neiman marcus ooey gooey bars

Hi, I’m Anna. Cooking has always been my way of connecting with people I care about—it’s where love and food come together. I recently met a kind stranger in an online cooking group who shared her beloved Neiman Marcus Ooey Gooey Bars recipe. Her warmth and generosity inspired me to try it right away, and I instantly understood why she loved it. Try it and tell me — isn’t it beautiful how food can turn strangers into friends?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gooey butter bars are pure indulgence. The contrast between the chewy, buttery cake layer and the luscious, creamy top creates an irresistible texture. With only six ingredients, you can make 24 bars—perfect for sharing (though you might want to keep a few hidden for yourself). Using cake mix makes them nearly foolproof, which means anyone can achieve bakery-level results at home.

Ingredients

• Yellow Cake Mix: The sweet, buttery foundation that holds everything together.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and binds the cake layer for that chewy texture.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and smoothness in both layers.
• Cream Cheese: Creates the signature gooey, velvety topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and softens the cream cheese layer to perfection.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the long sides. This makes lifting the bars out later a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Base

Melt one stick of butter and let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, cake mix, and two eggs. Mix on medium speed until smooth and thick. Spread this dough evenly into your prepared pan—it should be dense and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Whip the Gooey Layer

In the same bowl (no need to wash it!), beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until completely smooth and silky. This luscious mixture will be your gooey topping.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center still has a soft jiggle. That’s how you know they’ll be perfectly gooey inside.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool on a wire rack for 2–3 hours before slicing. Once cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment sling and cut into 24 squares. A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes them extra pretty.

Cultural or Technique Note

These bars trace their roots to classic Southern “gooey butter cake” recipes, made famous for their dense, buttery base and creamy, pudding-like topping. The Neiman Marcus version adds a touch of elegance—rich, golden, and irresistible, it’s the kind of dessert that feels equally at home at a potluck or a holiday party.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Neiman Marcus Ooey Gooey Bars slightly warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The contrast of cold ice cream against the buttery, chewy base is pure bliss. Pair a bar with your favorite cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up. For extra indulgence, drizzle a little caramel or chocolate sauce over the top—each bite feels like dessert heaven. These bars also make stunning additions to dessert platters for parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. Their golden tops and soft centers always make people smile.

Pro Tips for Success

• Let your cream cheese soften completely. It makes blending smooth and effortless.
• Avoid overbaking. You want that signature gooey center, so pull them from the oven while the middle still has a slight jiggle.
• Line your pan with parchment paper. It makes removal clean and easy, with perfect edges every time.
• Cool completely before slicing. Patience pays off here—the bars will set beautifully.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving. It adds a delicate, bakery-style finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️ Overbaking: Makes the bars dry instead of gooey—check early and often.
⚠️ Cold Cream Cheese: Leads to lumps and uneven texture—always soften first.
⚠️ Skipping parchment paper: Makes it tough to remove cleanly—line that pan!
⚠️ Cutting too soon: Slicing while warm can cause the top to tear—let them rest and cool fully.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They stay soft and flavorful.
Freezer: Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months.
Reheat: Thaw in the fridge for about an hour, or let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. They’ll taste just as rich and delicious as when freshly baked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Neiman Marcus Bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are even better the next day. Bake, cool, and store them a day ahead—the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Can I customize the ingredients in Neiman Marcus Bars?

Absolutely. Mix in white or milk chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or even swirl in a bit of caramel or peanut butter. Make them your own!

How do I achieve the perfect ooey gooey texture?

Bake until the edges turn golden and the center still wiggles slightly when you shake the pan. That little jiggle is your gooey guarantee!

Can Neiman Marcus Bars be served with any accompaniments?

They’re fantastic with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a handful of fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.

Are Neiman Marcus Bars a good gift idea?

Definitely! They’re a thoughtful, homemade treat. Wrap each bar in parchment, tie with a ribbon, and place in a cute tin or bakery box—they travel well and stay soft for days.

Closing Paragraph

There’s something magical about these Neiman Marcus Ooey Gooey Bars—the buttery scent as they bake, the soft chew as you bite in, the sweet creaminess that lingers. They’re the kind of dessert that makes people smile, no matter the occasion. Keep this recipe close, because once your friends taste them, they’ll ask for it every time you bring dessert.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I make these bars, they remind me why simple ingredients can create the most comforting moments. They’re easy, joyful, and a little luxurious—just like dessert should be. I hope they bring sweetness to your kitchen, too.