There’s something almost magical about a dessert that feels like it came straight from a bakery case but is actually pulled warm from your own oven. That’s exactly what Neiman Marcus Bars deliver—every buttery bite is melt-in-your-mouth soft with a lightly crisp golden top and a rich, cream cheese center that tastes like cheesecake and cake had the most delicious baby.
If you’ve landed here searching for a crowd-pleasing, low-effort dessert that tastes bakery-level without bakery stress, you’re in the right place.
These bars are trending hard right now because they strike that sweet spot (literally and figuratively) between nostalgia and indulgence. The recipe starts with a humble yellow cake mix, but once you whip in a layer of cream cheese, eggs, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, you’ve got pure magic in a pan.
The main benefit? They’re incredibly easy to make for any occasion—no stand mixer, no fuss, just full-on flavor. Pair them with something savory for a cozy lunch, or cool things down with Fruit Salad and homemade Strawberry Ice Cream on the side.
One pan makes 24 bars. This means: bake once, impress everyone, and snack all week. I first made these on a whim for a family game night, and they’ve been requested at every gathering since.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again and Again!
- Crowd-Pleaser Every Time: I whipped these up last-minute for a potluck, and they disappeared in under ten minutes. People were literally asking me for the recipe before I could even sit down!
- One Bowl = Less Mess: No pile of dishes here! This is a one-bowl wonder—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something sweet without a mountain of cleanup.
- Totally Customizable: I’ve tried adding lemon zest, chocolate chips, and even a peanut butter swirl—and honestly, every version turns out amazing. It’s a great canvas for creativity.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: They stay soft and delicious in the fridge for days, so you can meal prep them or wrap a few up as sweet little gifts.
- Simple & Stress-Free: No fancy tools, no hard-to-find ingredients. Just everyday staples coming together for a comforting, sweet treat that hits the spot every time.
Neiman Marcus Bars Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 18.25 ounce package yellow cake mix
- 4 large eggs divided
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 8-ounce package softened cream cheese
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 2 eggs, and melted butter. Mix well and press into the bottom of the pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week for best texture and taste.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 224kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sugar | 29g |
| Sodium | 221mg |
Flavor-Packed Variations You Haven’t Tried Yet!
- Salted Pretzel Crust Twist:
Swap the cake mix crust with a mix of crushed pretzels, melted butter, and a touch of brown sugar. It adds a salty crunch that balances the gooey topping beautifully. - Mascarpone Upgrade:
Try replacing half the cream cheese with mascarpone. It gives the bars a silkier, slightly tangier finish that feels a little more “bakery special.” - Caramel Ripple Layer:
After pouring the cream cheese layer, drizzle caramel sauce and lightly swirl it in before baking. It adds depth and a touch of fancy without complicating the recipe. - Toasted Coconut Topping:
Sprinkle the top with toasted coconut before baking. It gives a golden crunch and makes the bars even more eye-catching when served. - Chai-Spiced Version:
Mix ground cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of nutmeg into the powdered sugar layer. You’ll get a cozy, spiced flavor that’s amazing for fall or holiday gatherings. - Lemon Poppy Seed Variation:
Add fresh lemon zest and a teaspoon of poppy seeds to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, zesty version that pairs well with tea or brunch.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
