Neiman Marcus Cake, often hailed as a culinary masterpiece, is the epitome of indulgence and sophistication in the realm of desserts. This cake is renowned for its sumptuous layers of rich, buttery cake, toasted pecans, and a luxuriously velvety cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking to treat yourself to a slice of pure delight, Neiman Marcus Cake is the perfect choice. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the steps to create this heavenly masterpiece.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely chopped toasted pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Assembly and Decoration:
- Additional toasted pecan halves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Prepare the Oven and Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring they are well-prepared to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This can be done using an electric mixer or by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon.
- Incorporate Eggs:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition to ensure thorough incorporation.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition.
- Add Vanilla and Pecans:
- Stir in the vanilla extract and the finely chopped, toasted pecans. The toasted pecans infuse the cake with a delightful nuttiness and a satisfying crunch.
- Divide and Bake:
- Divide the cake batter equally between the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool and Remove from Pans:
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and place them on wire racks to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In another mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Vanilla:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the frosting is creamy and reaches your desired consistency.
For Assembly and Decoration:
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, generously frost the top of one cake layer with cream cheese frosting.
- Layer and Frost:
- Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted one and repeat the process by frosting the top.
- Add the final cake layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Garnish (Optional):
- For an elegant touch, you can decorate the cake with additional toasted pecan halves. Simply arrange them along the top of the cake in any design you prefer.
- Slice and Serve:
- Carefully slice your Neiman Marcus Cake, and serve each piece as a true masterpiece of dessert artistry.
Tips
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly browned. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Ensure that the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at room temperature for the smoothest consistency.
- If the frosting is too thick, you can add a small amount of milk to achieve your preferred thickness.
Neiman Marcus Cake is the epitome of dessert elegance, featuring layers of moist, buttery cake complemented by the rich flavors of toasted pecans and the luxurious creaminess of cream cheese frosting. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, making it the ideal choice for special occasions or whenever you desire a slice of pure decadence. Share this exquisite dessert with loved ones, or savor it on your own—either way, it’s a dessert experience you won’t forget. Enjoy!
