Neiman Marcus Cake (Gooey Butter Cake Bars)

If you’re looking for a rich, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dessert, Neiman Marcus Cake, also known as Gooey Butter Cake Bars, is a must-try. With a soft cake base and a luscious cream cheese topping, these bars are sweet, decadent, and incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Perfect for potlucks, holidays, bake sales, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing dessert, this classic recipe delivers indulgent flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe

Super easy semi-homemade dessert
Rich, buttery, and gooey texture
Only a few simple ingredients
Perfect for parties and gatherings
Great make-ahead dessert

Ingredients

For the Bottom Layer

1 box yellow cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Cream Cheese Topping

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3½–4 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Neiman Marcus Cake (Gooey Butter Cake Bars)

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Bottom Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg.
Mix until a thick dough forms.
Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.
Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes. The center should still be slightly gooey — do not overbake.

Step 5: Cool & Slice

Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired.

Tips for Perfect Gooey Butter Cake Bars

Do not overbake — the center should remain soft and slightly jiggly.
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth topping.
Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Add chocolate chips or pecans for variation.

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for 1 day.
Refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freeze up to 2 months.

Variations

Chocolate cake mix for a chocolate version
Lemon cake mix for a citrus twist
Add shredded coconut for texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Neiman Marcus Cake?

The dessert became popularly associated with the luxury department store, though its exact origin is debated.

Is this the same as St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake?

They’re similar! Traditional St. Louis gooey butter cake uses a yeast-based base, while this version uses cake mix for convenience.

Final Thoughts

This Neiman Marcus Cake (Gooey Butter Cake Bars) is rich, sweet, buttery, and completely irresistible. With its soft cake bottom and creamy gooey topping, it’s the ultimate easy dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.