There’s nothing quite like a rich and indulgent dessert that tantalizes your taste buds, and the Neiman Marcus Cake is the epitome of that! With layers of chocolate, nuts, and a cream cheese frosting that is simply divine, this cake isn’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s a whole experience! Legend has it that this recipe became popular after a famous story about a mistaken charge at the upscale Neiman Marcus store in Dallas, Texas. The protagonist loved it so much that she decided to share it far and wide, and the rest is history! The Neiman Marcus Cake has a special place in many hearts as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and a beloved treat for family celebrations.
Easy to whip up and sure to impress, the Neiman Marcus Cake can stand proudly alongside other popular desserts like Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes. While hoecakes are a Southern staple that brings comfort in every bite, the Neiman Marcus Cake dazzles with its luxurious flavors. So if you’re ready to sink your fork into a slice of cake that feels as spectacular as it tastes, let’s dive into this recipe!
What is Neiman Marcus Cake?
So, what’s in a name? Neiman Marcus Cake—it sounds as fancy as it is! Who wouldn’t be curious about how a cake came to bear the name of a high-end department store? It all started with a delicious, rich cake that embodied sophistication and indulgence, much like the brand itself! Rhetorically speaking, can we say that food often finds its elegance in the company it keeps? And they say that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” right? This cake certainly has a way of warming hearts and impressing taste buds! We encourage you to dive into the delightful world of the Neiman Marcus Cake—just don’t forget to share a slice or two!
Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Cake
Get ready because this cake delivers on so many levels! First off, its main highlight is the luxurious blend of flavors: velvety chocolate, crunchy nuts, and creamy frosting all come together to create a taste sensation that is out of this world! Secondly, making this cake at home allows you to enjoy an otherwise extravagant dessert without breaking the bank. Why spend a fortune at a fancy bakery when you can craft this masterpiece right in your own kitchen?
The cake’s versatile nature means it pairs wonderfully with an array of toppings; think toasted pecans on top for that irresistible crunch! If you adore desserts like Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes but want something that feels more indulgent, this cake is a perfect match. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!
How to Make Neiman Marcus Cake
Quick Overview
The Neiman Marcus Cake is not just another dessert; it’s an easy and delicious endeavor that packs a rich flavor punch! With a preparation time of around 30 minutes and a baking time of 25 minutes, you’ll have a stunning cake ready in no time. The magic lies in its simplicity: a few key ingredients come together effortlessly to create something truly fabulous!
Key Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
- For the frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped nuts.
- Bake the layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and then frost the top and sides of the cake.
What to Serve Neiman Marcus Cake With
This exquisite cake is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments! Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature, or offer a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to enhance the cake’s rich chocolate flavors. Fresh berries can also lighten up the dessert while adding a pop of freshness!
Top Tips for Perfecting Neiman Marcus Cake
To achieve cake perfection, here are a few tips:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for an even batter.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until combined.
- Test for doneness: Stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
- Storage: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing the Neiman Marcus Cake is simple! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’ll last up to a week in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices for up to three months! To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds—it’s best enjoyed slightly warm!
In conclusion, the Neiman Marcus Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful journey into the world of chocolatey bliss, and we encourage you to make it soon! From family gatherings to a special treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking!
Neiman Marcus Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
For the Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped nuts.
Baking
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting and Assembly
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and then frost the top and sides of the cake.
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