cake, creamy filling, and a light dusting of powdered sugar makes every bite irresistibly sweet and satisfying.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty: Easy
What Is Neiman Marcus Cake?
Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich Southern-style dessert that’s commonly associated with the famous department store, although its exact origin remains a topic of debate. It’s also widely known as Gooey Butter Cake because of its soft cake base and creamy, slightly gooey cream cheese topping.
Unlike traditional cakes with layers and frosting, this dessert is baked in one pan. The bottom layer is made from yellow cake mix combined with butter and eggs, while the top layer features cream cheese, butter, eggs, vanilla, and powdered sugar. During baking, the two layers create a beautiful contrast between a firm base and a creamy, custard-like topping.
The result is an incredibly rich dessert that’s somewhere between a cake, a cheesecake, and a buttery dessert bar.
Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
There are countless reasons this recipe has remained a favorite for decades.
- Rich, buttery flavor
- Creamy cheesecake-like topping
- Perfectly gooey texture
- Beginner-friendly recipe
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Great for holidays and parties
- Easy one-pan dessert
- Perfect make-ahead treat
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Optional Garnish
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh raspberries
- Mint leaves
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cooling rack
How to Make Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg.
Mix until a thick dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using a spatula or your hands.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully combined and silky smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until no lumps remain.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared cake base.
Use a spatula to spread the filling gently, ensuring it completely covers the bottom layer.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the center remains slightly soft and gooey. Avoid overbaking, as the signature texture comes from the moist center.
Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool completely for at least 1 hour. As it cools, the cream cheese layer will set while remaining deliciously gooey in the center.
Dust the top generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares. Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or mint leaves if desired. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Video Guide
Expert Tips for the Best Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
A few simple baking tips can help you achieve the perfect gooey texture every time.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
- Avoid overmixing once the powdered sugar is added.
- Do not overbake—the center should still jiggle slightly when removed from the oven.
- Use a glass or light-colored baking dish for even baking.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Chill leftovers for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.
- Dust with fresh powdered sugar just before serving for the best presentation.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Neiman Marcus Cake
Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a rich chocolate version.
Lemon Gooey Cake
Replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract and add fresh lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor.
Pumpkin Version
Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese layer for a delicious fall dessert.
Red Velvet Version
Use a red velvet cake mix to create a colorful and festive variation.
Pecan Butter Cake
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling before baking for added crunch and nutty flavor.
What to Serve with Neiman Marcus Cake
This rich dessert pairs wonderfully with beverages and light accompaniments.
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Mixed berries
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate drizzle
- Hot coffee
- Espresso
- Cappuccino
- Chai tea
- Cold milk
Storage & Freezing
This cake stores exceptionally well and tastes even better the next day.
Refrigerator
Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Enjoy chilled, at room temperature, or microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds to make the center extra soft and gooey.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking the Cake
The center should remain slightly soft. Overbaking will remove the signature gooey texture.
Using Cold Cream Cheese
Cold cream cheese can create lumps in the filling. Always soften it before mixing.
Not Greasing the Pan
Properly grease the baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Skipping the Cooling Time
Allow the cake to cool completely so the filling sets properly before slicing.
Pressing the Base Unevenly
Spread the cake mixture evenly to ensure consistent baking.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 330 mg |
| Sugar | 45 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves rich, buttery, and creamy treats. With its soft cake base and irresistible gooey cream cheese topping, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, family dinner, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this homemade cake is guaranteed to impress. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your favorite dessert recipes.
You may also like PF Chang Lettuce Wrap Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Neiman Marcus Cake?
The exact origin is uncertain, but the dessert became widely associated with Neiman Marcus and is also commonly known as Gooey Butter Cake.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes. Chocolate, lemon, butter pecan, spice, and red velvet cake mixes all work well.
Should the center still be gooey?
Yes. The slightly gooey center is the signature texture of this dessert.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. It can be baked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving.
Can I freeze Neiman Marcus Cake?
Yes. Freeze individual slices in airtight wrapping for up to three months.
Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Yes. Because of the cream cheese filling, leftovers should always be refrigerated.
Recipe Card
Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg.
- Mix until a thick dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using a spatula or your hands.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully combined and silky smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing continuously until no lumps remain.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared cake base.
- Use a spatula to spread the filling gently, ensuring it completely covers the bottom layer.
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the center remains slightly soft and gooey. Avoid overbaking, as the signature texture comes from the moist center.
- Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool completely for at least 1 hour. As it cools, the cream cheese layer will set while remaining deliciously gooey in the center.
- Dust the top generously with powdered sugar before slicing into squares. Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or mint leaves if desired. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Video
Notes
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Mixed berries
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate drizzle
- Hot coffee
- Espresso
- Cappuccino
- Chai tea
- Cold milk
