Neiman Marcus Cake : A Dessert Everyone Will Love!

Name: Neiman Marcus Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups walnuts, finely chopped; 1 cup sugar; 4 large eggs; 1½ cups crushed graham crackers; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or extra chopped nuts

Posted on January 4, 2026

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This delicious Neiman Marcus Cake comes together in about 30 minutes and is no-bake for a quick and easy dessert that your family will love! Switch up the nut selections or use it as a clean-out-the-fridge treat to use up those odds and ends you’ve got lying around. Trust me, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

The Sweet Origins of Neiman Marcus Cake

Ah, the Neiman Marcus Cake, a dessert that has been beloved for ages, attributed to a legendary shopping experience at the iconic Neiman Marcus department store in Dallas. Legend has it that a famous recipe for this cake was made famous by a mix-up when a customer received the cake recipe instead of a bill, what a happy accident! This cake is rich, sweet, and incredibly easy to make, proving that sometimes simplicity and indulgence can go hand in hand.

Ingredients Needed for Neiman Marcus Cake

To get started on this delicious dessert, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

1½ cups walnuts, finely chopped
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs
1½ cups crushed graham crackers
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

Chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or extra chopped nuts

Let’s Get Cooking!

This cake is a breeze to whip up! Let’s dive into how to make this wonderful Neiman Marcus Cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Base (5 minutes)
- In a bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, sugar, eggs, crushed graham crackers, and cocoa powder.
- Mix until evenly combined. This should be a sticky, thick batter, so don’t worry if it feels a bit heavy!
Pour into the Dish (5 minutes)
- Grab an 8-inch round dish (or a square dish if that’s what you have!). Grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Seriously, get those hands dirty!
Chill (20 minutes)
- Here’s the toughest part, pop that dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the frosting. This allows the cake to set nicely and develop its wonderful flavors.
Make the Frosting (10 minutes)
- While your cake is cooling, let’s channel our inner pastry chef! In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gradually add in powdered sugar and cocoa powder while mixing. It should be perfectly spreadable, like whipped clouds of cocoa goodness!
Frost the Cake (5 minutes)
- Once the cake has cooled, take it out! Smooth the cream cheese frosting on top, using a spatula to create swirls or peaks. Ah, it’s looking amazing already!
Decorate (5 minutes)
- Now, let your creativity shine. Add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or toss some extra chopped nuts on top for that extra crunch!
Slice and Serve (As needed)
- Once you’ve let it set in the fridge another 15-20 minutes, slice it up and serve it to your lucky crew. They won’t know what hit them, promise!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I have a last-minute gathering or just when I need a sweet fix after a long week. I can whip it up in no time, and the best part is, it feels like a special treat even though it’s so easy. I’m a real sucker for anything that’s no-bake and loaded with flavor, and this cake delivers on both fronts! Plus, you can use whatever nuts or toppings you have on hand, making it so adaptable.

Perfect Pairings with Neiman Marcus Cake

If you loved this Neiman Marcus Cake, be sure to check out my Mini Banana Split Cheesecakes, my Japanese Soufflé Pancakes, or my Pumpkin Spice Macarons! You’ll find something for every sweet tooth!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

The Neiman Marcus Cake comes together in under 30 minutes of preparation, and since it’s a no-bake dessert, all you have to do is chill it and then indulge! This makes it perfect for those busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

No-Bake Delight

With this recipe, you skip the oven entirely. No fuss, no heat just mix it up and let it chill! This also means less cleanup, which is always a plus in my book.

Comfort Food Vibes

This cake is ridiculously rich and decadent. The combination of cream cheese frosting and chocolate makes each bite feel like a warm hug from your favorite person. It’s the kind of comfort food we all crave.

Customizable Goodness!

You can switch up the nuts or even add in different extracts, like almond or hazelnut for different flavor profiles. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some fruit, like chopped strawberries or raspberries, to lighten it up a bit!

Serving and Storage Suggestions

How to Serve This Neiman Marcus Cake

There’s no wrong way to enjoy this cake, but it’s especially great served chilled, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee, and you have yourself a dreamy dessert scenario!

Storage

Refrigerator: You can store the leftover cake in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Instructions

Since this cake is a no-bake dessert, you won’t need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge, slice it up cold, and it’s ready to go!

Final Thoughts

In the end, this Neiman Marcus Cake is perfect for any occasion or just a casual weeknight dessert at home. It’s also adaptable, quick, and a major crowd-pleaser, and trust me your family will love it. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s get baking (sort of)! Enjoy this recipe, and happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.