Let’s talk about a dessert that’s rich, gooey, and completely irresistible—the Neiman Marcus Cake. Despite its fancy name, this recipe couldn’t be more down-to-earth. It starts with a box of yellow cake mix, gets topped with a luscious cream cheese layer, and bakes into a soft, golden masterpiece that’s part cake, part gooey bar, and 100% delicious.

If you’ve never had Neiman Marcus Cake before, you’re in for a treat. This Southern classic has gone by many names—Gooey Butter Cake, Texas Gold Bars, even Chess Cake in some regions—but no matter what you call it, the flavor and texture are unforgettable. Sweet, creamy, and slightly chewy on the edges, it’s the kind of dessert that people always ask for the recipe after just one bite.

I first made this cake for a family potluck years ago. It was one of those last-minute bakes where I had exactly one box of cake mix in the pantry and a brick of cream cheese in the fridge. The result? A total hit that’s now requested for nearly every family get-together. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a pro baker without any of the stress.

Let’s walk through the ingredients and start building that signature buttery crust layer.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

This recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. It’s proof that simple really is better when it comes to dessert.

For the base layer:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz), dry
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the top layer:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar (about 1 lb)

That combination of boxed mix and cream cheese is what gives this cake its signature soft, gooey center and lightly crisp edges.

STEP-BY-STEP: MAKING THE BASE LAYER:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. I prefer parchment because it makes lifting the cooled bars out of the pan a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Crust Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 large egg. This will form a thick, sticky dough—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.

Step 3: Press the Dough into the Pan

Once your crust dough is ready, press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to smooth it out. Try to keep the thickness consistent across the whole pan so the cake bakes evenly.

This base layer is rich, buttery, and forms the perfect foundation for the creamy topping that comes next. It bakes into a slightly chewy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet filling.

MIXING THE CREAM CHEESE TOPPING & BAKING YOUR NEIMAN MARCUS CAKE TO PERFECTION

Now that we’ve got that rich, buttery crust pressed and ready in the pan, it’s time to focus on the real star of the show—the cream cheese layer. This sweet, velvety topping is what gives Neiman Marcus Cake its signature gooey texture and melt-in-your-mouth appeal.

If you’ve ever wondered how such a simple set of ingredients can come together to create such a decadent dessert, you’re about to find out. The secret? It’s all about balancing that dense, chewy base with a light, fluffy topping that caramelizes just enough on the edges while staying soft in the center.

Let’s dive right into mixing up that luscious cream cheese layer and getting this cake into the oven.

Step 4: Beat the Cream Cheese Until Smooth

In a medium mixing bowl, start by beating the softened cream cheese on medium speed until it’s nice and smooth. You want to get rid of any lumps before adding the rest of the ingredients—this makes the final topping light and creamy. If you didn’t get a chance to take the cream cheese out early, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10–15) will soften it just enough.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined. The mixture should be creamy and pale yellow in color.

Step 6: Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar

Now, slowly add in the 4 cups of powdered sugar. It’s best to do this in batches so you don’t end up with a sugar cloud all over your kitchen. Keep mixing until the topping is smooth and slightly fluffy. It should be pourable but thick—almost like a thick cake batter.

Step 7: Pour the Cream Cheese Mixture Over the Crust

Once your cream cheese topping is fully mixed, pour it evenly over the crust layer in the pan. Use a spatula to gently spread it out all the way to the edges. This layer will puff slightly as it bakes and then settle as it cools, creating that classic gooey top.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Just Set

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a center that is set but still has a slight jiggle. It should look a little soft in the middle—that’s totally normal. If you overbake, the cake loses its gooey magic, so keep an eye on it during those final minutes.

Step 9: Cool Before Cutting

Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan. This part is important. As the cake cools, it firms up and becomes easier to slice into neat squares. You can even pop it into the fridge for a bit if you want super clean cuts.

TIPS FOR BAKING SUCCESS:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Softened cream cheese and room temp eggs mix more easily and create a smoother topping.
• Don’t overmix the topping: Once the powdered sugar is fully incorporated, you’re done. Overmixing can cause the cake to rise too much and crack.
• Want extra flavor? Add a touch of almond extract or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. It’s a subtle twist that really elevates the sweetness.

FAQS & WHY THIS NEIMAN MARCUS CAKE BELONGS IN YOUR RECIPE BOX:

By now, your Neiman Marcus Cake is cooling on the counter, and your kitchen smells like a sweet bakery dream. Whether you’ve baked it for a potluck, family dinner, or a quiet night in, one thing’s for sure—this cake never lasts long once it’s sliced. It’s rich, gooey, and that combo of buttery crust and sweet cream cheese top is simply impossible to resist.

Before we wrap things up, let’s go over a few frequently asked questions to help you nail this recipe every time and customize it to fit whatever occasion you’ve got in mind.

1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely. While yellow cake mix is classic, white, butter, or even spice cake mix all work well. Chocolate cake mix makes a fun twist too, especially if you’re going for a richer version.

2. Do I need to refrigerate the cake after baking?

Yes, because of the cream cheese layer, it’s best to store this cake in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. It’ll keep for up to 4–5 days—and some say it tastes even better the next day.

3. Can I freeze Neiman Marcus Cake?

You sure can. After cooling, slice it into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

4. What if my cake cracks on top while baking?

No worries at all. A few cracks on top are totally normal and won’t affect the taste or texture. The gooey center stays soft underneath, and the golden top just adds a little character.

5. Can I cut back on the sugar in the topping?

This cake is definitely sweet by design. If you want to reduce the sugar, you can try using 3 cups of powdered sugar instead of 4, but keep in mind it may slightly change the texture of the top layer.

6. How do I know when the cake is done?

The top should be golden and set around the edges, with just a slight jiggle in the center. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out mostly clean but might have a few moist crumbs—that’s perfect.

7. Can I serve it warm?

Yes! Once cooled and sliced, you can microwave a piece for 10–15 seconds if you like it warm. Just know it’s a little softer when heated, but still delicious.

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE DESSERT THAT NEVER DISAPPOINTS

The beauty of The Best Neiman Marcus Cake with Cream Cheese is that it feels like a treat you spent hours on—but only takes minutes to pull together. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you get a dessert that’s rich, nostalgic, and guaranteed to wow every single time.

It’s the kind of recipe that travels well, slices beautifully, and always leaves people asking, “What is this cake?” Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a birthday, or just to satisfy that sweet craving, this one checks all the boxes: easy, impressive, and incredibly tasty.

So go ahead—print it, pin it, or write it down on a recipe card for safekeeping. And if you try a fun variation (like adding chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of caramel), be sure to leave a comment and share how it turned out. This cake’s been a classic in so many kitchens for a reason—now it’s time to make it a favorite in yours too.

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