Neiman Marcus Cake Recipe – Simple & Delicious

Introduction

The Neiman Marcus Cake is a decadent three-layer butter cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting loaded with coconut and pecans. This legendary dessert delivers bakery-quality flavor with surprisingly simple techniques, making it perfect for special occasions or impressive dinner party finales. Despite its sophisticated reputation, you can master this showstopping cake in under two hours with standard pantry ingredients.

This indulgent dessert became famous through department store bakeries and has remained a beloved classic for over four decades. The combination of buttery cake layers, tangy cream cheese, sweet coconut, and crunchy pecans creates an unforgettable flavor profile that keeps guests asking for the recipe.

Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Cake

For the Cake Layers:

• 1 box butter cake mix (or yellow cake mix)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 pound (4 cups) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

Substitutions & Enhancements:

• Replace butter cake mix with scratch butter cake for premium texture
• Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for enhanced coconut flavor
• Substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred
• Add 1 tablespoon of coconut extract to frosting for intensified flavor
• Use German chocolate cake mix for a richer, darker variation

Timing Breakdown

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling & Assembly Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. This prevents sticking and ensures clean cake release.

Pro Tip: Lightly dust the greased pans with flour and tap out excess for extra insurance against sticking.

Mix the Cake Batter:

Combine cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-incorporated. Avoid overmixing, which can create a tough, dense texture.

Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans, using approximately 1 1/3 cups per pan for consistent layer heights.

Bake the Cake Layers:

Place pans on the center oven rack with space between them for even air circulation. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges pull slightly away from the pan sides.

Expert Insight: Rotate pans halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots to ensure uniform browning.

Cool Completely:

Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire cooling racks. Let them cool completely to room temperature before frosting—warm layers will melt the cream cheese frosting and create a messy result.

Toast the Pecans:

While layers cool, spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Toasting intensifies the nutty flavor and adds desirable crunch. Let cool before incorporating into frosting.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, then fold in toasted pecans and coconut by hand.
Common Error Prevention: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at true room temperature (not cold, not melted) for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.

Assemble and Frost:

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread approximately 1 cup of frosting evenly across the top, extending to the edges. Add the second layer and repeat. Top with the final layer and use remaining frosting to cover the top and sides completely.

Styling Tip: Reserve 1/4 cup of pecans and coconut to press into the sides and sprinkle over the top for an attractive, professional finish.

Healthier Variations

Reduced-Sugar Version

Use sugar-free cake mix and reduce powdered sugar in frosting to 2 1/2 cups. Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt for moisture without excess fat. This modification saves approximately 150 calories per slice.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Substitute with certified gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The texture remains comparable when using quality gluten-free alternatives.

Portion-Controlled Cupcakes

Convert this recipe into 24 cupcakes for built-in portion control. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes. Each cupcake contains approximately 260 calories, making moderation easier.

Lighter Frosting Alternative

Replace half the cream cheese with whipped cream cheese and use Neufchâtel cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese. This cuts fat content by 30% while maintaining creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

The Neiman Marcus Cake pairs beautifully with hot coffee or espresso, as the richness balances perfectly with bold, slightly bitter beverages. Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture—cold cake mutes the buttery notes and makes frosting firm.

Presentation Ideas:

• Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce before serving
• Garnish individual slices with fresh berries for color contrast
• Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a temperature contrast

Occasion Pairings: This impressive cake excels at birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, potluck dinners, and appreciation events. The towering three-layer presentation creates instant visual impact, while the familiar flavors appeal to diverse palates.

For another crowd-pleasing dessert option, try our Pig Pickin Cake Recipe, which features similar tropical flavors in a simpler sheet cake format.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Cold Cream Cheese

Cold cream cheese creates lumpy frosting with poor spreadability. Always allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature naturally for 1-2 hours before beginning.

Overbaking the Layers

Dry, crumbly cake results from excessive baking. Check for doneness at 25 minutes—cakes continue cooking slightly while cooling in the pan. Perfectly baked layers feel springy when lightly pressed.

Frosting Warm Cake

Warm layers cause frosting to melt, slide off, and create a sloppy appearance. Patience during cooling prevents this frustrating mistake and ensures professional results.

Skipping the Parchment Paper

Cakes frequently stick to pan bottoms without parchment paper, especially with the butter-rich batter. This simple step prevents heartbreak when unmolding.

Not Toasting the Pecans

Raw pecans lack the depth and crunch that toasted nuts provide. Five minutes of toasting transforms bland nuts into flavor powerhouses.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature Storage

Store the assembled Neiman Marcus Cake under a cake dome or covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cream cheese frosting remains stable due to high sugar content.

Refrigerator Storage

Refrigerate for 5-7 days in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture. Cold cake tastes muted and has firm frosting.

Freezer Storage

Wrap individual unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and assembling.

Frosted cake can be frozen whole for up to 1 month. Freeze uncovered for 1 hour until frosting firms, then wrap carefully. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Bake layers 1-2 days ahead and store covered at room temperature. Prepare frosting the morning of serving and assemble 2-4 hours before the event for ultimate freshness and optimal time management.

Repurposing Leftovers

Crumble leftover cake and mix with frosting to create cake pops or truffles. Roll into balls, freeze until firm, then dip in melted chocolate for an elegant second dessert.

Conclusion

The Neiman Marcus Cake delivers impressive three-layer elegance with surprisingly accessible techniques and ingredients. This recipe proves that bakery-quality desserts don’t require professional training—just attention to detail and proper timing. The combination of buttery cake, creamy frosting, and textural coconut-pecan topping creates a memorable dessert that justifies its legendary status.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, hosting holiday guests, or simply treating yourself to something special, this classic cake recipe guarantees compliments and recipe requests. The straightforward method and common ingredients remove intimidation while delivering consistently spectacular results.

Ready to bake this showstopper? Gather your ingredients and experience why this cake has remained a beloved favorite for generations. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and share your beautiful creation with friends and family!

For more historical context and variations, visit the comprehensive guide at Recipes Fandom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Neiman Marcus Cake from scratch instead of using a mix?

Yes, you can replace the boxed mix with homemade butter cake. Use 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup butter, 1 cup milk, 3 eggs, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix using the creaming method and bake at 350°F for the same duration.

Why is it called Neiman Marcus Cake?

The cake gained its name from department store bakeries, particularly Neiman Marcus, which popularized this style of coconut-pecan frosted layer cake. While the exact origin story varies, the association with upscale department stores gave this dessert its prestigious reputation.

How do I prevent my cake layers from doming?

Use cake strips (fabric strips soaked in water and wrapped around pans) to promote even baking. Alternatively, reduce oven temperature to 325°F and bake slightly longer. Level domed cakes with a serrated knife before assembly for professional-looking flat layers.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

While possible, homemade cream cheese frosting is essential to authentic Neiman Marcus Cake flavor and texture. Store-bought versions lack the tangy richness and don’t incorporate coconut and pecans properly. The homemade frosting requires only 10 minutes and dramatically elevates the final result.

What’s the difference between Neiman Marcus Cake and Italian Cream Cake?

Both feature coconut-pecan combinations, but Italian Cream Cake incorporates coconut and pecans directly into the cake batter along with buttermilk for tanginess. Neiman Marcus Cake keeps the cake simple and concentrates all coconut-pecan flavor in the frosting layer.

How far in advance can I bake this cake?

Bake and frost up to 2 days before serving when stored properly at room temperature. For longer advance preparation, freeze unfrosted layers up to 3 months and frost 4-6 hours before serving for optimal freshness and flavor.

My frosting is too thick/thin—how do I fix it?

If too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until spreadable. If too thin, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up, or add powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time. Proper room temperature ingredients typically prevent consistency issues.