Okay, picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon, the smell of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through the air, and a slice of the most unbelievably moist, melt-in-your-mouth cake sitting right in front of you. That, my friends, is the magic of this Neiman Marcus Cake recipe. It’s like the sophisticated cousin of zucchini bread, but with a creamy, dreamy glaze that takes it completely over the top. This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, and trust me, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I remember my grandmother used to make this every Thanksgiving, and the whole house would be filled with its incredible aroma. Now, I make it for my own family, and the tradition continues. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the texture is just divine. You’ll seriously be hooked after the first bite!

What is Neiman Marcus cake?

Think of the Neiman Marcus Cake as a moist, spiced cake, often made with zucchini, though some variations omit it entirely. It’s essentially a celebration of warm, comforting flavors all baked into one delicious treat. The name supposedly comes from a recipe that was shared (or maybe *not* shared!) at a Neiman Marcus tea room years ago. It became so popular that it spread like wildfire, and now you can find variations of it everywhere. At its heart, it’s a simple cake, but the combination of spices and the creamy glaze elevates it to something truly special. It’s the kind of cake that feels fancy but is secretly easy to make, which is always a win in my book!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is just out of this world. You get the warm, comforting spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the cake and the tangy cream cheese glaze. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing. But beyond the flavor, the simplicity of this recipe is what really makes it a winner. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques; it’s a straightforward bake that anyone can master. And let’s talk about cost-efficiency – the ingredients are pantry staples that won’t break the bank. Plus, this cake is incredibly versatile! I love serving it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a decadent brunch treat, or as a show-stopping dessert after dinner. What I love most about this Neiman Marcus Cake recipe is how forgiving it is. You can tweak the spices to your liking, add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture, or even use different extracts for a unique twist. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! If you love spice cake or zucchini bread, you’re going to absolutely adore this. It’s even easier to make than some of those recipes, and it will be the star of any potluck or gathering.

How do I make Neiman Marcus cake?

Quick Overview

Making this Neiman Marcus Cake is surprisingly easy! You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients, and then combining them. After that, you’ll swirl in a simple, delicious filling and bake it until golden brown. Once cooled, you’ll smother it in a creamy, tangy glaze. The whole process is pretty straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth it. I promise, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this recipe. The best part? It’s a one-bowl kind of recipe, which means fewer dishes to wash – always a plus in my book!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What are some of the

• I always use unbleached flour for the best flavor. I use 2 cups all-purpose flour.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise!
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A touch of nutmeg enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way with clove!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
• 1 cup vegetable oil: You can also use canola oil.
• 4 large eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification.
• What is vanilla extract?
• 1 cup grated zucchini (optional): Adds moisture and texture, but can be omitted.

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Use full-fat for the creamiest filling.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the filling together.

For the Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Unsalted or salted, your choice!
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it to avoid any lumps.
• 1/4 cup milk: You can use regular milk, almond milk or even cream for a richer glaze.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a final touch of vanilla flavor.

What are the steps of

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. How do I prevent a cake from sticking? I like to use baking spray with flour already in it for extra insurance. Make sure you get all the corners!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside. How do you ensure everything is evenly distributed? This step is important because it prevents clumps of baking soda or spices from forming in the mixture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, and Vanilla Extract. Set aside. Make sure the eggs are well combined before adding them to the dry ingredients. I always whisk the wet ingredients really well so they fully incorporate.

Step 4: Combine

What is the best way to mix wet and dry ingredients together? How do you avoid overmixing a cake? If you’re using zucchini, fold it in at this point. How do I make a batter that is smooth and not overly liquid?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and egg until smooth and creamy. Set aside. The cream cheese needs to be really soft; otherwise, you’ll end up with a lumpy filling. I like to microwave it for a few seconds to make sure it’s smooth.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling over the batter. Then, pour the remaining cake batter over the filling. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Don’t over-swirl; you want to see distinct ribbons of filling throughout the cake.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it towards the end to prevent it from burning. How do you check doneness in an oven? If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. How do you drizzle the glaze over a cooled cake? I like to let the glaze set for a bit before slicing, but that’s totally up to you!

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the cake into squares and serve. This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. I sometimes like to dust it with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation. Is it good with vanilla Ice Cream?

What is the best way to serve it?

This Neiman Marcus cake is a showtopper on its own, but it’s also fantastic when paired with the Chocolate Chip Cookie. Right accompaniments. What are some good ideas to get started?

For Breakfast:Pair a slice of bread with coffee. The warmth of the coffee complements the spices in the cake beautifully. I love serving it alongside a Fruit Salad for scrumptious breakfast.

For Brunch:What are some of the best Neiman Marcus cakes? What is the best way to enjoy a mimos What are some of the best ways to impress your guests?

As Dessert: Serve it after dinner with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts would also be delicious. I often serve it with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of herbal tea.

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a warm glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening. It’s the Perfect Comfort Food for a cozy night in. My kids love it with a side of yogurt for a quick and easy snack.

My family always serves this cake at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. It’s become a tradition that everyone looks forward to. I also love making it for potlucks and bake sales; it always disappears in minutes! It’s just one of those recipes that people can’t resist.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Neiman Marcus Cake

Want to take your Neiman Marcus Cake to the next level? Here are some of my top tips:

Zucchini Prep: If you’re using zucchini, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture after grating it. Too much moisture can make the cake soggy. I like to place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out until no more water comes out.

Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and then stop. I always mix by hand to avoid overmixing.

Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirling! You can use a toothpick, a knife, or even a chopstick to create different patterns. Experiment with different techniques to find your favorite look. I like to make figure-eight patterns for a visually appealing swirl.

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to customize the cake to your liking. You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter. You can also substitute different extracts for the vanilla extract, such as almond extract or lemon extract. I’ve even tried adding a tablespoon of coffee extract, and it was amazing!

Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around 30 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil. I always rotate the cake halfway through baking to ensure even browning.

Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, use cream instead of milk. You can also add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance the sweetness. Experiment with different extracts for a unique flavor. I sometimes add a tablespoon of lemon juice for a tangy glaze. One time, I accidentally used brown butter in the glaze and it gave it this incredible nutty flavor!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to make your Neiman Marcus Cake last? Here’s how to store it:

Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. I like to keep it in a cake dome on my counter.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. The glaze may harden slightly in the refrigerator, but it will soften up as it comes to room temperature.

Freezer Instructions: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. I like to slice the cake before freezing it so I can easily grab a slice whenever I want one.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cake, it’s best to freeze it without the glaze. You can make the glaze fresh when you’re ready to serve the cake. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy during thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This Neiman Marcus Cake recipe is truly a gem. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. The combination of warm spices, moist cake, and creamy glaze is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s so versatile; you can customize it to your liking with different add-ins and flavor variations. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes! I have tons of delicious options that are just as easy to make. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and let’s spread the baking love!