If you’re craving a rich and indulgent dessert, look no further than the Neiman Marcus Cake. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and luxurious chocolate flavor, this cake is a crowd-pleaser at any event. Named after the renowned department store, this cake features layers of moist chocolate cake, a creamy filling, and a dreamy frosting that makes it impossible to resist. It’s perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or anytime you want a slice of pure bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chocolaty Heaven – Rich layers of chocolate cake combined with a silky filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or celebration, this cake is sure to impress.
- Simple Yet Luxurious – Packed with flavor but easy to make, it’s a dessert that feels like a special treat without too much fuss.
- Great for Sharing – Serves a crowd, so it’s ideal for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or use a homemade recipe if preferred)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (or more if needed to reach desired consistency)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then pour into the prepared pan.
Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Make the Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to poke small holes all over the top of the cake. Spread the sour cream filling evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Let the cake sit for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to settle into the cake.
Prepare the Frosting:
In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk together until smooth and creamy, adding more milk as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Frost the Cake:
Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cake. Let it set for about 20 minutes before slicing.
Serve & Enjoy:
Cut into squares and enjoy! This cake can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the cake batter just until everything is incorporated to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the frosting, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- Enhance the Flavor: If you want a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee to the frosting to enhance the chocolate taste.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld. It’s great for meal prep or making ahead for a special occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
The Neiman Marcus Cake is a beloved dessert thanks to its moist texture, balanced sweetness, and melt-in-your-mouth frosting. By combining simple ingredients like cake mix, sour cream, and cocoa powder, it creates a sophisticated dessert that’s easy enough for everyday occasions but impressive enough for celebrations. The layers of cake, filling, and frosting create the perfect harmony of flavors, making every bite irresistible.
If you’re looking to elevate your dessert game, this Neiman Marcus Cake will not disappoint. It’s rich, decadent, and completely satisfying—perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake brings joy in every bite. Go ahead and make it, and get ready for compliments galore!
Easy Neiman Marcus Cake – A Rich and Decadent Dessert
12-16
servings15
minutes30
minutes320
kcalThis Neiman Marcus Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that combines layers of moist chocolate cake with a creamy sour cream filling and luscious chocolate frosting. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures—soft and moist on the inside, with a sweet, slightly tangy filling and a rich chocolate top. Ideal for special occasions, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving something indulgent, this cake will impress your guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box chocolate cake mix (or use a homemade recipe if preferred)
2 eggs
1 cup water
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
1 cup sour cream
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk (or more if needed to reach desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then pour into the prepared pan. - Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. - Make the Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix well until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, use a fork to poke small holes all over the top of the cake. Spread the sour cream filling evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Let the cake sit for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to settle into the cake. - Prepare the Frosting:
In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk together until smooth and creamy, adding more milk as needed to reach the desired consistency. - Frost the Cake:
Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cake. Let it set for about 20 minutes before slicing. - Serve & Enjoy:
Cut into squares and enjoy! This cake can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the cake batter just until everything is incorporated to keep the texture light and fluffy.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the frosting, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth consistency.
Enhance the Flavor: If you want a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee to the frosting to enhance the chocolate taste.
Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld. It’s great for meal prep or making ahead for a special occasion.