There’s something undeniably luxurious about the Neiman Marcus Cake a decadent chocolate masterpiece that has become a symbol of indulgence and elegance. This rich, moist cake is layered with a velvety chocolate ganache and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder, making it the perfect dessert for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself. With its deep chocolate flavor and simple preparation, this cake is as impressive as it is easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the most iconic cakes in history
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is elegant. Here’s why it’s a favorite
Deep Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and chocolate chips ensures every bite is packed with rich, indulgent chocolate goodness.
Moist and Tender Texture: The oil and buttermilk in the batter keep the cake incredibly moist and tender.
Quick and Easy: Despite its reputation, this cake comes together with straightforward steps and minimal prep time. Perfect for busy days when you still want something special.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings whipped cream, fresh berries, or chopped nuts to make each slice unique.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at parties or family gatherings. Who can resist a slice of this luscious chocolate cake?
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cake light and fluffy.
Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and a beautiful color to the cake.
Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise slightly, ensuring a tender crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Oil: Keeps the cake moist and contributes to its velvety texture.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, making the cake even more tender.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the chocolate flavors.
Eggs: Act as binders and contribute richness to the cake.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Chocolate Chips: Melted into the batter for added chocolate bursts in every bite.
Chocolate Ganache: Made with heavy cream and dark chocolate, this glossy topping ties the cake together beautifully.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful masterpiece
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans.
Make the Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat heavy cream until warm. Add chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy.
Assemble and Serve: Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of ganache over the top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with ganache. Dust with cocoa powder or sprinkle with chocolate shavings for extra flair. Serve chilled or at room temperature
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Cake
This cake pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic hot-fudge-sundae-like experience.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this cake is decadent enough to enjoy on its own. Simply savor each slice and let the flavors shine
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe
Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache.
Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake after assembling to allow the ganache to set properly.
Double the Batch: This recipe scales easily, so feel free to double it for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Experiment with Variations: Try adding a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of rum extract for added depth
FAQ Section
1. Can I use store-bought chocolate chips? Yes! Using store-bought chocolate chips saves time and ensures a consistent texture.
2. What type of chocolate should I use for the ganache? Dark chocolate works best for achieving the right balance of richness and bitterness.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble just before serving.
4. How do I store leftover cake? Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
5. Can I freeze the cake? Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-sugar diet? Not as written, but you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or use a sugar-free alternative.
8. Can I skip the ganache? You can, though the ganache adds richness and ties the cake together beautifully. Substitute with frosting if preferred.
9. Do I need to chill the cake? Chilling helps the ganache set and prevents it from being too runny.
10. Can I add other flavors to the cake? Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of rum extract for added depth
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and iconic Neiman Marcus Cake recipe that’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen. With its rich chocolate flavor, tender texture, and customizable options, this cake satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let’s bake something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you
Print
Neiman Marcus Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, gooey, and buttery dessert with a soft cream cheese topping and a nutty cake crust. It’s an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
For the Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Make the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until fully blended.
- Mix in chopped nuts.
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Prepare the Topping:
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and egg, then beat until creamy and well combined.
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Assemble & Bake:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly gooey.
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Cool & Serve:
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Enjoy as-is or dust with extra powdered sugar for a finishing touch!
Notes
- Use yellow or butter cake mix for a classic flavor.
- Substitute chocolate cake mix for a richer version.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg