Long before desserts needed brown butter, flaky salt, or a personality, there was Neiman Marcus Cake. This old-school favorite keeps things simple with a buttery yellow cake mix crust and a rich, gooey cream cheese topping that somehow always leaves people coming back for one more piece. We like the subtle flavor almond extract adds, but vanilla works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.

Serves: 15
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Why Is It Called Neiman Marcus Cake?

Despite the name, this dessert isn’t actually a Neiman Marcus bakery recipe. Over the years, it’s become known by several different names depending on where you live. You might also see it called Gooey Butter Cake, Ooey Gooey Cake, or Chess Bars. While recipes vary slightly from one family or region to another, they’re all known for their rich, buttery flavor and irresistibly gooey texture.

Ingredients:

shortening (to grease pan-or use butter, nonstick spray or parchment paper)
1 box of yellow cake mix
½ cup butter, melted
4 eggs, divided (room temperature)
¾ tsp almond extract
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
8 oz. cream cheese, softened

a bowl of powdered sugar next to a box of yellow cake, a bowl of eggs, a stick of butter, cream cheese and a bottle of almond extract

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Begin by preheating the oven to 350º F. Prepare a 13×9 inch cake pan by greasing the bottom and sides or line it with parchment paper. I prefer the parchment paper because it makes it easier to remove the baked cake from the pan, but it also is more challenging to spread the batter.

Step 2: Add the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and almond extract to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer on medium to beat the ingredients until thoroughly combined. The batter will be very thick! Spread the batter evenly into your cake pan using a greased spatula.

cake mix, eggs, melted butter and almond extract in a bowl being beaten with a hand mixer

thick batter being spread in the bottom of a cake pan lined with parchment paper

Step 3: Grab another bowl and beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed. Add 2 eggs and the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well mixed (it’s okay if there are a couple of small lumps). When throughly combined, pour it over the first layer in your cake pan and spread it all the way to the edges.

2 eggs being added to a bowl with whipped cream cheese

powdered sugar, eggs, and cream cheese being beaten in a bowl with a hand mixer

a spatula spreading the cream cheese mix over the batter in a cake pan

Step 4: Bake on the bottom or center rack for 35–40 minutes, until lightly golden and the center still has a slight jiggle. That’s exactly what you want – it will finish setting as it cools. Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

a slice of Neiman Marcus Cake on a plate with a fork

Simply Made Suggestions

No almond extract? No problem. Vanilla extract is an easy substitute. Almond adds a subtle bakery-style flavor, but both versions are equally delicious.
Let your eggs come to room temperature. While your cream cheese is softening, leave the eggs out too. Cold eggs can cause the melted butter to firm up before everything is fully mixed.
The center should still jiggle slightly. That’s what gives this cake its signature gooey texture. It will continue to set as it cools.
Let it cool before slicing. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but clean slices are much easier once the cake has cooled.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Because of the cream cheese topping, keep leftovers chilled and enjoy within a few days.
Try a different cake mix. Lemon, spice, or chocolate cake mix all make delicious variations.

More Old-School Desserts We Love:

Russian Tea Cakes – bite size, buttery, perfection
Almond Afternoon Cake – we love a good bisquick shortcut
Chocolate Chip Cookies – classic, 10/10, no notes

🍰Before You Go…

If this rich, buttery dessert disappeared a little faster than you expected, you’re our kind of people. Take a look through our full collection of easy dessert recipes for more simple cakes, cookies, bars, and sweet treats that are perfect for sharing… or keeping all to yourself. No judgment here.

Neiman Marcus Cake

2 slices of cake on a blue plate next to a gold fork

This easy Neiman Marcus Cake combines a buttery yellow cake mix crust with a rich cream cheese topping for a soft, gooey dessert that's always a crowd favorite. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you're craving something sweet.

Beth

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings

Equipment

9×13 inch cake pan

Ingredients

shortening (to grease pan-or use butter, nonstick spray or parchment paper)
1 pkg yellow cake mix
½ cup butter (melted)
4 eggs (divided, room temperature)
¾ tsp almond extract
3½ cups powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese (softened)

Instructions

Begin by preheating the oven to 350º F. Prepare a 13×9 inch cake pan by greasing the bottom and sides or line it with parchment paper. I prefer the parchment paper because it makes it easier to remove the baked cake from the pan, but it also is more challenging to spread the batter.
Add the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and almond extract to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer on medium to beat the ingredients until thoroughly combined. The batter will be very thick! Spread the batter evenly into your cake pan using a greased spatula.
Grab another bowl and beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed. Add 2 eggs and the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well mixed (it’s okay if there are a couple of small lumps). When throughly combined, pour it over the first layer in your cake pan and spread it all the way to the edges.
Bake on the bottom or center rack for 35–40 minutes, until lightly golden and the center still has a slight jiggle. That's exactly what you want—it will finish setting as it cools. Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

Don’t overbake! The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven. It will finish setting as it cools.
We like the subtle flavor almond extract adds, but vanilla extract is an easy substitute.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.