Description
Neiman Marcus Cake is a decadent and rich chocolate layer cake featuring a moist chocolate base filled with a creamy vanilla buttercream and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. This classic dessert serves 8 to 10 people and combines simple baking techniques with an indulgent finish, perfect for celebrations or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake, if preferred)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Chocolate Glaze
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly according to the cake mix instructions or your homemade cake recipe until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour Batter: Evenly divide and pour the prepared batter into the two greased and floured cake pans, smoothing the surface for even layering.
- Bake Cake Layers: Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of each cake; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool Cakes: Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans. Once cooled, carefully remove them from the pans to prepare for assembly.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Flavor and Texture to Filling: Mix in the vanilla extract and milk, continuing to beat until the filling is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble Cake Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous, even layer of the buttercream filling over the top.
- Top with Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer atop the filling. Gently press down to sandwich the layers together evenly without squeezing out the filling.
- Make Chocolate Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring frequently to achieve a smooth mixture without burning.
- Add Cream to Glaze: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the heavy cream until the glaze is smooth, glossy, and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm chocolate glaze evenly over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to naturally drip down the sides for a decorative finish.
- Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to set at room temperature before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and best texture.
Notes
- For a homemade chocolate cake, use your favorite recipe as a substitute for the cake mix.
- Ensure butter for filling is at room temperature to achieve smooth and creamy frosting.
- Do not overbake the cake layers to prevent dryness; check with a toothpick as instructed.
- The chocolate glaze can be refrigerated to set faster but bring to room temperature before serving.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
