Neiman Marcus Cake

Here’s a rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy dessert: the Neiman Marcus Cake — also known as a gooey butter cake or Texas Gold Bars. Despite the name, it’s not actually from the Neiman Marcus store, but it’s legendary for its buttery, sweet, and dense texture!

🍰 Neiman Marcus Cake (a.k.a. Gooey Butter Cake)

🕒 Prep Time: 10 mins | Bake Time: 35–40 mins

Makes a 9×13-inch cake | Serves 12–16

🧂 Ingredients:

Bottom Layer (Crust):

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

• 1 large egg

Top Layer (Filling):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (or 1 box)

• Optional: pinch of salt

🥣 Instructions:

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

2. Make the crust:

   • In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until a soft dough forms.

   • Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.

3. Make the filling:

   • In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

   • Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.

   • Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble:

   • Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.

5. Bake:

   • Bake for 35–40 minutes. The edges should be golden and set, but the center will still look slightly gooey — that’s perfect!

   • Don’t overbake.

6. Cool & serve:

   • Let it cool completely before cutting into bars or squares.

   • Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired.

🧁 Variations:

• Chocolate Version: Use a chocolate cake mix and add chocolate chips to the filling.

• Pumpkin Spice: Use spice cake mix + 1/2 cup pumpkin purée in the filling.

• Lemon: Use lemon cake mix + lemon zest in the filling for a zesty twist.

❄️ Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Freezes well for 2–3 months.

Let me know if you want a from-scratch version (no cake mix) or a smaller batch!