There’s something magical about a slice of Neiman Marcus cake. Just picture it: a moist, tender vanilla cake layered with rich, velvety frosting that melts in your mouth like a hug from an old friend. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, instantly making your heart race with anticipation and your taste buds tingle in excitement.
It’s not just cake; it’s an experience! This delight has graced countless birthdays, anniversaries, and spontaneous Tuesday celebrations at my house. One bite brings back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and joy—who knew a dessert could be so powerful? Trust me; once you serve this beauty, everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds), turning any occasion into a festival of flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Neiman Marcus cake is incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Its rich flavor profile satisfies sweet cravings while looking stunning as a centerpiece
- Perfect for both special occasions and casual gatherings, it’s versatile enough to impress anyone
I still remember the first time I made this cake for my friends’ gathering; their awe-filled faces were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure; sift it well for fluffy layers.
-
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; consider using brown sugar for depth.
-
Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh to help the cake rise beautifully.
-
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without being detected.
-
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and rich flavor.
-
Eggs: Large eggs provide moisture and stability; always use fresh ones.
-
Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract to amplify that sweet aroma.
-
Milk: Whole milk works best, lending creaminess to the batter.
-
Powdered Sugar: Essential for that creamy frosting; sift before mixing to avoid lumps.
-
Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and richness to your frosting—absolute perfection!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while greasing two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray or butter.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined; set aside. This ensures even rising and flavor distribution.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should look pale and airy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mix, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until completely blended. The batter will start smelling divine!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture while alternating with milk; mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cake light!
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Cool and Frost the Cake: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. While cooling, prepare your frosting by beating cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
Once cooled, spread frosting generously between layers and on top of the cake—because who doesn’t love extra frosting?
Now slice into this masterpiece! Each bite will remind you why Neiman Marcus cake deserves a place at every celebration—from birthdays to brunches or simply treating yourself on a Wednesday evening! Enjoy every moment of sweetness!
You Must Know
- This Neiman Marcus cake is a showstopper, blending layers of rich chocolate and creamy frosting
- Its moist texture and decadent flavor make it perfect for celebrations or simply indulging yourself
- The aroma while baking will have everyone in your home drooling with anticipation
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your cake pans. Prepare your batter by mixing the dry ingredients separately, then slowly incorporating them into the wet mixture for optimal texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some of the chocolate for vanilla or even add espresso powder for a coffee kick. You can also sprinkle in some chopped nuts or berries for added flavor and crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Neiman Marcus cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to two months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always sift your flour before measuring to avoid clumps and ensure a light cake
- Be careful not to overmix your batter, as this can lead to a dense texture
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding
I remember the first time I brought this Neiman Marcus cake to a family gathering; everyone raved about it! My aunt even asked if I had bought it from a fancy bakery.
FAQ
What makes Neiman Marcus cake special?
Neiman Marcus cake combines rich flavors and textures, creating a delightful dessert experience.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, using gluten-free flour can work, but it may need additional adjustments for texture.
How can I make this cake less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the frosting or substitute some with unsweetened cocoa powder for balance.
Neiman Marcus Cake
Neiman Marcus cake is a delightful dessert that combines moist vanilla layers with rich cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to casual gatherings. With its tender texture and luscious flavors, every bite is a charming reminder of cherished moments shared with loved ones. Get ready to impress your guests and indulge in this unforgettable treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk until just combined.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth; frost cooled cakes generously.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (110g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
