Neiman-Marcus Cookie Bars
Decadent cookie bars featuring a buttery cake base topped with creamy cheese filling and crunchy pecans, perfect for sharing at parties or satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the cake mix, egg, and oleo using a fork or pastry cutter until well combined.
- Cream together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- Press the cake mix mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25 minutes until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. If you don’t have chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds can be a great substitute. Make sure to let the cream cheese soften to room temperature for a smoother mixture. If you prefer a chocolate twist, you can add chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer, reminiscent of recipes like Snow-Topped Thumbprint Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Neiman-Marcus Cookie Bars are perfect as a dessert on their own or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter alongside other sweets like Easy Pina Colada Bars.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Neiman-Marcus Cookie Bars contains roughly 1487 calories, with 18g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
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 cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Make sure all other ingredients, including the cream cheese and powdered sugar, are gluten-free as well to ensure that the bars are entirely gluten-free.
How can I make these cookie bars more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to both the cake mix and cream cheese layers. You could also try mixing in some chocolate chips or dried fruit for added texture and taste, similar to variations found in other American recipes.
What if I don't have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still create a delicious layer atop the cookie base. Adjust the sweetness if using a dairy-free option, as some can be less sweet than traditional cream cheese.
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).