Neiman-Marcus Butter Cake: A Southern Classic

The first time I tasted this cake was at a potluck hosted by my Aunt Carol, a true Southern belle. She placed a platter of golden squares on the table, and their buttery aroma filled the room. One bite and I was transported to dessert heaven – a rich, decadent base topped with a creamy, almost ethereal layer. I immediately begged her for the recipe, a slightly dog-eared and well-loved printout she’d been using for years. This cake, a Neiman-Marcus Butter Cake, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 9×13 cake
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 package Pillsbury pudding-included yellow cake mix (2-layer size) – Note: The Pillsbury brand is highly recommended for best results!
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pound (16 ounces) powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

• 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175°C).
2. Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan thoroughly. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.
3. In a mixing bowl, pour the entire package of yellow cake mix.
4. Add 1 egg, slightly beaten, and the melted butter to the cake mix.
5. Mix these ingredients together until you achieve a moist dough consistency. Don’t overmix; just ensure everything is well combined.
6. Press the dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, uniform layer. This will be the base of your delicious cake.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, remaining 3 eggs, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
8. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until smooth. This process may take several minutes to fully incorporate the sugar and achieve the desired silky texture.
9. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough base in the baking pan.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
11. Keep a close watch on the cake while it’s baking, especially towards the end. You want the base to be golden brown but not overly browned.
12. The cheese mixture will typically sink into the center of the cake somewhat, creating a firmer, slightly raised crust around the edges. This is perfectly normal and part of the cake’s signature look.
13. Once the cake is cooled, cut it into squares to serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Matters: Ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature is crucial for a smooth, lump-free topping. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals, checking and stirring in between, until softened.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry cake base. Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the center should be set but with a slight jiggle.
• The Pudding Factor: The pudding in the cake mix contributes to the cake’s moistness. If you are using a cake mix without pudding, consider adding a small box (3.4 ounces) of instant vanilla pudding to the mix for a similar result.
• Even Baking: For even baking, rotate the baking pan halfway through the baking time. This is especially helpful if your oven has hot spots.
• Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps the cream cheese layer set properly and prevents the cake from crumbling.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors actually meld together and improve over time!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Neiman-Marcus Butter Cake is delicious served chilled or at room temperature. For a more elegant presentation, dust the squares with additional powdered sugar or garnish them with fresh strawberries or raspberries. Chopped pecans or walnuts also add a lovely texture and flavor contrast.

To store any leftover cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen cake will last for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	493 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	187 g	38%
Total Fat	20.8 g	32%
Saturated Fat	9.8 g	48%
Cholesterol	104 mg	34%
Sodium	439.6 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	72.8 g	24%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	1%
Sugars	56.6 g	226%
Protein	5.2 g	10%

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Almond Extract: Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) over the dough base before pouring the cream cheese mixture on top.
• Coconut Flakes: Toast shredded coconut and sprinkle it over the baked cake for added texture and flavor.
• Different Cake Mix Flavors: Experiment with other cake mix flavors, such as lemon, spice, or chocolate, to create unique variations. Just be sure to choose a mix that includes pudding for the best texture.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds to the cake base.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my cream cheese layer lumpy?
A: This is usually caused by not having the cream cheese at room temperature. Make sure to soften it properly before mixing.

Q: Can I use a different size baking pan?
A: While a 13×9 inch pan is ideal, you can use an 8×8 inch pan for a thicker cake, but you’ll need to increase the baking time accordingly.

Q: My cake base is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: Tent the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent further browning.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the cream cheese topping?
A: While you can reduce it slightly, the sugar is important for the texture and stability of the topping. Reducing it too much might result in a thinner, less set topping.

Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: The edges of the cake base should be golden brown, and the cream cheese layer should be set but with a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cream cheese layer should come out mostly clean.

Final Thoughts

This Neiman-Marcus Butter Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of Southern hospitality and a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to delight. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback! It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Happy baking!