When you hear the name “Neiman Marcus Bars,” you might instantly think of indulgence and decadence. These delightful treats are a luscious combination of moist cake and creamy filling, perfectly capturing the essence of comfort desserts. Whipped together with simple ingredients, they are not only easy to make but also offer a unique burst of flavor that will leave everyone guessing what the secret ingredient is. In the world of sweet treats, these bars hold a special place. If you’ve been yearning for a dessert that’s perfect for sharing or for cozy evenings at home, these bars are your answer!
Why We Love This Neiman Marcus Bars Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Neiman Marcus Bars. Firstly, they unite the fluffy texture of cake with a rich filling, creating a delightful sensory experience with each bite. The irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes them perfect for various occasions, from family gatherings to office parties.
Moreover, this recipe employs common ingredients that you are likely to have at home, making it an accessible choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The preparation process is straightforward, requiring minimal fuss, which means that you can whip up a batch even on a busy day. Once baked, these bars are incredibly versatile; they pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making a perfect afternoon snack or dessert option.
If you love delicious desserts that are sure to please, this Neiman Marcus Bars recipe will inevitably find its way into your baking rotation. They are delightful, shareable, and simply irresistible—what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Bars
To make your own batch of Neiman Marcus Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs (divided)
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 (8-ounce) package softened cream cheese
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients work in harmony to create the ultimate sweet treat, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor, creaminess, and sweetness.
How to Make Neiman Marcus Bars
Making Neiman Marcus Bars is a straightforward process that results in a stunning dessert. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare these delicious bars:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for ensuring that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the bars from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make the Cake Layer: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 of the 4 large eggs, and melted unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it is thick and well-combined. This batter will form the base layer of your bars.
- Spread the Batter: Use a rubber spatula to evenly spread the batter into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it covers the entire surface for even baking.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In the same bowl (no need to clean it), combine the softened cream cheese, the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be your filling layer, adding richness and flavor to the bars.
- Layer the Filling: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly across the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake—the edges should become slightly golden while the center remains soft.
- Cool Completely: After baking, take your bars out of the oven and allow them to cool completely. This step is important, as it will help the layers set before slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them at room temperature or chilled, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Neiman Marcus Bars
Serving Neiman Marcus Bars is as delightful as making them! These bars lend themselves well to a variety of serving ideas:
- As a Sweet Treat: Serve them on a dessert platter for a charming end to any meal. The combination of the yellow cake and creamy filling makes them a hit with all ages.
- With Beverages: Pair these bars with your favorite hot tea or coffee. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making for a cozy afternoon break.
- For Gatherings: They can be a wonderful addition to potlucks, birthdays, or holiday gatherings. Their distinctive flavor and soft texture set them apart from typical desserts, making them a conversation starter.
- Chilled or Room Temperature: Neiman Marcus Bars can be enjoyed either chilled or at room temperature. Some might prefer the cool, creamy filling straight from the refrigerator, while others may enjoy the softer texture when served warm.
No matter how you choose to serve them, your guests—and you—are in for a delightful treat!
Expert Tips for Perfect Neiman Marcus Bars
Achieving perfect Neiman Marcus Bars is all about the details. Here are some expert tips to enhance your baking experience:
- Choose the Right Cake Mix: While the traditional recipe calls for yellow cake mix, feel free to experiment with other flavors if you want to try something new—vanilla or even chocolate cake mixes can work wonderfully.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese is softened and at room temperature before mixing. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth filling.
- Measuring Ingredients: When measuring powdered sugar, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. This will give you the perfect sweetness without being too cloying.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix after you add the eggs. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture in your bars.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so consider checking your bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time. They should be set but still soft in the center.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of Neiman Marcus Bars, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
How to Store Neiman Marcus Bars
Once you’ve baked and enjoyed your Neiman Marcus Bars, you’ll want to make sure they’re stored properly to retain their freshness:
- Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before transferring them to a storage container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bars soggy.
- Air-tight Container: Store your Neiman Marcus Bars in an air-tight container. If layered, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigeration: These bars should be kept in the refrigerator, especially if you’re using cream cheese. They can last for up to one week when stored properly.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, Neiman Marcus Bars freeze quite well. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Neiman Marcus Bars well beyond the day of baking!
Variations of Neiman Marcus Bars
While the classic Neiman Marcus Bars are delicious as they are, you might be tempted to try some variations to suit your taste or impress your guests:
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a swirl of chocolate ganache or melted chocolate on top of the cream cheese filling before baking for an extra indulgent treat.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cream cheese layer for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture.
- Berry Delight: Incorporate fresh fruit into the filling. Add crushed berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
- Coconut Flakes: Adding sweetened coconut flakes into the cream cheese layer will impart a tropical flavor, reminiscent of a tropical dessert.
- Lemon Zest: For a refreshing tang, add some lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture. This will brighten the flavors and make the bars a delightful spring or summer dessert.
By experimenting with these variations, you can create your unique spin on Neiman Marcus Bars, keeping things exciting while still enjoying the delicious base recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Neiman Marcus Bars
You might still have some questions about Neiman Marcus Bars. Don’t worry; here are some FAQs that can help clarify your doubts:
What are Neiman Marcus Bars?
Neiman Marcus Bars are a combination of yellow cake and a cream cheese filling that creates a rich, layered dessert. They are known for their unique taste and texture.
How do I know when Neiman Marcus Bars are done baking?
You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your bars are ready.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, feel free to experiment with vanilla or even chocolate mixes for a different flavor profile.
How should I serve Neiman Marcus Bars?
You can serve them chilled or at room temperature, paired with beverages like coffee or tea, or at gatherings as a delightful dessert option.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months for later enjoyment.
Neiman Marcus Bars
Ingredients
Cake Layer
- 1 package 18.25 ounce package yellow cake mix You can substitute with vanilla or chocolate cake mix.
- 2 large eggs (divided) Use 2 eggs for the cake layer.
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter Make sure it's melted for mixing.
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 package 8-ounce package softened cream cheese Ensure it's at room temperature before mixing.
- 2 large eggs The remaining eggs for the filling.
- 4 cups powdered sugar Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor enhancement.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 2 eggs, and melted unsalted butter. Beat until thick and well-combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- In the same bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter and spread evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the center remains soft.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.
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