Name: Neiman Marcus Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 cups thick custard or pastry cream; 1 cup chocolate ganache (made from chocolate + cream); 1 cup whipped cream; 1 cup orange or mandarin slices; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Luxurious, eye-catching, and delightfully indulgent, the Neiman Marcus Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s as rich in flavor as it is in history. This stunning layered cake, often known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and creamy custard filling, offers a perfect balance of buttery vanilla sponge, smooth pastry cream, and a velvety chocolate ganache topping. Crowned with delicate whipped cream and citrus slices, it’s a dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to spoil your loved ones with something memorable, this cake brings elegance to any table. Each bite feels like a luxurious treat, blending textures and flavors into a harmonious and irresistible dessert. It’s a classic that never fails to impress, yet approachable enough for home bakers to enjoy making.

Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Cake

The Neiman Marcus Cake is everything a dessert lover dreams of: moist, rich, and layered with flavor. The soft, buttery cake layers are incredibly tender and soaked with creamy custard, making each slice irresistibly soft and decadent.

Not only is it visually stunning, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia and glamour. Whether you’re baking it for holidays, birthdays, or fancy dinners, it’s a recipe that always earns compliments. Plus, you can prepare it ahead of time, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining.

What Makes This Cake So Special?

One of the most commonly asked questions is: What exactly is a Neiman Marcus Cake?

Unlike typical layered cakes, this one features a double-layer of sponge cake that sandwiches a generous custard filling. The top layer is pre-cut into squares, making serving a breeze. The drizzle of chocolate ganache over each square adds richness and visual drama. Finally, it’s finished with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fresh fruit—usually oranges or mandarins—giving it a refreshing finish that balances the richness beautifully.

Ingredients for the Neiman Marcus Cake

Every component in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Let’s take a closer look at why each ingredient matters:

All-purpose flour: The structure-builder of the cake. It keeps the layers light yet stable.
Eggs: Essential for richness and moisture. Eggs also help the cake rise and hold its shape.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and also contributes to the cake’s golden-brown crust.
Butter: Brings a buttery depth of flavor and ensures the cake stays moist.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and contributes to a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises well, giving it that soft and fluffy texture.
Custard or pastry cream: The heart of the filling. It adds creaminess and contrast to the sponge layers.
Chocolate ganache: A luxurious topping made from chocolate and cream, adding richness.
Whipped cream: For garnish and added indulgence.
Orange or mandarin slices: Provide a fresh citrusy touch to cut through the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Lightly dusted on top for visual elegance and a hint of extra sweetness.

How To Make the Neiman Marcus Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and milk until a smooth batter forms.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter into two greased cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch. Let them cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

While the cakes cool, prepare a thick pastry cream or custard. You can use store-bought or homemade, but make sure it’s firm enough to hold between layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving dish and spread a generous amount of custard evenly across it. Gently place the second layer on top. Use a serrated knife to score the top layer into square servings.

Step 5: Add the Ganache

Drizzle chocolate ganache over the pre-cut squares, letting it drip slightly over the edges for a dramatic effect.

Step 6: Garnish and Finish

Dust with powdered sugar, pipe whipped cream on top, and finish with orange or mandarin slices in the center. Chill the cake before serving to let the layers set beautifully.

Serving and Storing the Neiman Marcus Cake

This stunning dessert serves 12-14 people, making it ideal for parties, special dinners, or holiday gatherings. Because the top layer is already pre-cut into neat squares, it’s incredibly easy to serve—no more messy slices or uneven portions.

To store, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days. The custard and whipped cream stay fresh and delicious, and the flavor actually deepens after a day.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake without the whipped cream and fruit topping. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add the final garnishes before serving.

What to Serve With Neiman Marcus Cake?

A cup of espresso

The richness of the cake pairs beautifully with the bold bitterness of espresso, balancing each other out for a refined finish.

Fresh berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a refreshing and slightly tart contrast to the creamy sweetness of the cake.

Sparkling wine or champagne

The bubbles and acidity of sparkling wines help cut through the richness and elevate the entire dessert experience.

Vanilla ice cream

A scoop on the side adds another layer of creamy indulgence, especially when served with a warm slice of cake.

Candied nuts

The crunch of candied almonds or pecans brings a textural contrast that enhances each bite.

Mint tea

If you want a lighter, soothing pairing, mint tea helps cleanse the palate and complement the citrus notes in the cake.

Cheese platter

Surprisingly, a mild cheese board (brie, gouda, or mascarpone) with crackers makes a great savory contrast if you’re serving this as part of a larger dessert table.

Citrus sorbet

For a lighter alternative, citrus sorbet mirrors the cake’s fresh orange topping and refreshes the palate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Neiman Marcus Cake in advance?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better when made a day ahead. Assemble the cake and refrigerate overnight. Add the whipped cream and fruit toppings just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Can I use a cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
Absolutely. A high-quality vanilla or butter cake mix works well in a pinch. Just be sure to let the layers cool completely before adding the custard.

What type of custard should I use?
You can use homemade pastry cream, vanilla pudding, or even a stabilized whipped custard. The key is to make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape between the layers.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing?
The trick is to score the top layer before assembling. Once chilled, use a hot, clean knife to slice through the pre-marked sections. Wipe the knife clean between each cut for professional-looking squares.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh mandarins or another fruit? Did you try it with a flavored custard?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

👉 Follow more of my daily recipes on Pinterest here: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

Neiman Marcus Cake is a luxurious treat that combines rich textures, creamy layers, and elegant presentation. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just because you love desserts that stand out, this cake brings the wow factor every single time.

It’s easier to make than it looks, stores well, and serves a crowd effortlessly. A true modern classic that’s worthy of any dessert table!