Neiman Marcus Cake
A rich, gooey Southern classic with a buttery pecan-coconut crust and silky cream cheese topping. Made with just 9 ingredients and ready in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
Cake Crust Layer
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 oz, any brand
- 1/2 cup butter unsalted, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup pecans chopped, lightly toasted for deeper flavor
- 1 cup coconut flakes sweetened or unsweetened both work
- 3 large eggs room temperature
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese full-fat block style, softened — do not use spreadable tub
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted to avoid lumps
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract pure vanilla extract recommended
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Optionally line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, chopped pecans, coconut flakes, and 3 eggs. Beat together until thick and well combined. The mixture will resemble a thick cookie dough — this is correct.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using your hands or the back of a spoon. Aim for a consistent, even layer.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth with no lumps. This step is critical — any lumps now will remain in the finished topping.
- Add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until you have a thick, glossy mixture that falls off the beater in a slow, steady ribbon.
- Slowly pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust layer and spread with a spatula all the way to the edges, ensuring the entire pecan-coconut base is covered.
- Bake for 24–26 minutes, or until the top is a warm golden brown. The center may look slightly soft when removed from the oven — this is normal and will firm up as it cools. Start checking at the 22-minute mark.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. For clean, picture-perfect squares, wait the full 1 to 1.5 hours until completely cooled. Cut into 12 generous squares and serve.
Notes
Room temperature matters: Set cream cheese and eggs out 45–60 minutes before baking for the smoothest results.
Do not overmix the topping: Once smooth, stop mixing. Overmixing adds air that causes the topping to puff and sink.
Variations: Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate, red velvet, lemon, or spice cake mix for a completely different flavor profile.
Nut-free option: Simply omit the pecans. The coconut alone provides plenty of texture.
Make ahead: Bake the day before, refrigerate overnight, and let sit at room temperature 15–20 minutes before serving. Flavors deepen overnight.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days, or freeze individual squares for up to 3 months.