Linda CainBefore diving into the deliciousness of the Neiman Marcus carrot cake, let’s talk about what you can serve alongside this delightful dessert. A warm cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the cake perfectly. The rich flavors of coffee enhance the spiced notes in the cake and provide that classic café experience. If you’re feeling fancy, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. These cold options create a nice temperature contrast, balancing the cake’s dense texture beautifully.
Not to forget, a refreshing glass of iced tea can also be a wonderful addition. The sweetness of the tea pairs delightfully with the cake, making for a simple yet elegant summertime treat. Picture this: lounging on a sunny patio, a slice of moist carrot cake on your plate, and a chilled drink in hand. Perfect, right?
Why This Recipe is Special
Let me tell you why this Neiman Marcus carrot cake recipe is such a gem. It reminds me of family gatherings, where laughter and joy filled the air. Encircled by friends, this cake always seemed to steal the show. Its rich flavor profile — with hints of cinnamon and the crunch of nuts — draws everyone in. Plus, it’s exceptionally moist due to the cream cheese and butter.
When I stumbled upon this recipe, I was drawn to its simplicity and elegance. It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet it feels like a decadent treat. The combination of easy preparation with stunning results makes it a winner in my kitchen.
The ingredients are also accessible. I’ve crafted many recipes over time, and this one stands tall with its straightforward components. With a little effort, you can produce a cake that will impress even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Carrot Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to create this magnificent dessert. All measurements are precise, so your cake turns out just right.
- 1 (8 oz) block of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 package of spiced carrot cake mix
- 1 box of confectioners’ sugar (approximately 4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Neiman Marcus Carrot Cake
Let’s get to the fun part: baking! Follow these steps to create your own Neiman Marcus carrot cake.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The first thing you want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This protects the cake from sticking and makes removal a breeze later.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and the large eggs. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until this mixture is smooth and creamy. The texture should be silky, and the aroma is delightful at this stage.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, gradually add the spiced carrot cake mix to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Pour Into the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. This step helps ensure the cake bakes uniformly.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t open the oven door too often! It could mess with the baking process.
Step 7: Cool
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; you want to make sure it’s cool before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
While the cake cools, let’s whip up the frosting. In a separate bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, remaining cream cheese, and vanilla extract until fluffy. We’re aiming for that smooth consistency that beckons you to dive in!
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Don’t be shy; it’s frosting, after all!
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve. Every bite should be a joyful experience, packed with flavor and texture.
Recipe Notes
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role:
- Cream Cheese: This ingredient not only gives the frosting a rich flavor but also helps the cake remain moist.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows better control over the saltiness in your recipe.
- Eggs: They are essential for binding the ingredients and creating a fluffy structure.
- Spiced Carrot Cake Mix: This is the backbone of our cake; it provides the flavor profile.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: This is what makes the frosting sweet and creamy.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: This elevates all the other flavors in your cake and frosting.
- Ground Cinnamon: It’s the cherry on top, adding a warm, inviting aroma.
Recipe Variations
The classic Neiman Marcus carrot cake can be adapted in several ways:
- Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans can easily be mixed into the batter for extra crunch.
- Raisins: For a sweeter option, mix in some raisins for another layer of flavor.
- More Spices: For those who like it spiced, you could add nutmeg or ginger.
- Lemon Zest: Adding a touch of lemon zest to the frosting brightens it up significantly.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free carrot cake mix to cater to dietary restrictions.
- Healthy Swaps: Substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version.
Neiman Marcus Carrot Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz block of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 package of spiced carrot cake mix
- 1 box of confectioners’ sugar approximately 4 cups
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- The first thing you want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cake bakes evenly.
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This protects the cake from sticking and makes removal a breeze later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and the large eggs. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until this mixture is smooth and creamy. The texture should be silky, and the aroma is delightful at this stage.
- Next, gradually add the spiced carrot cake mix to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. This step helps ensure the cake bakes uniformly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t open the oven door too often! It could mess with the baking process.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; you want to make sure it’s cool before frosting.
- While the cake cools, let’s whip up the frosting. In a separate bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, remaining cream cheese, and vanilla extract until fluffy. We’re aiming for that smooth consistency that beckons you to dive in!
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Don’t be shy; it’s frosting, after all!
- Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve. Every bite should be a joyful experience, packed with flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cream Cheese: This ingredient not only gives the frosting a rich flavor but also helps the cake remain moist.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows better control over the saltiness in your recipe.
- Eggs: They are essential for binding the ingredients and creating a fluffy structure.
- Spiced Carrot Cake Mix: This is the backbone of our cake; it provides the flavor profile.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: This is what makes the frosting sweet and creamy.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: This elevates all the other flavors in your cake and frosting.
- Ground Cinnamon: It’s the cherry on top, adding a warm, inviting aroma.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The Neiman Marcus carrot cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a personal experience baked from the happiness of gathering with loved ones. It’s a cake that evokes nostalgia while providing a delightful flavor explosion with each bite.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Whether it’s a party or a simple weeknight dinner, this cake fits every occasion. Remember, cooking is about connection—between ingredients, people, and memories. So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and dive into the collaboration of flavors. You’ll be the star of your next gathering, and it’s all thanks to this incredible cake! Let me know how yours turns out!
