Neiman Marcus Cake II is one of my favorite rich and comforting desserts. I love how it combines a buttery cake layer with a luscious cream cheese topping that bakes into a soft, gooey texture. It is an easy dessert that feels special enough for holidays, family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever I want to serve a crowd with something unforgettable.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 (15.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
4 large eggs, divided
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, I combine the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until a stiff batter forms.
I spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
In another bowl, I beat together the confectioners’ sugar, softened cream cheese, and the remaining 2 eggs until smooth and creamy.
I pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter.
I bake the cake for about 35 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly pulling away from the pan while the center remains slightly jiggly.
I allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving for the best texture.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 14 servings
Calories: Approximately 428 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes use a butter cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for an even richer flavor.
I like adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cream cheese layer for extra crunch.
Occasionally I mix a little lemon zest into the topping to give the dessert a fresh citrus note.
I enjoy sprinkling mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese layer before baking for a chocolate twist.
I sometimes dust the cooled cake with a little extra confectioners’ sugar before serving for a prettier presentation.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days because of the cream cheese layer.
I also freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
I usually enjoy this cake chilled or at room temperature. If I prefer it slightly warm, I heat an individual slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
I can easily substitute butter, white, or even spice cake mix to create a different flavor while keeping the same gooey texture.
Why should the center still be slightly jiggly?
I leave the center a little jiggly because it continues to set as the cake cools, creating the signature gooey consistency.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
I often prepare it a day in advance because the flavors develop even more after it has rested in the refrigerator overnight.
Do I have to refrigerate the cake?
Yes. I refrigerate it because the topping contains cream cheese, which should be kept chilled for food safety.
Can I serve this cake warm?
I can serve it slightly warm, but I find the texture is even better after it has cooled completely and fully set.
Conclusion
I love making Neiman Marcus Cake II because it is incredibly easy, wonderfully rich, and always a crowd favorite. The buttery cake base and creamy gooey topping create a dessert that is both comforting and impressive. Whether I prepare it for a holiday celebration, a family gathering, or a casual weekend treat, it never fails to disappear quickly from the dessert table.
📖 Recipe:
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Neiman Marcus Cake II
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Neiman Marcus Cake II is a rich, buttery dessert with a soft cake base and a luscious cream cheese topping that bakes into a signature gooey texture. It’s an easy crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
1 (15.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
4 large eggs, divided
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until a stiff batter forms.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, softened cream cheese, and the remaining 2 eggs until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake for about 35 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly pulling away from the pan while the center remains slightly jiggly.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Substitute butter, white, or spice cake mix for a different flavor variation.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cream cheese layer for extra crunch.
Mix lemon zest into the topping for a fresh citrus flavor.
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the topping before baking for a chocolate twist.
Dust with additional confectioners’ sugar before serving if desired.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Serve chilled, at room temperature, or warm individual slices for 10–15 seconds in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 428 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
