Who doesn’t love a good chocolate cake? And if you’re looking for something truly indulgent and decadent, then you can’t go wrong with the Neiman Marcus cake recipe. This rich and gooey cake is perfect for any occasion – be it a birthday, anniversary, or just a regular Tuesday night when you want something sweet to round off your meal.
But what exactly is the Neiman Marcus cake? Well, as the story goes, a woman once visited the Neiman Marcus café in Dallas and asked for the recipe for their famous chocolate chip cookies. The café charged her $250 for the recipe, which she thought was outrageous. In retaliation, she spread the recipe far and wide, encouraging people to make it and share it for free. The recipe became known as the ‘Neiman Marcus $250 cookie recipe,’ and it soon became a legend. The Neiman Marcus cake is a variation of this recipe, and it’s just as delicious, if not more so.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Neiman Marcus cake (1/12 of the cake) contains approximately:
- Calories: 632
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 51g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for Neiman Marcus cake is around 45-50 minutes, including preparation time. This recipe yields one 9×13 inch cake, which can serve up to 12 people.
Equipment
To make this recipe, you’ll need a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together, but it’s not essential.
Serving Suggestions
Neiman Marcus cake is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. You can also dust the cake with powdered sugar or decorate it with chocolate frosting, if you prefer.
Variations
If you want to mix things up a bit, you can try substituting the semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, or even adding some dried fruit like raisins or cranberries to the batter. You can also omit the walnuts if you’re not a fan of nuts.
Substitutions
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. You can also substitute the butter for margarine, but the taste and texture may be slightly different.
Storage
Neiman Marcus cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened before you begin, or it will be difficult to cream it with the sugar.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you’ve added the flour, or the cake will become tough and dry.
- If you’re using a glass baking dish, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (10°C) to prevent the cake from overbrowning.
Notes
The original Neiman Marcus cookie recipe is a myth – it’s unlikely that anyone ever paid $250 for a cookie recipe, and the recipe itself is freely available online. However, the Neiman Marcus cake recipe is a real and delicious dessert that’s well worth trying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Neiman Marcus cake?
Neiman Marcus cake is a rich and indulgent chocolate cake made with buttermilk, semisweet chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts (optional).
Can I make Neiman Marcus cake without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the chopped walnuts if you prefer.
How long does Neiman Marcus cake last?
Neiman Marcus cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Can I substitute margarine for butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the taste and texture may be slightly different.
How many calories are in one serving of Neiman Marcus cake?
One serving of Neiman Marcus cake (1/12 of the cake) contains approximately 632 calories.
In Conclusion
If you’re a fan of chocolate cake, then you need to try the Neiman Marcus cake recipe. This rich and decadent dessert is perfect for any occasion, and it’s sure to please even the most discerning of chocolate lovers. So why not give it a try and see for yourself? Your taste buds will thank you.