The beauty of this cake extends beyond its flavor profile to its presentation. When sliced, the layers create a visually stunning cross-section that promises—and delivers—an extraordinary taste experience. Its elegant appearance belies the relatively straightforward preparation process, making it an ideal choice for occasions ranging from casual family gatherings to more formal celebrations.
What truly cements this cake’s place in the pantheon of beloved desserts is its ability to evoke nostalgia while still feeling fresh and relevant. For many, it recalls the joy of special occasions and the comfort of treasured family recipes, yet its flavor combination remains timeless and universally appealing. The Neiman Marcus Cake doesn’t merely satisfy a sweet tooth—it creates a memorable experience that will have everyone requesting the recipe, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.
Recipe Introduction
Neiman Marcus Cake
This legendary Neiman Marcus Cake transforms simple ingredients into a dessert worthy of its luxury namesake. A moist yellow cake base mingles with tropical crushed pineapple and coconut, creating a foundation of sweet complexity. Crowned with velvety cream cheese frosting and studded with toasted pecans, each bite delivers perfect textural harmony. Despite its impressive presentation and multi-layered flavor profile, this cake requires only basic baking skills and pantry staples. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave something truly exceptional, this cake proves that homemade indulgence can rival any high-end bakery creation.
Storage Options
The Neiman Marcus Cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in a covered container for up to 5 days, allowing it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. This cake freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or placed in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. Individual slices can also be frozen and thawed as needed for portion control.
Summary
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes Cooling Time: 1 hour Total Time: Approximately 2 hours Servings: 12-16 slices Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
- Toothpick or cake tester
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple with juice (do not drain)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (for topping)
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the eggs, crushed pineapple with juice, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour.
For the Frosting:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase to medium speed and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute until well combined.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the frosted cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Notes
- The cake gets better with time as the flavors meld, so consider making it a day ahead.
- For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet pineapple.
- The cake is quite moist due to the pineapple, which makes it perfect for enjoying several days after baking.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar to 1½ cups.
- This cake doesn’t require any additional oils or butter in the batter because the moisture comes from the pineapple.
Tips for Success
- Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before beginning for the smoothest batter and frosting.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to avoid a tough cake.
- To toast the pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until fragrant.
- For the most even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
- Check the cake at the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking, as the high sugar and fruit content can cause it to brown quickly.
- Allow the cream cheese and butter to soften naturally rather than microwaving for the best frosting texture.
- If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before spreading on the cake.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Tropical version: Add 1/2 cup diced mango and substitute macadamia nuts for the pecans.
- Chocolate lover’s edition: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter and sprinkle some on top of the frosting.
- Citrus twist: Add 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to both the cake batter and frosting.
- Rum enhancement: Add 2 tablespoons of dark rum to the cake batter and 1 teaspoon to the frosting.
- Spiced variation: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Cream cheese glaze: For a lighter topping, thin the frosting with 2-3 tablespoons of milk to create a pourable glaze.
- Cupcake adaptation: Divide batter among 24 muffin cups and bake for 18-22 minutes.
- Layer cake option: Divide batter between two 9-inch round pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is it called Neiman Marcus Cake? A: The cake shares its name with the luxury department store, though the exact origin is unclear. Some believe it was served in their cafés, while others connect it to the famous (but fictional) “$250 cookie recipe” urban legend.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? A: Yes, but you’ll need to add approximately 1/4 cup of pineapple juice or water to maintain the proper moisture level in the cake.
Q: Is there a substitute for coconut if I don’t like it? A: You can omit the coconut entirely or replace it with an equal amount of chopped dried fruits like golden raisins or apricots.
Q: Can I make this cake dairy-free? A: For the cake portion, yes—it contains no dairy. For the frosting, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.
Q: Why did my cake sink in the middle? A: This could be due to underbaking, opening the oven door too early in the baking process, or inaccurate oven temperature.
Q: How can I tell when the cake is done without a toothpick? A: The cake should spring back when lightly touched in the center, and the edges will begin to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Conclusion
The Neiman Marcus Cake stands as a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly magnificent. This dessert bridges the gap between everyday baking and special occasion indulgence, offering a taste experience that feels both comforting and luxurious. Its balanced flavors—sweet, tangy, tropical, and nutty—create a complex yet harmonious profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
What makes this cake particularly special is its accessibility despite its impressive results. Home bakers need not be intimidated by the prospect of creating this legendary dessert, as it forgives minor imperfections and consistently delivers delicious outcomes. The straightforward preparation belies the sophisticated flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for both novice bakers looking to impress and experienced ones seeking reliable crowd-pleasers.
Perhaps most notably, the Neiman Marcus Cake has that rare quality of improving with time. As the flavors meld and develop, each slice becomes an even richer experience, making it ideal for advance preparation before gatherings or as a treat to enjoy over several days. Its excellent keeping qualities further enhance its practicality, allowing for flexible serving options without sacrificing quality.
Whether you’re baking for a celebration, bringing a contribution to a potluck, or simply treating yourself and loved ones to something special, this cake delivers satisfaction and joy in equal measure. The Neiman Marcus Cake isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and potentially a new tradition in your baking repertoire that will be requested time and again.