Name: Neiman Marcus Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (divided: 1/2 cup for crust, 1/2 cup for topping); 4 large eggs (2 for crust, 2 for topping); 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar

Rich, buttery, and irresistibly gooey, Neiman Marcus Cake is a Southern dessert classic that’s every bit as decadent as it sounds. Also known as Gooey Butter Cake, this easy-to-make treat is layered with a buttery cake base and topped with a luscious cream cheese mixture. Each bite melts in your mouth with a delicious contrast of chewy edges and a creamy center, making it perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or any day that needs a touch of indulgence.

What makes this cake stand out is its simplicity paired with big flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get a dessert that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. Serve it warm for extra gooeyness or chilled for a firmer, fudge-like bite. Either way, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

A classic yellow cake mix works best for Neiman Marcus Cake, providing that sweet, buttery flavor with a golden base that complements the creamy topping perfectly. You can experiment with other varieties like butter pecan or French vanilla for a twist, but yellow cake mix is the traditional go-to.

Ingredients for the Neiman Marcus Cake

Yellow Cake Mix – This forms the chewy, golden base of the cake and balances the richness of the topping.

Unsalted Butter – Adds depth, moisture, and that irresistible buttery taste to both the base and the topping.

Eggs – Help bind the layers and give structure while adding richness.

Cream Cheese – The star of the topping, bringing creaminess and a slight tang to contrast the sweet cake.

Powdered Sugar – Used in the topping to sweeten and create that smooth, glossy finish that bakes into a crackly crust.

How To Make the Neiman Marcus Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, two eggs, and melted butter until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create the crust.

Step 2: Make the Gooey Topping

In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining two eggs and powdered sugar, mixing until completely combined and silky. Pour this mixture over the cake base.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40–45 minutes. The edges should be golden and set, while the center stays slightly jiggly. Let cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to firm up.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Dust with a light coating of powdered sugar if desired. Slice into squares and serve either chilled or at room temperature.

Serving and Storing Neiman Marcus Cake

Serve Neiman Marcus Cake chilled for a dense, fudge-like texture or slightly warm if you prefer a gooier bite. It’s delicious plain or topped with a dollop of whipped cream. To store, cover the cake and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully—just wrap individual slices tightly and thaw as needed.

What to Serve With Neiman Marcus Cake?

Fresh Berries

The tartness of raspberries or strawberries balances the richness of the cake.

Whipped Cream

Light and airy, it adds an extra creamy contrast to every bite.

Coffee or Espresso

Perfect for cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A cold, creamy pairing that turns a slice into a full-blown dessert experience.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

For those who want to double down on decadence, this adds another layer of indulgent flavor.

Want More Cake Ideas with Southern Charm?

If you love this gooey, buttery treat, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring more Southern-style desserts:

Pineapple Heaven Cake with tropical flair and a fluffy finish.
German Chocolate Poke Cake for layers of coconut and chocolate goodness.
Double Crust Cheesecake that’s creamy, rich, and totally over the top.
Salted Caramel Cupcakes for handheld caramel magic.
Coconut Cream Cake if you’re dreaming of something creamy with a tropical twist.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a handful of pecans or a chocolate swirl? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Neiman Marcus Cake

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ready to indulge in a gooey, buttery slice of Southern comfort? Neiman Marcus Cake is your answer. With a chewy cake bottom and a sweet, tangy cream cheese topping, this dessert is outrageously easy to whip up using pantry staples. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert idea, something indulgent for the holidays, or simply craving a nostalgic treat, this easy recipe delivers. Great for potlucks, weeknight desserts, or breakfast ideas that double as a sweet snack, this cake covers all your food ideas with flair.