When you think of a dessert that’s rich, decadent, and guaranteed to impress, the Neiman Marcus Cake comes to mind. This cake has gained legendary status for its incredibly moist texture, deep chocolate flavor, and the glossy, sweet glaze that tops it all off. It’s the type of cake you’ll want to make again and again, not just for special occasions, but for whenever you’re craving a piece of chocolate heaven.

This cake is everything you want in a dessert: simple, indulgent, and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a birthday, a holiday, or just as a treat for the family, the Neiman Marcus Cake will quickly become your go-to recipe. What makes it so special, you ask? The moist crumb, the rich cocoa flavor, and that perfect glaze that takes the cake to a whole new level. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up – making it the perfect choice for even novice bakers.

A Brief History Behind the Neiman Marcus Cake

There’s a bit of a mystery surrounding the origins of the Neiman Marcus Cake. Some say it was created at the iconic Neiman Marcus store in Dallas, Texas, as a way to promote the brand’s bakery. Others claim it was created by a customer who was so impressed by the cake served at the store’s restaurant that they wanted the recipe. Regardless of its true origin, the Neiman Marcus Cake has become synonymous with indulgence, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

So, if you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to be the star of the show, look no further than this easy-to-make, delicious cake. Let’s dive right into the recipe so you can get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this rich chocolate cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s the rundown:

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot water
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2–4 tablespoons hot coffee or milk (adjust for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started! Follow these easy steps and you’ll be enjoying this delightful cake in no time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you do anything, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This will give it plenty of time to heat up while you prepare the cake. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or Bundt pan. This is an essential step to ensure the cake releases easily from the pan once it’s baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients form the base of the cake and give it that deep, rich flavor that will shine through. Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now, create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. In this well, add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together using a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Don’t worry if it looks a little thin; that’s exactly how it should be.

Step 4: Incorporate Hot Water

Once your batter is smooth, it’s time to add the hot water. Turn the mixer speed down to low and slowly pour in the hot water. The water will thin out the batter even more, creating that perfect glossy texture. Mix until everything is combined, but don’t overdo it. If you’re adding chopped nuts, fold them into the batter gently using a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here – letting it cool a bit will make glazing much easier.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and hot coffee (or milk, if you prefer). Keep adding coffee or milk until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cake but not so thick that it doesn’t drip down the sides.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 10–15 minutes before slicing into your cake. The glaze will harden slightly, giving you that perfect, glossy finish.

Neiman Marcus Cake: Tips for Success and Variations

Now that you know how to make the Neiman Marcus Cake, let’s dive deeper into some tips and variations that will help you perfect this dessert every time. While the recipe itself is simple and straightforward, there are a few tricks to ensure your cake comes out moist, flavorful, and beautifully glazed. Plus, I’ll share a few fun ways to tweak the recipe to suit different occasions or personal preferences.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Neiman Marcus Cake

Baking is an art, and just like any other skill, the more you practice, the better you get. Here are a few essential tips to help you make the best possible Neiman Marcus Cake:

Room Temperature Ingredients
It’s always best to use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk when baking. Room-temperature eggs mix better into the batter, creating a smoother consistency. Buttermilk also works better when it’s not cold, as it helps the cake rise more evenly.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
When you’re mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be sure not to overmix the batter. Once everything is combined, stop mixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we’re aiming for light and fluffy here.
Test for Doneness
Ovens can vary in temperature, so be sure to test your cake with a toothpick or cake tester to ensure it’s fully baked. Insert the toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes.
Allow the Cake to Cool Properly
Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the cake set and prevents it from falling apart when you take it out of the pan. Once it’s on the rack, let it cool completely before glazing.
Adjust the Glaze Consistency
The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more hot coffee or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you get the right consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. It’s all about achieving that perfect, glossy finish that will drip down the sides of the cake just right.

Fun Variations to Try

While the classic Neiman Marcus Cake is wonderful as is, there are a few ways you can personalize it to suit your taste. Here are a couple of fun variations to consider:

Add Different Nuts
While the recipe calls for pecans or walnuts, you can experiment with other types of nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even toast the nuts before adding them to the batter to bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Try a Chocolate Ganache Glaze
If you’re a true chocolate lover, why not swap out the simple glaze for a rich chocolate ganache? Melt together some heavy cream and chocolate chips until smooth and pour it over the cake for an even more indulgent finish. This variation will give your cake a thicker, more luxurious layer of chocolate.
Go for a Layered Neiman Marcus Cake
To take things up a notch, you could turn this recipe into a layered cake. Simply bake the batter in two or three smaller round cake pans and layer them with a bit of frosting or whipped cream between each layer. Top with the glaze, and you’ve got yourself a stunning showstopper.
Make it a Cupcake Version
If you love individual servings, try turning the Neiman Marcus Cake into cupcakes! Simply divide the batter among lined cupcake pans and bake for 18–20 minutes. Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for individual servings of chocolate bliss.
Infuse the Cake with Coffee or Espresso
For a rich, coffee-flavored twist, try adding 1–2 tablespoons of instant coffee or espresso powder to the dry ingredients. The coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor and give the cake a deeper, more sophisticated taste. You could even replace some of the hot water with brewed coffee to intensify the flavor even more.

Storing Your Neiman Marcus Cake

If you somehow have leftovers (which I highly doubt), here’s how you can store your cake to keep it fresh:

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It will remain moist and delicious for a few days after baking.
Refrigeration: If you want to store it for longer, you can refrigerate the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing: You can also freeze the cake. To freeze, slice the cake into individual pieces, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat up in the microwave for a warm, comforting treat.