Why is it called a Neiman Marcus bar?

Despite its name, Neiman Marcus Cake (or Neiman Marcus Bars) has no official connection to the Neiman Marcus department store. The origin of the name is unclear, but it is believed to have been a marketing-inspired name rather than a dessert created by the retailer. The cake itself is a variation of the Southern Gooey Butter Cake, featuring a rich, buttery crust and a sweet cream cheese topping that forms a slightly crisp layer when baked. Over time, home bakers and cookbook authors started referring to it as Neiman Marcus Cake, and the name stuck.

What is the most delicious cake in the world?

The answer to this question depends on personal preference, but some of the world’s most popular and beloved cakes include: Chocolate Cake – Rich, moist, and universally loved. Red Velvet Cake – Soft, slightly tangy, with a creamy frosting. Black Forest Cake – Layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries. Tiramisu – A coffee-flavored Italian favorite made with mascarpone and cocoa. Neiman Marcus Cake – A Southern classic with a gooey texture and sweet cream cheese topping. Among these, Neiman Marcus Cake is one of the easiest to make, requiring minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor and indulgence.

What is a Mary Jane cake?

A Mary Jane Cake is a vintage Southern cake known for its moist texture and caramel-like flavor. It typically includes molasses, brown sugar, and spices, giving it a rich, old-fashioned taste. Some variations of Mary Jane Cake also include nuts, raisins, or a caramel glaze, making it a comforting and nostalgic dessert. While Mary Jane Cake is less well-known than Neiman Marcus Cake, it shares the same buttery richness that makes Southern desserts so irresistible.

How do you make a cake more moist?

A moist cake is every baker’s goal, and there are several ways to ensure your cake stays soft and tender: Use room-temperature ingredients – Cold butter or eggs can cause a cake to be dense. Do not overmix the batter – Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake. Use buttermilk or sour cream – These ingredients add moisture and richness. Do not overbake – Check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Brush with simple syrup – A light coat of sugar syrup after baking helps retain moisture. For Neiman Marcus Cake , its cream cheese layer naturally keeps it moist, making it a perfect no-fail dessert even for beginner bakers.

The Ultimate Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe: 5 Delicious Variations to Try!

Description

This Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, gooey, and buttery dessert with a creamy cream cheese topping. Easy to make with a boxed cake mix, it’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any sweet craving. Try different variations like chocolate, lemon, or caramel pecan for a delicious twist!

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

Cream Cheese Topping:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Mix cake base: In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press the dough evenly into the baking dish.
Make the topping: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until fully combined.
Assemble & Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the center remains slightly gooey.
Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

For a chocolate version, use chocolate cake mix and add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the topping.
For a lemon twist, use lemon cake mix and add 1 tbsp lemon zest.
Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing? Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store for up to 1 month.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Bakin
Cuisine: American / Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square (1/12 of cake)
Calories: ~450 kcal
Sugar: ~38g
Sodium: ~250mg
Fat: ~20g
Saturated Fat: ~12g
Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
Trans Fat: ~0g
Carbohydrates: ~60g
Fiber: ~1g
Protein: ~5g
Cholesterol: ~90mg

Keywords: Neiman Marcus Cake, gooey butter cake, cream cheese dessert, easy cake recipe, boxed cake mix dessert, Southern dessert, butter cake bars, homemade cake