Description
Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, creamy dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust topped with a smooth, vanilla-infused cream cheese filling. It’s a nostalgic treat popularized by the upscale department store, known for its irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture and simple ingredient list, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the crust first.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, melted butter, chopped pecans, and granulated sugar until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it is lightly browned, which ensures a firm base for the filling.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, beat the softened cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating the creamy filling.
- Pour the filling: Once the crust is warm from baking, carefully pour the cream cheese filling over it, spreading it evenly to cover the entire crust surface.
- Bake the cake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the edges turn golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve, ensuring clean slices and perfect texture.
Notes
- Chopped pecans are optional but add a wonderful crunch and flavor to the crust.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake the filling; it should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when done.
- Allow the cake to cool completely for the best texture and easier slicing.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Neiman Marcus Cake, cream cheese dessert, pecan crust cake, easy dessert recipes, creamy cake, classic American dessert
