Jane'S Neiman-Marcus Bars
Jane's Neiman-Marcus Bars are rich, creamy dessert bars with a buttery cake base, sweet pecan topping, and optional powdered sugar or jam for added flavor. Perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the cake mix, 1 stick of melted butter, and 2 eggs. Spread the mixture evenly in an ungreased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 2 eggs, cream cheese, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until the top is light tan.
- Allow to cool slightly, then cut into squares.
- Serve sprinkled with sifted powdered sugar, or with apricot jam or Cool Whip if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a high-quality butter and fresh eggs. If you don't have chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. To enhance the cream cheese layer, add a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing. For a twist, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by dusting with powdered sugar or serving alongside apricot jam or Cool Whip. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to a dessert table with options like Mother'S Old Fashioned Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Neiman-Marcus bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, let them come to room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for a few seconds, being careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jane'S Neiman-Marcus Bars contains roughly 338 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 17g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free pound cake mix in place of the regular Betty Crocker pound cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the powdered sugar, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
How can I make these bars more festive?
To make the Neiman-Marcus bars more festive, consider adding seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese layer. You can also top them with colored sprinkles or use a flavored whipped cream for decoration during holidays or special occasions.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While chopped pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the nuts are chopped to a similar size for even distribution throughout the bars.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).