Easy Neiman Marcus Bars: The Ultimate Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Prepare to delight your taste buds with a dessert that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor: the Neiman Marcus Bars. While many know this iconic treat by its alternate name, St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, these bars are celebrated far beyond the Midwest for their distinctively luxurious taste and incredible texture. They get their “Neiman Marcus” moniker from their unparalleled richness and buttery, creamy consistency – a true indulgence that makes it impossible to stop at just one bite. Forget complex patisserie; this dessert brings gourmet satisfaction with surprising ease, promising a delicious experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
The Secret to Simplicity: Starts With Cake Mix
One of the best aspects of these delectable Neiman Marcus Bars is their incredible ease of preparation, thanks to a simple cake mix base. This ingenious shortcut ensures that anyone, regardless of baking experience, can whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasing treats without any fuss. You might recall older recipes calling for an 18.25 oz box of cake mix, but don’t fret over the current standard 15.25 oz boxes. Through extensive testing, it’s been confirmed that the slightly smaller modern boxes work perfectly, yielding the same fantastic results. The magic of this recipe lies in its adaptability.
When it comes to choosing your cake mix, a high-quality yellow or butter golden variety is key to achieving that signature rich flavor. I’ve personally experimented with both Duncan Hines Butter Golden and Betty Crocker Yellow Butter cake mixes, and both delivered outstanding results. The Duncan Hines mix produced a slightly more subtle butter flavor and a crust that was consistently soft. In contrast, the Betty Crocker Yellow cake mix, while equally delicious, resulted in a noticeably thicker, more pronounced crust and a slightly bolder flavor profile. Ultimately, both brands are excellent choices, so feel free to use your preferred butter or yellow cake mix to kickstart your Neiman Marcus Bar journey.
The Irresistible Chewy Edges
For many connoisseurs of Gooey Butter Cake, the crispy, caramelized, and delightfully chewy edges are the undisputed highlight. These golden borders offer a textural contrast that perfectly complements the soft, gooey center, making each bite a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s this very characteristic that almost tempts me to invest in one of those specialized Edge Pans, designed specifically to maximize those coveted chewy bits. If you’re an edge enthusiast like me, there’s a simple trick to increase your yield: instead of a single 9×13 inch pan, divide the batter between two 8-inch square pans. This method significantly increases the surface area exposed to heat, resulting in more glorious edges for everyone to enjoy.
However, if you’re not particularly focused on edges or prefer minimal cleanup, a single 9×13 inch pan is perfectly acceptable and will still produce a wonderful batch of bars with a satisfying gooey texture throughout. When using a 9×13 inch pan, opt for a metal pan over glass for better heat distribution and browning, especially for the crust. Lining your pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides, can also make lifting the cooled bars out incredibly easy, allowing for neat, clean cuts without damaging the precious crust. Make sure to grease the foil or parchment as well.
For those who desire a smaller batch, perhaps for a less expansive gathering or simply to satisfy a personal craving, this versatile recipe can easily be halved. Simply divide all the ingredients by two – remembering to weigh out your cake mix for precision – and bake in a single 8-inch square pan. When reducing the recipe, be mindful that the baking time will also decrease. For an 8-inch pan, expect the bars to be perfectly baked in approximately 28 minutes, though always keep an eye on them for that tell-tale golden-brown edge and a slightly wobbly center. Regardless of your pan choice, these bars promise an unforgettable dessert experience.
Exploring Variations: From Scratch to Keto
While the convenience of cake mix is undeniably appealing, the world of Gooey Butter Cake offers exciting avenues for customization. For the purists who prefer to bake entirely from scratch, a homemade version of these delightful treats is absolutely within reach. The scratch version, often simply called Gooey Butter Cake Bars, delivers a very similar indulgent flavor and texture, allowing you to control every ingredient for a truly bespoke dessert. It’s a wonderful project for those who enjoy the hands-on process of baking from the ground up.
Beyond the classic butter flavor, these bars can easily be adapted to suit other taste preferences. If you’re a fan of bright, citrusy desserts and don’t mind the cake mix shortcut, then the Cake Mix Lemon Cheese Bars are an absolute must-try. These bars belong to the same delightful family, offering that familiar gooey texture with a refreshing lemon twist, perfect for spring or summer gatherings. The versatility of the basic Gooey Butter Cake structure allows for endless creative possibilities.
Keto-Friendly Gooey Butter Bars
For those following a ketogenic diet or simply looking to reduce their sugar intake, you don’t have to miss out on the joy of Gooey Butter Bars. Adapting this recipe to be keto-friendly is surprisingly straightforward. The primary change involves swapping out a couple of key ingredients. For the cake mix base, opt for a reliable keto-friendly cake mix. Brands like Duncan Hines now offer Classic Yellow Keto Friendly Cake Mix, which makes for an effortless substitution without compromising on flavor or texture. This is a game-changer for low-carb baking.
Next, the powdered sugar in the gooey topping can be replaced with an erythritol or allulose-based powdered sweetener. I highly recommend Wholesome Yum Monk Fruit and Allulose Powdered Sweetener. As someone quite particular about keto sweeteners, I can attest to the superior quality of Wholesome Yum products; they consistently deliver excellent taste and texture without the off-flavors often associated with other sugar substitutes. With these simple ingredient swaps, you can enjoy all the rich, buttery, gooey goodness of Neiman Marcus Bars while staying true to your dietary goals.
Tips for Storage and Serving
To ensure your Neiman Marcus Bars remain fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Once cooled completely, these bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer freshness, especially in warmer climates, or if you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them. When refrigerated, they will last up to a week. Simply bring them back to room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to restore their signature gooeyness. These bars also freeze exceptionally well; wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for an easy, delicious treat anytime.
Serving these bars is simple. They are delicious on their own, perhaps with a dusting of extra powdered sugar for an elegant finish. For an extra special touch, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A fresh berry compote can also add a lovely tart contrast to their sweetness. Their rich flavor makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as an indulgent treat with your afternoon coffee.
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Recipe: Neiman Marcus Bars (Gooey Butter Cake)
Neiman Marcus Bars
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 oz box of yellow or butter flavored cake mix
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- ½ cup salted butter softened and squishy (almost melted)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 ⅔ cup powdered sugar a little less than a pound
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch metal pan. For more chewy edges, you can divide the batter between two 8-inch square pans, adjusting baking time accordingly. Optional: line the pan with foil or parchment paper and grease the lining for easier removal.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 2 room temperature eggs, and the softened, almost melted salted butter. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Drop spoonfuls (gobs) of this cake mix batter evenly into your prepared pan(s). Lightly dampen your fingers with water and gently press the batter to form an even crust layer across the bottom of the pan(s).
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Using the same mixing bowl (no need to wash it), beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, the remaining 2 room temperature eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Carefully spread this luscious cream cheese topping evenly over the cake mix crust layer.
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Bake for 32-38 minutes in the preheated oven. The bars are ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown and the center is mostly set but still has a slight wobble. If you are using two 8-inch square pans, begin checking for doneness around the 28-minute mark, as smaller pans may bake faster.
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Allow the Neiman Marcus Bars to cool completely at room temperature within the pan. For the best texture and clean slicing, chill them thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. These bars also freeze exceptionally well for future enjoyment.
Conclusion: Bake These Neiman Marcus Bars Today!
Whether you know them as Neiman Marcus Bars or St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, these simple yet sensational treats are a guaranteed hit. Their rich, buttery flavor, combined with a delightfully gooey center and those irresistible chewy edges, makes them a dessert that stands out. With the convenience of a cake mix and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a memorable dessert with minimal effort. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different pan sizes for more edges or explore the keto-friendly options to fit your lifestyle. Gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these truly magical bars – your taste buds will thank you!