Get ready to discover a truly unforgettable treat: Neiman Marcus cake bars! These legendary bars are famed for their irresistible layers – a dense, buttery cake crust topped with a rich, gooey, and sweet cream cheese filling. You might know them as gooey butter bars, and they are surprisingly easy to make right in your home kitchen. Their unique flavor and texture make them a popular choice for any occasion, promising a delightful bite every time.
Originating in the 1930s, the classic gooey butter cake from St. Louis is a beloved regional specialty that inspired many variations.
Why You’ll Love These Neiman Marcus Cake Bars
You will quickly fall in love with these delightful dessert bars. They are effortlessly easy to make, perfect for busy parents or beginner bakers. These bars uniquely combine the comforting chewiness of a cake with the creamy richness of a cheesecake. They are perfect for any gathering, from casual potlucks to festive holiday celebrations. The distinct almond and butter flavor profile sets these Neiman Marcus cake bars apart from ordinary desserts. Expect these gooey butter bars to be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, versatile enough for any event or simply a sweet afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Making these delightful Neiman Marcus cake bars requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. Always use good quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Softened to room temperature.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Melted for the crust.
- 1 box 15.25 ounce yellow cake mix: The base of our delicious crust.
- 4 large eggs: Divided for each layer.
- 1 pound powdered sugar: About 4 cups, for the sweet topping.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla for a classic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Essential for the distinctive Neiman Marcus flavor.
Notes & Substitutions
Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened; this prevents lumps in the topping. You can easily experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or even a spice cake mix. If you prefer, increase the vanilla extract to 2 teaspoons if you don’t have almond extract or dislike its flavor. Using salted butter is fine; simply omit any added salt from the recipe. Feel free to use light cream cheese for a slightly lighter version without compromising texture.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable. You need minimal tools for these gooey butter bars.
- 9×13-inch baking pan: The perfect size for these bars.
- Parchment paper: For easy removal and cleanup.
- Microwave-safe bowl: To melt the butter quickly.
- Hand or stand mixer: Makes mixing the batter and topping effortless.
- Mixing bowls: Several for different steps.
- Wire cooling rack: Essential for cooling the bars evenly.
- Sharp knife: For clean, neat slices.
Instructions
Creating these amazing Neiman Marcus cake bars is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. You will have a decadent dessert in no time!
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Take cream cheese from the fridge. Set it on the counter to soften at room temperature. Alternatively, microwave it in 15-second bursts until very soft, for about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Preheat Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Ensure the paper hangs over the sides by at least one inch; this helps with easy removal.
- Melt Butter: Place the unsalted butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat it until completely melted, typically around 45 seconds. You can also melt it in a small saucepan, then let it cool slightly.
- Make Crust Mixture: Add the entire box of yellow cake mix and two large eggs to the melted butter. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer or a stand mixer until it is smooth, taking about one minute. This forms the thick, delicious crust for your gooey butter bars.
- Press Crust: Transfer the thick cake batter into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press and spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Prepare Topping: Use the same mixing bowl if you like. Add the softened cream cheese, the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Add Sweeteners & Flavor: Beat this mixture on medium-low speed until it becomes perfectly smooth. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
- Pour Topping: Gently pour the creamy topping mixture over the pressed cake crust layer. Carefully spread it out evenly across the entire surface.
- Bake Bars: Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden brown. The center might still be slightly jiggly when you remove the pan; this is normal and contributes to the gooey texture. The bars will continue cooking slightly as they cool.
- Cool Completely: Immediately place the baked pan on a wire cooling rack. Allow the Neiman Marcus cake bars to cool completely for at least two hours before attempting to cut them.
- Remove & Cut: Once thoroughly cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice them into individual squares.
- Serve: For a beautiful finish, dust the cooled bars with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. Enjoy your homemade Neiman Marcus cake bars!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cake Bars
Achieving the perfect gooey texture and rich flavor in your Neiman Marcus cake bars is simple with these expert tips.
- Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free topping. For a consistently smooth texture in your dessert, understanding the importance of room temperature cream cheese in baking is crucial.
- Do not overbake the bars; a slightly jiggly center is key to that signature gooeyness.
- Use good quality vanilla and almond extracts for the best, most authentic flavor.
- Let the bars cool completely for at least two hours before cutting them, or they may fall apart.
- Line your pan generously with parchment paper; it makes lifting and slicing effortless.
- Scrape the sides of your mixing bowl thoroughly when combining ingredients to ensure even mixing.
- Adjust baking time as needed, as oven temperatures can vary significantly.
- Store these delicious gooey butter bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These Neiman Marcus cake bars are incredibly versatile, perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to serve, store, and even customize them.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with extra powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Pair a square with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
- They are a fantastic addition to potlucks, sure to disappear quickly.
- Perfect for game day parties or family gatherings.
- Offer them alongside a bowl of fresh berries to add a touch of freshness.
Storage Instructions
- Store Neiman Marcus cake bars at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- You can freeze the bars! Wrap individual squares well in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate: Swap the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix. You can also add chocolate chips to the topping.
- Lemon: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the cream cheese topping for a bright, tangy twist.
- Red Velvet: Use a red velvet cake mix for a festive and colorful version of these cake bars.
- Spice Cake: Perfect for fall, use a spice cake mix for warm, comforting flavors.
- Funfetti: Stir sprinkles into the cake batter for a playful and celebratory dessert.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese topping before spreading.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying these delightful Neiman Marcus cake bars is a treat, and knowing their nutritional breakdown can help you plan your servings. This information is an estimate per serving, assuming 24 servings per 9×13-inch pan.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 158 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 37g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g |
| Cholesterol | 47mg |
| Sodium | 197mg |
| Fiber | 0.3g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Potassium | 34mg |
| Vitamin A | 285 IU |
| Calcium | 60mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Neiman Marcus Cake Bars?
These are rich, two-layered dessert bars featuring a dense, buttery cake crust topped with a sweet, gooey cream cheese filling. They are a variation of the popular “gooey butter cake” from St. Louis.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the yellow cake mix with chocolate, lemon, red velvet, or even a spice cake mix for different flavor profiles.
How do I get the perfect gooey center?
The key is not to overbake. The center should still be slightly jiggly when you remove the pan from the oven; it will set more as it cools.
Can these cake bars be frozen?
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Wrap individual Neiman Marcus cake bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?
No, a hand mixer works perfectly well for both the crust and the topping. You can even mix them by hand with a whisk, though it requires a bit more effort.
Why is my cream cheese layer runny?
Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened, but not melted, before mixing. Adding too much liquid or not beating it thoroughly can also lead to a thinner topping.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create these truly decadent Neiman Marcus cake bars at home. This recipe is wonderfully simple, yet it yields a dessert that tastes incredibly rich and complex. These gooey butter bars are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or for savoring by yourself with a cup of coffee. Their versatility and irresistible flavor make them a staple for any baker. Give this recipe a try; you will undoubtedly add these easy, delicious bars to your regular baking rotation. Please share your experiences and variations in the comments below!