Neiman Marcus Cake Cream Cheese

Name: Neiman Marcus Cake Cream Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Recipe by Sam Rivera · Updated July 2025

Cake

There's something magical about a Neiman Marcus cake that makes it the star of any gathering. This creamy, dreamy dessert balances a moist yellow cake base with a luscious cream cheese topping, creating a dessert that's both familiar and extraordinary. Home cooks adore it for its simplicity and showstopping presentation, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because you deserve a little indulgence. The contrast of textures-soft cake and velvety frosting-is simply irresistible.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The cream cheese topping is enriched with eggs, creating a silky, almost custard-like texture that sets beautifully without cracking.
Unlike traditional cream cheese frostings, this version is baked directly onto the cake, blending the layers into one cohesive, creamy delight.
The recipe leverages a boxed cake mix for the base, ensuring foolproof texture while allowing the star-the cream cheese layer-to shine.
The slight jiggle in the center when removed from the oven ensures the cake stays incredibly moist and tender once cooled.

⏱ 55 mins

American

Servings 15

Ingredients

1 boxyellow cake mix

1 cupunsalted butter, melted

2 largeeggs

1 package(8 oz) cream cheese, softened

2 largeeggs

3 ¾ cupspowdered sugar

1 teaspoonvanilla extract

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

430 caloriesCalories

Per serving · Values are estimates

Instructions

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

In a bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with 2 eggs and the melted butter until thick. Press evenly into the baking dish.

In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Beat until fully combined and creamy.

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base. Spread evenly with a spatula.

Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and edges are set, but the center remains slightly jiggly.

Let the cake cool completely before slicing.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Essential Tips

Don't overbeat the batter

When mixing the cream cheese layer, beat just until smooth and combined. Overbeating can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks as it bakes.

Room temperature cream cheese

Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese won't blend smoothly and can create lumps in the frosting layer.

Press the cake base firmly

After mixing the cake batter, press it evenly into the pan with your hands or a spatula. This prevents uneven baking and a fragile crust.

Bake until just set

The edges should look golden and set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when shaken. This ensures a moist, tender crumb.

Cool completely before dusting

Let the cake cool entirely in the pan before transferring or dusting. Warm cake will melt the powdered sugar, creating a sticky mess.

Smart Swaps & Variations

Chocolate twist Replace the yellow cake mix with devil's food cake mix for a rich chocolate base that pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese layer.

Citrus zing Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy twist that cuts through the sweetness.

Nutty crunch Fold ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake base before baking for added texture and nutty flavor.

Berry swirl Before baking, swirl ½ cup of raspberry or strawberry jam into the cream cheese layer for a fruity, eye-catching variation.

What to Serve With This

Warm slices topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for an elegant brunch.
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to contrast the creamy cake with cold, creamy indulgence.
A cup of hot coffee or chai tea to balance the richness of the dessert.
Freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy, comforting finish.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore warmth without drying out the cake. Alternatively, warm the entire cake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes before serving.

Expert Chef Tips

For an extra-rich cream cheese layer, substitute half the powdered sugar with 1 cup of mascarpone cheese, beaten into the mixture for a silkier texture.
Use a serrated knife dipped in hot water to slice the cake cleanly without tearing the layers, especially when serving from the pan.
For a glossier finish, brush the top of the warm cake with a light syrup made from equal parts sugar and water before dusting with powdered sugar.

Equipment You’ll Need

9×13-inch baking pan
Stand mixer or hand mixer (for cream cheese layer)
Spatula (for spreading the cream cheese layer)
Fine-mesh sieve (for dusting powdered sugar)

Nutritional Benefits

Each serving (1/16 of the cake) provides approximately 430 calories, primarily from sugar and fat due to the cream cheese and butter.
The cream cheese layer contributes calcium and protein, while the cake base offers carbohydrates for energy.
This cake is high in saturated fat, so enjoy it in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a daily dessert.
For a lighter option, reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer by ½ cup and substitute with Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess.