Description

The Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, decadent chocolate cake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its moist, tender crumb and a glossy glaze, this cake has gained legendary status for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and simple yet indulgent ingredients. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or Bundt pan for easy release.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed with a hand mixer (or in a stand mixer) for 2 minutes, until smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Hot Water Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly pour in the hot water. Mix until the batter is thin and glossy. Stir in chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and hot coffee (or milk) until smooth. Adjust the liquid for a pourable consistency.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

The Neiman Marcus Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. The cake is incredibly moist, with a deep cocoa flavor, and the glaze adds a sweet, velvety finish that complements the cake perfectly. The optional chopped nuts add a nice crunch and texture, but the cake is just as delicious without them. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is sure to impress with its rich flavor and simple elegance. It’s easy to make and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor, making it a go-to favorite for any occasion.