Neiman Marcus Bars
Whenever I think of the perfect dessert to share at gatherings, Neiman Marcus Bars immediately come to mind. These delightful treats have a special place in my heart, reminiscent of family gatherings where everyone would gather around, eagerly awaiting a taste. The sweet aroma of buttery goodness wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone nostalgic. I remember the first time I tried these bars; they were a gift from a dear friend who raved about their rich, creamy texture and decadent flavor. As I took my first bite, I was hooked! Ever since, I’ve made it my mission to perfect my version of this classic recipe, transforming it into a staple for every party and celebration.
What makes Neiman Marcus Bars so special is not just their taste but also their versatility. They are incredibly easy to whip up, yet they always impress. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive holiday gathering, these bars fit right in. Plus, they have a delightful balance of flavors, combining the richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of cake mix and powdered sugar. It’s a treat that everyone loves, and I find joy in watching my loved ones savor each bite. Trust me, once you try making Neiman Marcus Bars, they’ll become a must-have addition to your dessert repertoire.
Recipe Snapshot
40 mins
5 mins
35 mins
Medium
250 kcal
3 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
12 g
Frying Pan, Oven, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
The Best Thing About This Neiman Marcus Bars
Unforgettable Flavor
What truly sets Neiman Marcus Bars apart is the explosion of flavors in every bite. The combination of the buttery cake base and the creamy, decadent topping creates a perfect harmony that leaves your taste buds singing.
Texture Perfection
These bars boast a delightful contrast between the soft, chewy cake layer and the smooth, rich cream cheese mixture on top. Each bite is a delightful experience, making them perfect for sharing.
Effortless Preparation
With just a few simple ingredients, making Neiman Marcus Bars is a breeze. You can whip these up quickly, even on a busy weeknight, which is fantastic for those spontaneous dessert cravings.
Endless Customization
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste. Whether you want to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of fruit preserves, the possibilities are endless.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These bars are ideal for any occasion, be it a potluck, birthday party, or holiday gathering. They are always a hit and something people look forward to at every event.
Family-Friendly Fun
Making Neiman Marcus Bars can be a fun activity for the entire family. Get the kids involved in mixing and pouring, and watch their faces light up as they help create something delicious.
Main Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Bars
The ingredients used in Neiman Marcus Bars are simple yet incredibly effective. Each plays a crucial role in creating a dessert that is both satisfying and indulgent. The combination of yellow cake mix as the base gives a sweet and moist texture, while the cream cheese adds a rich creaminess that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix – This is the foundation of the bars, providing a sweet and moist cake layer.
- 4 large eggs, divided – Eggs add structure to the cake and help bind the ingredients together.
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter – Butter enriches the flavor and adds moisture to the cake.
- 1 (8-ounce) package softened cream cheese – This creamy ingredient brings richness and a tangy flavor that compliments the sweetness.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – A key element in the topping, giving it sweetness and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
Neiman Marcus Bars Instructions
Making Neiman Marcus Bars is an enjoyable process that results in a treat everyone will love. You’ll find that the steps are straightforward, making it easy to create this delightful dessert.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step as a properly preheated oven ensures that your Neiman Marcus Bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and to make it easier to remove the bars later. Trust me, you want these to come out beautifully!
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 of the 4 large eggs, and ½ cup melted unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until well combined. The batter will be thick, which is perfectly normal. This will form the bottom layer of your bars.
Spread the cake batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using a rubber spatula. Take your time to ensure it’s spread out evenly for consistent baking.
Now, in the same bowl (no need to clean it), combine the remaining 2 eggs, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the luscious topping that makes Neiman Marcus Bars so irresistible!
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. This creamy layer is what makes these bars truly special.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes; you want the edges to be slightly golden and set, while the center remains soft.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This cooling step is important as it helps the bars set properly.
After the bars are cooled, slice them into squares and serve. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite of your Neiman Marcus Bars!
Things Worth Knowing
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. It helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter. This can lead to dense bars rather than light and fluffy ones.
- Cooling time: Be patient and let your Neiman Marcus Bars cool completely before slicing. This ensures cleaner cuts and better texture.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture and taste.
Tips for Success
To perfect your Neiman Marcus Bars, keep these tips in mind. They can help you avoid common pitfalls and enhance your dessert-making experience.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, making them a great treat for later.
- Freezing: You can freeze Neiman Marcus Bars for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- Pairing: These bars are delightful alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a sweet ending to a family meal.
- Serving suggestion: Try serving them with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that your guests will love!
- Variation: Consider adding a layer of fresh fruit jam on top of the cream cheese layer for a burst of fruity flavor that complements the richness.
Accompaniments for Neiman Marcus Bars
When it comes to serving Neiman Marcus Bars, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert game:
- Serve with fresh fruit: Pair these bars with a side of fresh berries or sliced bananas to add a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness.
- Perfect for potlucks: These bars are a great choice for potlucks or gatherings. Everyone will appreciate having a sweet treat to enjoy while mingling.
- Holiday gatherings: Neiman Marcus Bars are ideal for holiday celebrations. Their rich flavor makes them a festive addition to any dessert table.
- Picnic-friendly: Pack these bars for a picnic! They are easy to transport and require no utensils, making them a hassle-free dessert option.
- Creative serving: For a fun twist, cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them at a dessert bar with various toppings like whipped cream or chocolate sauce.
FAQ
Conclusion
Neiman Marcus Bars are a delightful blend of sweetness and creamy goodness that truly captures the essence of a perfect dessert. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, they are easy to make and sure to impress. So why not gather the ingredients and whip up a batch of these bars? I promise you won’t regret it!
Neiman Marcus Bars
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs eggs divided
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 package cream cheese softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 of the eggs, and unsalted butter. Beat until well combined.
- Spread the cake batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In the same bowl, combine the remaining eggs, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely and then slice and serve.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: You can freeze Neiman Marcus Bars for up to three months.
- Pairing: These bars are delightful alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
- Serving suggestion: Try serving them with a scoop of ice cream.
- Variation: Add a layer of fresh fruit jam on top for extra flavor.
