Linda CainWhen it comes to desserts, especially something as rich as Neiman Marcus Texas Gold Bars, balance is key. Pairing these indulgent bars with a light beverage can elevate your experience. I often recommend a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade. The tangy sweetness balances the butter and sugar in the bars.
Another option is a simple fruit salad. Fresh fruits like berries or citrus add brightness and a touch of health to your dessert table. For the ultimate experience, serve the bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the rich flavors of the bars beautifully.
Now, let’s dive into the delightful world of Neiman Marcus Texas Gold Bars.
Before I indulged in the world of cooking, I stumbled upon a recipe for Neiman Marcus Texas Gold Bars. The first bite was a revelation. Each piece is an indulgence, a celebration of butter, sugar, and cream cheese.
It instantly took me back to sunlit afternoons of sharing sweets with family. What makes this dessert a standout is not just the flavor but the story behind it. Legend has it that the recipe was shared by a generous Neiman Marcus customer. How can one resist a decadent dessert with such a rich history?
Why Does This Recipe Work?
1. Flavor Harmony: The combination of cream cheese and melted butter creates a creamy texture. It coats the mouth, delivering a richness that sings. The vanilla adds warm undertones, harmoniously blending with the sweetness.
2. Ease of Preparation: This recipe is straightforward. It’s perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. No complex techniques here—mix, pour, bake, and enjoy.
3. Versatility: You can easily customize these bars. Add nuts for extra crunch or chocolate chips for a sweet twist. The foundation is solid, allowing for many adaptations.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars fit in well at potlucks, family gatherings, or even a quiet night in. Their appeal spans generations, making them a timeless treat.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine slicing into one of these delectable bars. The first taste is a warm, buttery surprise. The richness of cream cheese melds with a perfect sweetness, leaving you wanting more. The texture is both chewy and soft, making it almost melt in your mouth. It’s a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without overpowering it.
What Sets This Recipe Apart?
Many recipes for dessert bars exist, but Neiman Marcus Texas Gold Bars stand apart with their unique ingredient blend. The use of cream cheese adds a depth that most recipes lack. It’s not just about sweetness; it’s about achieving a balance of flavors that create a memorable bite. Where others may rely solely on a sugary base, this recipe introduces a creamy, rich layer. It’s an experience, not just a dessert.
The Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking, gather these crucial ingredients:
- 8 oz. of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 lb. of granulated sugar
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (preferably Pillsbury Butter Yellow)
Each ingredient contributes to the overall integrity of the bars. Softened cream cheese creates that delightful texture. Butter brings flavor, while the cake mix provides structure.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because an evenly heated oven ensures your bars bake uniformly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Use a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the bars from sticking and allows for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these until smooth, creating a rich, creamy base. The texture should be silky and fully blended. Next, add in the sour cream. This ingredient adds tanginess that balances the sweetness.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Crack in the eggs one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition. This ensures each egg fully integrates, providing structure and stability to your mixture. Your batter should look luscious and silky.
Step 5: Add the Sugar
Gradually mix in the granulated sugar. This step transforms your mixture, adding that essential sweetness. Make sure to blend until no granules remain, allowing the ingredients to shine together.
Step 6: Add the Cake Mix
Gently fold in the yellow cake mix. Avoid over-mixing; you want it combined but not overworked. The cake mix is what gives these bars their signature texture.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, ensuring every corner is filled. Place it in your preheated oven and allow it to bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should turn golden, but a toothpick inserted in the center may come out slightly wet.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to fully cool before slicing. This could take a few hours but trust me—you want to let the flavors settle!
Notes
- Choosing Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality butter and cream cheese. It significantly elevates the flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars shine alone, but they can also be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
- Cut to Size: When slicing, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. This ensures clean cuts, making for inviting portions.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: You can also freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly and store them for up to three months.
Nutrition Information
How Do You Store These Bars?
Proper storage ensures your bars stay fresh. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They last up to a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long! If freezing, cut them into squares first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Sides for Neiman Marcus Texas Gold Bars
1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness. The acidity from fruits like strawberries and oranges provides a delightful contrast.
2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds creaminess and enhances the decadent feel of the bars.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving warm bars with a scoop of ice cream creates a delightful melting effect, creating a creamy connection with the warm dessert.
What Alternatives Can You Use for Ingredients?
1. Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream: If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt works well. It maintains the tang while adding protein.
2. Coconut Oil for Butter: If you’re dairy-free, substitute the butter with coconut oil. It provides moisture and a hint of coconut flavor.
3. Almond Extract for Vanilla: Want to switch it up? Almond extract offers a unique twist that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
4. Cake Mix Alternatives: If you don’t have yellow cake mix, a gluten-free cake mix can work. This option caters to dietary restrictions while preserving the recipe’s essence.
Neiman Marcus Texas Gold Bars Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 8 oz. of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup 1 stick of melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 lb. of grained fine sugar
- 1 box of yellow cake mix preferred Pillsbury Butter Yellow
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because an evenly heated oven ensures your bars bake uniformly.
- Use a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the bars from sticking and allows for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk these until smooth, creating a rich, creamy base. The texture should be silky and fully blended. Next, add in the sour cream. This ingredient adds tanginess that balances the sweetness.
- Crack in the eggs one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition. This ensures each egg fully integrates, providing structure and stability to your mixture. Your batter should look luscious and silky.
- Gradually mix in the granulated sugar. This step transforms your mixture, adding that essential sweetness. Make sure to blend until no granules remain, allowing the ingredients to shine together.
- Gently fold in the yellow cake mix. Avoid over-mixing; you want it combined but not overworked. The cake mix is what gives these bars their signature texture.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, ensuring every corner is filled. Place it in your preheated oven and allow it to bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should turn golden, but a toothpick inserted in the center may come out slightly wet.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to fully cool before slicing. This could take a few hours but trust me—you want to let the flavors settle!
Notes
- Choosing Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality butter and cream cheese. It significantly elevates the flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars shine alone, but they can also be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
- Cut to Size: When slicing, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. This ensures clean cuts, making for inviting portions.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: You can also freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly and store them for up to three months.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The Neiman Marcus Texas Gold Bars are not just dessert; they’re a conversation starter, a sweet memory creator, and a personal indulgence. With a blend of flavors and textures, they cater to various occasions and palates. Whether shared at a gathering or enjoyed in solitude, they bring joy. The recipe is straightforward, but the experience is anything but. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy these bars and create your sweet moments!
