Perfectly Gooey Neiman Marcus Butter Bars
If you’re craving a dessert that’s decadently rich, buttery, and irresistibly gooey, then these Perfectly Gooey Neiman Marcus Butter Bars are a must-try! With a creamy, sweet filling that melts in your mouth and a golden, tender crust, these bars are a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating your family, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this easy recipe brings bakery-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why these bars are a crowd favorite!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) Yellow Cake Mix: This boxed cake mix serves as the base for the bars, giving them a sweet and buttery foundation.
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind the crust layer, creating a tender, buttery texture.
- 4 Eggs (divided): Two eggs are used in the crust layer to provide structure, while the other two eggs make the creamy topping smooth and custardy.
- 1 (8-ounce) Brick Cream Cheese (softened): Softened cream cheese creates the luscious, creamy topping layer that melts in your mouth.
- 3 Cups Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the topping and gives it a velvety smooth consistency.
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cream cheese layer, enhancing the overall taste.
WHY TRY NEIMAN MARCUS COOKIE BARS?
- Incredible Texture: I love how these bars combine a buttery, tender crust with a creamy, gooey topping that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of chewy and soft!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and just a few steps, I can whip up these impressive bars in no time, making them great for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I make these, everyone raves about them. They’re rich, indulgent, and always the first dessert to disappear at parties!
HOW TO PREPARE GOOEY NEIMAN MARCUS BARS?
Time needed: 50 minutes
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs. Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough.
- Press Dough in Pan:
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. - Make the Filling:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the filling is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of flavor. - Assemble the Bars:
Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. - Bake the Bars:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and slightly set. The center will still jiggle a little—it will firm up as it cools. - Cool and Serve:
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
The name is inspired by the store’s legendary cookie recipe, but these bars are an indulgent twist. I like to think they’re just as luxurious!
I usually refrigerate them after they’ve cooled. It helps the gooey topping set and keeps them fresh longer.
Yes, I always grease the pan or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Definitely! Just use a larger pan or bake in two pans, and adjust the baking time slightly.
I let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife. Sometimes, I refrigerate them first for cleaner slices.
OOEY GOOEY NEIMAN MARCUS COOKIE BARS RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Try a Different Cake Mix: I love switching up the base by using chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti cake mix. It completely changes the vibe of the bars while keeping them just as delicious.
- Add a Crunchy Twist: I’ve added chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for a bit of crunch. It pairs beautifully with the gooey topping.
- Make Them Extra Chocolatey: Sometimes I stir mini chocolate chips into the topping before baking. It adds little bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Switch Up the Sweetener: I’ve swapped a tablespoon of the powdered sugar for brown sugar to give the topping a slight caramel flavor—it’s amazing!
- Go Gluten-Free: I’ve used a gluten-free cake mix for friends who need it, and it worked perfectly. The bars still turned out gooey and delicious.
- Add a Citrus Kick: When I’m in the mood for something zesty, I add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the topping. It gives the bars a bright and refreshing twist.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH BUTTERY NEIMAN MARCUS BARS?
Neiman Marcus Cookie Bars are perfect for many occasions. I love serving them at potlucks, holidays, or even an everyday family dessert because everyone loves them. They’re great with coffee, tea, or with a glass of milk for a classic treat. If it’s a party, they go well with a light dessert wine or sparkling cider. These bars are also a great way to end a meal giving you just the right amount of sweetness.
HOW DO YOU STORE LEFTOVERS FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
To keep leftover Neiman Marcus Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. For best results, layer parchment paper between the bars if you’re stacking them.
CAN BUTTERY COOKIE BARS BE FROZEN FOR LATER?
To freeze Neiman Marcus Cookie Bars, let them cool completely. Cut them into individual pieces and wrap each one in plastic wrap. Put the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE DESSERT BARS? TRY THESE!
Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Bars: With the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, these bars are the ultimate indulgence for any sweet tooth.
Delicious Oreo Cheesecake Bars: These treats mix the classic taste of Oreo cookies with the creamy goodness of cheesecake for a dessert you can’t resist.
Caramel Chocolate Bars: These decadent bars are a symphony of rich flavors and delightful textures, featuring a buttery oatmeal crust generously layered with velvety caramel and topped with a generous sprinkle of decadent chocolate.
Perfectly Gooey Neiman Marcus Butter Bars
Equipment
- 9 x 13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25)-ounce Yellow Cake Mix
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 4 Eggs (divided)
- 1 (8) ounce Brick Cream Cheese (softened)
- 3 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs. Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the filling is smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of flavor.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and slightly set. The center will still jiggle a little—it will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.