Making a Neiman Marcus cake is like diving into a fluffy cloud of chocolatey goodness that promises to sweep you off your feet. The first bite reveals layers of rich chocolate, complemented by a creamy frosting that dances on your taste buds like it’s auditioning for a show. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, drawing friends and family in like moths to a flame, ready to indulge in this decadent dessert.
I vividly remember the first time I made this cake for my sister’s birthday. Her eyes lit up as she took her first bite, declaring it the best cake ever! It quickly became a family favorite, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a treat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Neiman Marcus cake recipe is deliciously easy to make, perfect for any occasion
- Its rich chocolate flavor and stunning presentation will impress guests and satisfy cravings
- The versatility allows you to customize it with different frostings or toppings based on personal preferences
I still chuckle when I think about how my friends fought over the last slice at that birthday party—it was a delicious victory!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the perfect texture; sift it before measuring for best results.
- Cocoa Powder: Choose unsweetened cocoa powder; it adds rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for proper rising and fluffiness in the cake.
- Salt: A pinch enhances flavors; don’t skip this step!
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter beautifully; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature; they contribute moisture and richness.
- Buttermilk: Adding buttermilk creates a tender crumb and moist cake; homemade works too!
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile; skip artificial versions if possible.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels; always soften it before mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: For frosting, powdered sugar gives that smooth finish everyone loves!
- Cream Cheese: This adds a tangy sweetness to the frosting that perfectly balances the cake’s richness.
- Milk or Cream: A splash of milk or cream helps achieve desired frosting consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter. This ensures easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined. This step helps distribute leavening evenly throughout.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s pale and airy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! Lumps are totally fine here.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Stop to scrape down sides if necessary; you want every bit mixed in!
Bake the Cakes: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from center. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
Cool Completely: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Allow them to cool completely before frosting—patience is key here!
Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar plus milk or cream until desired consistency is reached—smooth enough to spread but thick enough to hold its shape.
Strong>Frost the Cake: Place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting generously on top before adding the second layer. Frost sides generously as well—make it beautiful!
Enjoy every slice of this Neiman Marcus cake as it brings smiles all around!
You Must Know
- The Neiman Marcus cake recipe is a delightful combination of flavors
- Its rich chocolate and nutty notes create a dessert experience that’s simply unforgettable
- Using high-quality ingredients enhances the overall taste, making every bite a heavenly treat for your taste buds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results, start by preheating your oven while you mix the batter. This way, the cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the nuts based on your preference or even add chocolate chips for an extra treat. Experimenting can yield delicious surprises!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it wrapped tightly to keep it fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure you sift your flour before measuring to prevent a dense cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffiness
- Always check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is ready
Finding the perfect Neiman Marcus cake recipe took some trial and error, but now it’s my go-to for celebrations. Friends rave about it every time I bake one!
FAQ
What makes this Neiman Marcus cake so special?
The blend of chocolate, nuts, and a unique texture makes this cake truly stand out.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Neiman Marcus cake recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap nuts or use different types of chocolate based on your preferences.
How long does the Neiman Marcus cake last?
When stored properly, this delectable cake lasts about three days at room temperature.
Neiman Marcus Cake
Experience a slice of bliss with this Neiman Marcus cake, a luscious chocolate dessert that delights every palate. With layers of rich chocolate cake enveloped in creamy frosting, this treat is perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to casual Tuesday indulgences. Your loved ones will be drawn in by the irresistible aroma, making it a showstopper at gatherings. Enjoy the heavenly combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp milk or cream (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in buttermilk and vanilla until just combined.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture until fully blended.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar and milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the cooled cakes generously and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
