Neiman Marcus Cake

Neiman Marcus Cake is a dessert that’s as decadent and rich as it sounds. Imagine a moist, tender chocolate cake that’s topped with a creamy, velvety frosting that melts in your mouth. This cake is a crowd favorite, and trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why! It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a special treat, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because you’re craving something indulgent. The combination of chocolate and cream cheese frosting is seriously irresistible. If you’re ready to elevate your dessert game, this cake is for you!

Why You’ll Love Neiman Marcus Cake

• Indulgent & Decadent: Every bite is pure bliss—moist chocolate cake paired with rich cream cheese frosting. It’s everything you want in a dessert and more.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake fits the bill. It’s guaranteed to impress!
• Easily Customizable: You can add a variety of toppings or mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra twist.
• Simple to Make: The cake comes together easily with basic ingredients, and the frosting is just as straightforward to whip up.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this scrumptious cake:

For the Cake:

• Cake mix: A simple starting point that makes the cake moist and tender.
• Cocoa powder: Adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor that takes the cake to the next level.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and make the cake fluffy.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds a nice texture.
• Buttermilk: The secret to achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

For the Frosting:

• Cream cheese: The base of the frosting, giving it that rich, creamy texture.
• Butter: Adds smoothness and flavor to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Helps thicken and sweeten the frosting without making it too heavy.
• Vanilla extract: A little bit of vanilla adds a perfect balance of sweetness.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the flavors and balance the sweetness of the frosting.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get to making this indulgent cake!

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix the Cake Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, cocoa powder, eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to mix everything until smooth and well-combined.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing until smooth.
3. Flavor the Frosting: Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Frost the Cake:

1. Spread the Frosting: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. You can use a spatula to create a smooth, even layer or get creative with swirls and designs.
2. Chill (Optional): Let the frosted cake chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving. This step is optional but helps the frosting firm up a little.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice the cake and serve! The rich chocolate flavor paired with the creamy frosting makes for an unforgettable dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: 330
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 35g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Neiman Marcus Cake

This cake is rich enough to stand on its own, but here are some fun ideas for serving:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice for a light contrast to the rich frosting.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to balance out the sweetness.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream is a perfect pairing for this decadent cake.
• Coffee or Milk: A warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk complements the chocolatey richness of the cake beautifully.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the cake a day in advance. Just frost it before serving to keep it fresh and beautiful.
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
• Flavor Variations: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or even some shredded coconut to the cake batter for extra flavor and texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a homemade cake recipe instead of the cake mix?
A1: Yes! You can absolutely use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe in place of the cake mix. Just make sure to follow the instructions for baking times.

Q2: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the frosting a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick mix before spreading it on the cake.

Q3: How can I make this cake less sweet?
A3: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting, or try using a cream cheese frosting with less sugar.

Q4: Can I freeze Neiman Marcus Cake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Once it’s frosted, cover it well with plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q5: Can I use a different frosting?
A5: Absolutely! If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, you could use a chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or buttercream instead.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cake stays delicious and moist for several days after baking.

Q7: Can I add other mix-ins to the cake?
A7: Yes, you can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even swirls of caramel to the cake batter for a fun twist!

Q8: How long does the cake take to cool before frosting?
A8: Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes in the pan and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Q9: Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
A9: Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk or make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk.

Q10: Can I make mini versions of this cake?
A10: Yes, you can make this cake in mini form by baking it in muffin tins or small cake pans. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Neiman Marcus Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, with its rich and decadent layers, smooth frosting, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a cake that’s sure to steal the show at any gathering or simply make your everyday dessert routine feel a little extra special. Whip it up, dig in, and savor every bite!

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