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–+ servings
Neiman Marcus Cake slice with a caramelized golden top, creamy center, and crumbly buttery crust on a white plate.

Neiman Marcus Cake

5 from 1 vote
This Neiman Marcus Cake is a gooey, buttery Southern classic that starts with a box of yellow cake mix and transforms into a bakery-worthy dessert. With its crisp crackly top, creamy cheesecake-like center, and toasty pecans, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes like it took hours to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Servings: 16 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Bottom Layer
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix - or butter pecan mix
  • ½ cup butter, melted - plus extra for brushing pan
  • 1 large egg - room temperature
  • 1 cup chopped pecans - toasted for best flavor
Cream Cheese Layer
  • 8 oz cream cheese - softened
  • 1 lb (3 ¾ cups) powdered sugar - sifted
  • 2 large eggs - room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - or ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt - optional
  • ½ cup extra pecans - for topping (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch glass baking dish (For even baking)
  • 1 Electric hand mixer (To beat cream cheese layer)
  • 2 Large mixing bowls (For cake base and topping)
  • 1 Rubber spatula (For smooth spreading)
  • 1 Pastry brush (Optional—creates toffee-like crust)
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons (Accurate measurements)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Combine cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in eggs and vanilla until silky.
  4. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer. Spread evenly to cover.
  5. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden at the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow layers to set.
  7. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled for a firmer texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 85gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 5gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 450IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes

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