Get ready to discover the magic of classic Neiman Marcus cake bars. This beloved dessert is famous for its incredibly unique gooey texture, a rich buttery base, and a delightful hint of almond flavor. Delving into the science of baking and ingredient ratios reveals how factors like fat, sugar, and flour contribute to this desirable consistency. It’s a truly special treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. You’ll love sharing this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings joy with every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Neiman Marcus Cake Bars
These Neiman Marcus cake bars quickly become a family favorite, and for good reason!
- Effortless to make: You only need simple steps and basic ingredients to create this showstopper.
- Irresistibly chewy and gooey: The unique texture is what sets these bars apart.
- Sweet, buttery flavor: Enjoy the perfect balance of rich butter, sweet cream cheese, and a hint of almond.
- Perfect for any gathering: They are ideal for potlucks, parties, or a cozy evening dessert.
- Simple pantry ingredients: Most items are probably already in your kitchen, making them convenient.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Neiman Marcus cake bars:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 box (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs, divided
- 1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Notes & Substitutions
For the best results, ensure your cream cheese is truly softened. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free topping. You can leave it on the counter for an hour or use quick microwave bursts. Use a standard yellow box cake mix for the authentic flavor and texture of these classic bars. While vanilla extract is good, almond extract is key to the distinctive Neiman Marcus flavor; do not skip it! Feel free to experiment with other cake mix flavors like chocolate, lemon, or even spice cake for seasonal variations.
Equipment
You don’t need much specialized equipment for these delightful bars.
- A 9×13-inch baking pan is essential for the right thickness.
- Parchment paper makes lifting the baked bars out incredibly easy.
- You’ll need medium and large mixing bowls for the separate layers.
- An electric hand mixer or stand mixer simplifies blending.
- A rubber spatula helps spread the batter smoothly.
- A wire cooling rack ensures even cooling.
- A sharp knife cuts clean, perfect squares.
Instructions
Creating these delicious Neiman Marcus cake bars is straightforward. Follow these steps for gooey perfection:
Pull the cream cheese from the fridge and set it on the counter until softened. You can also place it in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 15-second bursts until very soft, about 30 to 60 seconds. This step is crucial for a smooth topping.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with a sheet of parchment paper. Make sure the paper is long enough to hang over the sides by at least 1 inch; this creates convenient “handles” for easy removal of the baked bars later.
Place ½ cup of butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat until completely melted, about 45 seconds. Alternatively, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then allow it to cool slightly before proceeding.
Add 1 box of yellow cake mix and 2 of the large eggs to the melted butter. Beat this mixture with a hand mixer or a stand mixer until it becomes smooth and well combined, for about a minute. This creates your dense, chewy cake base. Transfer this thick batter to the prepared 9×13 pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. You might need to use your rubber spatula to press it into place.
To the same mixing bowl (no need to clean it thoroughly), add the softened cream cheese, the remaining 2 large eggs, the entire pound of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Beat this mixture on medium-low speed until it is completely smooth, creamy, and lump-free. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you mix to ensure everything is incorporated.
Carefully pour the creamy topping mixture over the top of the cake batter layer in the pan. Use your spatula to gently spread it evenly across the entire surface.
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 from the oven; this is perfectly normal and desired for that signature gooey texture. The bars will continue to set as they cool.
Place the baking pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely for at least 2 hours at room temperature. Do not rush this step, as proper cooling is essential for the bars to set and achieve their perfect consistency.
Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the entire slab of Neiman Marcus cake bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board, then slice them into 24 squares using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect gooey texture in your Neiman Marcus cake bars is easy with these tips. Do not overbake the bars; the center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove them from the oven for ultimate gooeyness. The unique flavor really comes from the almond extract, so ensure you include it for an authentic taste. Always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother, well-combined batter. Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for incredibly easy removal of the entire slab of bars. Finally, patience is key: cool the bars completely, ideally for at least two hours, before cutting them to prevent them from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
These Neiman Marcus cake bars are wonderfully delicious served plain, perhaps dusted with a little extra powdered sugar for an elegant finish. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For gatherings, consider serving them alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
How to Store & Freeze
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze for longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for a few hours before serving, or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them slightly warm.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your Neiman Marcus cake bars!
- Fold in chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or sprinkles into the topping mixture before baking for extra sweetness and texture.
- Embrace seasonal flavors by swapping the yellow cake mix for pumpkin spice in the fall, or lemon cake mix in the spring.
- Add a nutty crunch by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delightful Neiman Marcus cake bars. Please remember these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 |
| Total Fat | 12-15g |
| Saturated Fat | 7-9g |
| Cholesterol | 40-50mg |
| Sodium | 180-220mg |
| Total Carbs | 40-45g |
| Sugars | 30-35g |
| Protein | 3-4g |
These estimates are provided for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional nutrition advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Neiman Marcus bar?
A Neiman Marcus bar is a rich, gooey dessert bar featuring a buttery cake mix crust topped with a sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy cream cheese layer. It’s famous for its unique texture and often includes almond flavoring.
Are these actually from the Neiman Marcus store?
Yes, this recipe is famously attributed to the Neiman Marcus department store, though variations exist. It became a popular “copycat” recipe shared widely. For a deeper dive into the storied past of this classic, explore the Neiman Marcus Cake History.
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with chocolate, lemon, red velvet, or spice cake mixes for different flavor profiles.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges of the bars should be golden brown, but the center will still be slightly jiggly. This jiggly center is key to their signature gooey texture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week, and their flavor often deepens overnight.
Why are my bars not gooey enough?
Overbaking is the most common reason for less gooey bars. Ensure you remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center still jiggles slightly.
Conclusion
These Neiman Marcus cake bars are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. With their irresistible gooey texture, rich buttery base, and delicate almond notes, they are a delightful treat for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this easy-to-follow recipe and bring a slice of gourmet indulgence into your home. Share these amazing bars with friends and family, and watch them disappear!