Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, moist cake that’s full of indulgent flavors, topped with a creamy frosting that makes it impossible to resist. Known for its irresistible combination of chocolate, nuts, and coffee, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat anytime. The story behind its name is that it’s said to have originated from a famous recipe at the Neiman Marcus department store, and it has become a beloved dessert for cake lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Neiman Marcus Cake is a decadent dessert that combines layers of moist, chocolate cake with a rich, creamy frosting, all topped off with a delicious blend of nuts. The deep flavors from the coffee and chocolate, paired with the crunch of pecans or walnuts, create the perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, holiday, or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box (18.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (any brand)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee (optional, for depth of flavor)
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, sour cream, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and instant coffee (if using). Mix well until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
Add the Nuts: Stir in the chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
Mix the Frosting: Remove from heat and add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and instant coffee (if using). Whisk until the frosting is smooth and glossy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake:

Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top of the first layer. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Top with Nuts: Sprinkle the top of the cake with chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and a decorative touch.

Serve:

Serve and Enjoy: Let the cake sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

Different Nuts: Use different types of nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts for a unique flavor and texture.
Coffee-Lover’s Version: Increase the amount of instant coffee in the cake batter and frosting for an even more coffee-forward flavor.
Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra pockets of melty chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Neiman Marcus Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week if you prefer a firmer frosting. To reheat, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Neiman Marcus Cake

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed cake mix?

Yes! If you prefer to use a homemade cake mix, you can substitute it. Just be sure to keep the wet ingredients the same (sour cream, oil, eggs, water) to maintain the moist texture.

Can I make this cake without coffee?

Yes, you can omit the coffee if you don’t like the taste of coffee. The cake will still be delicious without it, but the coffee adds a depth of flavor to the chocolate that’s hard to beat.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! You can use a classic buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting if you prefer a different texture and flavor, though the chocolate frosting complements the cake perfectly.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. To serve, allow it to thaw at room temperature before frosting.

How do I make this cake less sweet?

If you find this cake too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting or use a dark chocolate cake mix to balance out the sweetness.

Conclusion

Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat. With its decadent chocolate flavor, creamy frosting, and nutty crunch, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday celebration or a simple get-together, this cake will be a hit. Enjoy the deliciousness of this irresistible, timeless cake!