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A close-up of a single slice of Neiman Marcus cake on a white plate, showing a thick, gooey cream cheese layer over a moist, buttery crust. The top is deeply golden and slightly crisp, while the inside looks creamy and tender. Crumb details are visible on the plate, emphasizing the cake’s rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Neiman Marcus Cake

These rich, gooey dessert bars feature a buttery pecan crust topped with a sweet and tangy cream cheese layer. Known for their soft, pudding-like texture and easy prep, Neiman Marcus Cake are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a make-ahead treat.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Bars, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Best Neiman Marcus cake recipe, Neiman Marcus cake #chocolate, Neiman Marcus cake no cake mix, Neiman Marcus cake recipe with cake mix, Neiman Marcus cake story, Neiman Marcus cake with pecans, Original Neiman Marcus cake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Calories: 310kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 baking pan (Buttered and lined with parchment paper)
  • 1 Hand or stand mixer (For mixing the cream cheese layer)
  • 2 Mixing bowls (One for crust, one for filling)
  • 1set Measuring cups & spoons
  • 1 Rubber spatula (For spreading cream cheese layer)
  • 1 Wire rack (For cooling bars)

Ingredients

Crust Layer

  • 1 box Yellow cake mix - Any brand
  • ½ cup Butter - Salted preferred melted
  • 1 Egg Large
  • ½ cup Chopped pecans - Toasted

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz Cream cheese - Room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon Sour cream - Optional adds tang + texture
  • 3 ¾ cups Powdered sugar - Aka confectioner's sugar
  • 2 Eggs Large
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Topping

  • ¼ cup Chopped pecans - Toasted for topping
  • Powdered sugar - For dusting after baking

Instructions

  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper. Toast pecans in a dry pan for 5 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    A metal baking pan lined with parchment paper filled with a thick, creamy batter covered generously with glossy, toasted pecans. The mixture has a rich, buttery color and a smooth texture, ready to go into the oven. A wooden spatula rests on the edge, showing the creamy consistency of the batter. The rustic background adds warmth, suggesting a homemade dessert in preparation.
  • Mix yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg into a thick dough. Press into pan and sprinkle with half the toasted pecans.
    A large mixing bowl filled with fluffy, whipped cream cheese and powdered sugar being combined with a wooden spoon. The mixture is light and creamy, with visible folds and swirls showing its airy texture. Three brown eggs rest beside the bowl on a marble surface, hinting at the next baking step.
  • 3 Beat cream cheese and optional sour cream until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then eggs and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
    A round pie dish filled with creamy, whipped cream cheese filling topped with a generous layer of whole and chopped pecans. The crust is crumbly and golden brown, contrasting with the smooth, light filling. The pie looks luxurious and festive, perfect for a holiday dessert.
  • Pour filling over crust and spread evenly. Top with remaining pecans. Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes until edges are golden and center is jiggly.
    A perfectly baked Neiman Marcus cake with a golden-brown, slightly caramelized surface in a square baking dish. The top has an even, glistening crust with small darker spots where the sugar has bubbled and browned. The cake sits on a wooden board with a spoon and wooden spatula beside it, exuding a cozy, home-baked feel.
  • Cool completely for 2 hours. Cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
    A close-up of a single slice of Neiman Marcus cake on a white plate, showing a thick, gooey cream cheese layer over a moist, buttery crust. The top is deeply golden and slightly crisp, while the inside looks creamy and tender. Crumb details are visible on the plate, emphasizing the cake’s rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 75g | Calories: 310kcal (16%) | Carbohydrates: 38g (13%) | Protein: 3g (6%) | Fat: 17g (26%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 55mg (18%) | Sodium: 220mg (10%) | Potassium: 80mg (2%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 30g (33%) | Vitamin A: 350IU (7%) | Calcium: 50mg (5%) | Iron: 0.8mg (4%)
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