If you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts, the Neiman Marcus Cake is a must-try! Named after the famous luxury department store, this cake has gained popularity for its delicious, moist layers and unique blend of flavors. With a combination of chocolate, coffee, and a buttercream frosting, it’s the perfect dessert to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix (preferably moist cake mix)
• 1 (5.9 oz) box of chocolate pudding mix (instant)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup brewed coffee (strong)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for added richness)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan (or line it with parchment paper).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix.
3. Add the eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
4. Optionally, fold in chocolate chips for extra richness and texture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition to avoid lumps.
3. Once the powdered sugar is fully incorporated, add the milk, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar, or add more milk for a thinner consistency.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
2. For added decoration, you can sprinkle some extra chocolate chips or shaved chocolate on top.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve. The cake is rich and moist, so a little goes a long way!
2. Optional: Garnish with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Notes

• Coffee Flavor: The brewed coffee in the cake enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. If you’re not a fan of coffee, you can substitute it with hot water or milk.
• Make-Ahead: This cake can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let it thaw and then frost it.

Variations

1. Nuts and Chocolate Chip Variation

For added crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter, or sprinkle them on top with chocolate chips before baking.

2. Caramel Neiman Marcus Cake

Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the frosted cake for a caramel-chocolate fusion. You can also mix caramel bits into the batter for extra flavor.

3. Almond Neiman Marcus Cake

If you enjoy almond flavor, add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the frosting for a lovely, nutty twist that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different frosting for this cake?

Yes! While the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the chocolate cake perfectly, you can substitute it with whipped cream, buttercream frosting, or even ganache for a different finish.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and checking the pudding mix to ensure it’s also gluten-free. Additionally, make sure the chocolate chips you use are certified gluten-free.

3. Can I substitute the sour cream in this recipe?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. This will still provide a moist and tender cake.

4. How do I store the Neiman Marcus Cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer shelf life (up to 5 days). If refrigerated, let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

This Neiman Marcus Cake is an indulgent, rich dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. With its combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy frosting, and a touch of coffee, it’s a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something sweet, this cake is the perfect choice.