Okay, friends, let’s talk about cake. Specifically, the Neiman Marcus Cake. Picture this: a moist, tender crumb, rippled with ribbons of rich Cream Cheese filling, and draped in a luscious glaze that just *begs* to be licked off your fingers. It’s like a coffee cake and a cheesecake had a baby, and that baby inherited all the best genes. If you’re a fan of coffee cakes, you will really love this Neiman Marcus Cake. For me, this recipe conjures up memories of family gatherings and Sunday brunches – pure comfort food bliss. It’s surprisingly easy to make, considering how decadent it tastes, and trust me, once you make it once, it will become your go-to recipe for brunches or any special occassions.
What is Neiman Marcus cake?
Neiman Marcus Cake, sometimes called Neiman Marcus Coffee Cake or even Neiman Marcus Zucchini Cake (depending on who you talk to!), is a delightful confection that’s more than just a simple cake. Think of it as a sophisticated coffee cake, elevated by the addition of a creamy, cheesecake-like filling swirled throughout. It’s essentially a moist cake studded with pockets of sweet, tangy goodness. The origins of the name are a bit fuzzy, supposedly stemming from a recipe shared at a Neiman Marcus tea room ages ago – or at least, that’s the story I’ve always heard! Whatever its true origin, the cake’s concept is pure deliciousness: a comforting, home-baked treat with a touch of elegance.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore this recipe, but let me highlight a few that really make it a winner. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. You get that comforting vanilla cake base, but then BAM! The cream cheese filling adds this incredible tang and richness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. It’s not overly sweet, which is a huge plus in my book. What I love most about this is just how easy it is to whip up. Don’t let it’s fancy name fool you! It looks impressive, but it’s actually super straightforward. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this.
Beyond the flavor and ease, this recipe is also surprisingly budget-friendly. The ingredients are pretty standard pantry staples, so you don’t have to break the bank to create something truly special. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a midday snack. Pair it with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream – the possibilities are endless! I know that you can also enjoy zucchini bread. They are both perfect for a cozy morning. Trust me; it’s one of those recipes that just *works*, every single time.
How do I make Neiman Marcus cake?
Quick Overview
Making this Neiman Marcus Cake is simpler than you might think! You’ll start by preparing the cake batter, then whipping up a quick Cream Cheese filling. The magic happens when you layer the batter and filling in the pan, creating gorgeous swirls. A quick bake in the oven, followed by a simple glaze, and you’re ready to enjoy. The best part? The whole process is incredibly forgiving, so don’t worry about perfection. It always comes out delicious!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What’s the difference
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for the best flavor and texture.
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cake rise beautifully.
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cake a lovely, tender crumb.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors.
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *softened*, not melted!
* 1 cup Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tang. You can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute.
* 2 large eggs: Bring them to room temperature for better incorporation.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use good quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
For the Filling:
* 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: Again, make sure it’s properly soften! * 1/2 cup granulated sugar: You can adjust this to your liking. * 1 large egg: * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Helps bind the filling together. Is vanilla a bad thing?
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: Sift it to prevent lumps. * 2-3 tablespoons milk: Add vanilla extract slowly until you reach your desired consistency. Optional, but adds a nice touch.
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch Baking Pan. How do you prevent a cake from sticking? I usually grease it with butter and then dust with flour. If you want extra protection, you can line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you mix baking powder and baking soda? How do I make my cake rise properly?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and Sour Cream until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure your butter is really soft, otherwise you will get clumps in your mixture.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until the flour is smooth. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the Cream Cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Beat in the cream cheese and vanilla extract. Make sure the cheese is really soft. How do I make the mixing process easier?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the Cream Cheese filling over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter over the filling, and then dollop the remaining cream cheese filling on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Don’t over-swirl, or the filling will just disappear into the batter.
Step 7: Bake
If you have a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cookie, it should come out clean. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. How long does it take to check for doneness in your oven? The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before glazing. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. How do you mix vanilla extract and water until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Let the glaze set before serving. I like to cut it into squares and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. What is the best way to enjoy this recipe with coffee or tea?
What should I serve it with?
What is a Neiman Marcus cake? What are some good ideas for a new experience? What’s a good breakfast? A slice of Neiman Marcus cake with a cup of coffee is pure bliss in the morning. Add fresh fruit to your breakfast or lunch for a healthy snack. What are some good side dishes to serve with mimosas, a fruit salad, and maybe some frittatas? What is the best dessert to serve after dinner? Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good ways to serve chocolate sauce with nuts? If you’re planning a cozy night, serve it with tea or hot chocolate while curled up. On the couch with a good book.
How do I make a Neiman Marcus cake?
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really take this cake to the next level. Trust me, these will make all the difference! When you’re mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. For the cream cheese filling, make sure your cream cheese is properly softened. This will ensure that the filling is smooth and creamy. If your cream cheese is too cold, it will be difficult to mix and you’ll end up with lumps. You can get creative with the swirling technique. Experiment with different patterns to create a unique marbled effect. Try using a toothpick or a skewer to create intricate designs. Speaking of ingredients, feel free to experiment with substitutions. You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. Just be aware that these substitutions may slightly alter the taste and texture of the cake. During the baking process, keep an eye on the cake and test for doneness with a wooden skewer. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning. As for the glaze, adjust the consistency to your liking. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add more milk. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. You can also add a touch of lemon juice or vanilla extract to the glaze for extra flavor. It’s also good to keep it in an airtight container after glazed to maintain moist.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later. To store at room temperature, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. To store in the refrigerator, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 5-7 days. For freezer storage, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. If you want to freeze it before glazing, that’s a great idea too! In that case, wait to glaze it until after thawing. To reheat, you can warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it will dry out.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
What is your review of Neiman Marcus Cake? Is this one of those recipes that’s guaranteed to impress, without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of moist cake, creamy filling, and sweet glaze is simply irresistible. Is it a family favorite? What are some of my favorite cake recipes? What are some of the best coffee cake recipes? What is your favorite recipe for baking cookies? What is your experience with this question?
Neiman Marcus Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 2 cups sugar
- 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add boiling water to the batter, beating until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make frosting: In a large bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk, beating until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Frost the cooled cake layers and decorate as desired.
