I still remember the first time I tried ooey gooey Neiman Marcus bars. They were rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible. There’s just something about a dessert that combines a luscious cream cheese layer with a buttery cake base that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s for a family gathering, potluck, or just a cozy night in, these bars are always a hit. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, taking only about an hour from start to finish.
What I love most about ooey gooey Neiman Marcus bars is their delightful contrast in textures. The dense cake bottom is perfectly complemented by the creamy, dreamy layer on top. They’re sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, making them an indulgent treat that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—though I can’t promise they won’t disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love These Bars
- Quick to prepare with minimal effort.
- Flavorful combination of cake and cream cheese.
- Reliable and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Great for make-ahead desserts.
- Easy to store for later enjoyment.
“These bars are incredibly delicious and so simple to make!”
Step-by-Step Overview
Making ooey gooey Neiman Marcus bars is a breeze. You’ll start by preparing a cake base using butter, yellow cake mix, and eggs. Next, whip up a luscious cream cheese topping that you’ll pour over the cake batter. After a short bake in the oven, let them cool and you’re ready to indulge!
What You’ll Need
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25-ounce)
- 4 large eggs (divided)
- 1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Cake Mix: A yellow cake mix is ideal, but you can swap for a vanilla mix if needed.
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the overall sweetness; substitute with margarine if dairy-free.
- Eggs: Large eggs are crucial for the right consistency; egg substitutes are optional but may alter the texture.
How to Make it
This recipe is straightforward and perfect for novice bakers. You’ll begin by preparing the cake mix base, followed by the cream cheese layer, and then baking everything together to create a perfectly gooey treat.
- Let 8 ounces cream cheese sit at room temperature until softened. Alternatively, microwave in 15-second intervals until very soft.
- Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the sides.
- Melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium bowl, either in the microwave or on the stove. Allow to cool slightly.
- Add the yellow cake mix and 2 of the large eggs into the melted butter. Beat on medium speed until smooth and thick. Spread this batter in an even layer in the prepared pan.
- Clean the mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese, 2 remaining large eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-low speed until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cake batter and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly jiggly. Cool on a wire rack for 2 to 3 hours.
- To cut, run a knife around the edges, lift the bars out using the parchment, and slice into 24 pieces.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth batter.
- Use a spatula to evenly spread the batter and cream cheese layer for consistent cooking.
- For perfect texture, do not over-mix the cake batter; stop once it’s smooth.
- If using a darker baking pan, check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid over-baking.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these delightful bars as is, or dress them up! A dusting of powdered sugar on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side brings out the flavors beautifully. For a festive touch, drizzle some chocolate sauce over and garnish with fresh berries.
How to Store & Freeze
Keep any leftover Neiman Marcus bars covered in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for about 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
How to Fix Common Issues
- Dry Bars: If your bars are dry, they may have baked too long. Next time, aim for a slightly shorter bake time.
- Bland Flavor: Enhance flavor by using high-quality vanilla extract.
- Soggy Bottoms: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve a firm texture.
- Overcooked Edges: Reduce cooking time if your edges are getting brown while the center is still jiggly.
Creative Twists
- Add-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cake layer for extra texture.
- Flavor Variations: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Fruity Additions: Layer fresh fruit or fruit preserves on top of the cream cheese layer for bursts of flavor.
Common Questions
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Any flavor cake mix can work; just consider how it pairs with the cream cheese.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be firm and golden, while the center will still jiggle slightly. It will continue to set as it cools.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version. Make sure other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I substitute cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese in place of cream cheese, but expect a slightly different texture.
How should I cut these bars?
To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife, and rinse it with hot water between cuts. A gentle sawing motion works best to avoid squishing the bars.
Enjoy your delicious ooey gooey Neiman Marcus bars—they’re sure to become a beloved favorite!
Neiman Marcus Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Let cream cheese sit at room temperature until softened or microwave in 15-second intervals.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a medium bowl and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix cake mix and 2 eggs into the cooled butter and beat on medium speed until smooth. Spread this batter in the prepared pan.
- In a clean bowl, combine softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-low speed until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool on a wire rack for 2 to 3 hours before cutting.
- Run a knife around the edges and lift the bars out using parchment to slice into 24 pieces.