Introduction
This Neiman Marcus Cake is a Southern classic that perfectly combines rich, buttery layers with a gooey, sweet cream cheese topping. 💛
It’s a vintage dessert often found at potlucks, church gatherings, and holiday tables — because it’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and tastes like heaven in every bite.
Think of it as the love child of a butter cake and a cheesecake — chewy at the edges, soft in the center, and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients List
For the Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix (approx. 425 g)
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Topping
- 1 package (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Tip: Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture and classic gooey consistency.
Timing ⏰
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
➡️ Quick, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs.
Stir until a thick dough forms.
Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan — it will form a buttery crust.
Pro Tip: Use your hands or the back of a spoon to spread the dough evenly.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Whisk until creamy and lump-free.
Pour this mixture evenly over the crust.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the center is still slightly gooey.
Cool completely before slicing — the top will form a shiny, crackly crust.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Cut into squares and dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. 😋
Nutritional Information (per slice, 1/16 of cake)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Sugar | 34 g |
| Sodium | 230 mg |
Note: This cake is rich and indulgent — perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave something extra special.
Variations & Ideas 🍫
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use chocolate cake mix and drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
- Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the topping for a tangy version.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Pumpkin Spice: Use spice cake mix and add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the topping.
Storage & Serving 🧊
- Room Temperature: Up to 2 days, covered.
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days for a firmer, cheesecake-like texture.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months — thaw overnight before serving.
Tip: For clean slices, chill the cake for 1 hour and use a sharp knife dipped in warm water.
Common Mistakes ❌
- Overbaking: The center should stay slightly gooey — that’s the charm!
- Cold Cream Cheese: Makes the topping lumpy — let it soften first.
- Thin Crust: Press the base firmly to get the perfect chewy texture.
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