We adore the legendary Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe for its layers of chocolate bliss. It’s said these fudgy squares earned a lavish reputation through a famed department store’s dessert cafe and became a cult favorite among chocolate lovers.
We love how simple ingredients transform into a luscious masterpiece that satisfies our chocolate cravings. The rich batter bakes into a delicious treat that’s perfect for casual get-togethers or cozy nights at home. This crowd-pleaser is easy to master and guaranteed to impress.
Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 pound of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Extra butter for greasing pan (optional)
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan with extra butter.
- Combine the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg in a large bowl. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press this mixture into the prepared pan to create the first layer of our Neiman Marcus Brownie.
- Place the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl. Add the remaining eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth. Spread this mixture over the brownie layer.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top layer becomes golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownie center moist.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Let the brownies cool so the layers set. Slice and serve.
Approximate Timing
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Baking | 25 minutes |
| Cooling | 20 minutes |
We enjoy how this recipe yields a fudgy base with a velvety topping. The contrast in textures makes every bite irresistible.
Equipment And Tools
We rely on a few basic items that help us perfect our Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe. These tools ensure our layers turn out beautifully moist and creamy.
Basic Baking Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×13 inch baking pan | We use this dish to form our rich brownie layers |
| Large mixing bowl | We stir our cake base mixture for consistent moisture |
| Medium mixing bowl | We prepare our creamy topping with ease |
| Electric or hand mixer | We blend cream cheese and sugar for a smooth finish |
| Oven preheated to 350°F | We bake until our brownies are perfectly set |
Additional Helpful Items
- A silicone spatula for scraping every bit of batter
- Measuring spoons for precise ingredient proportions
- A wire cooling rack to prevent overbaking and maintain texture
Ingredients
We gather these essentials for our Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe. We rely on them to achieve a fudgy chocolate base and a velvety topping.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | – |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup | melted |
| Eggs | 3 large | lightly beaten |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | softened |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups | – |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | – |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | – |
Substitution Ideas
We can replace the chocolate cake mix with a devil’s food cake mix for extra cocoa depth. We can swap salted butter for unsalted if needed and skip the added salt. We also like to use dark chocolate cake mix for a bolder flavor when we want a more robust taste.
Directions
- We preheat the oven to 350°F and place a wire cooling rack nearby.
- We lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier brownie removal.
- We combine chocolate cake mix, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 lightly beaten egg in a large mixing bowl. We stir until our mixture forms a thick dough.
- We press the dough evenly into our prepared baking pan and set it aside.
- We place softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. We use an electric mixer to whip until smooth. We add 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 4 cups powdered sugar. We beat until our topping appears creamy with no lumps.
- We pour the cream cheese mixture over the base layer. We smooth it with a silicone spatula for even coverage.
- We bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges look lightly golden. We remove the pan and let it rest on the wire rack for 15 minutes.
- We slice our Neiman Marcus Brownies into squares and savor the fudgy center beneath the velvety topping.
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time | Pan Size |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F | 25 to 30 minutes | 9×13-inch |
Serving And Storage
We slice the Neiman Marcus brownies into squares once they cool. We enjoy them at room temperature or slightly chilled. We often add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. We store leftovers in an airtight container so they stay moist.
| Storage Method | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 days |
| Refrigerator | 5 days in an airtight container |
| Freezer | 2 months when wrapped properly |
We let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving. We warm them for a few seconds in the microwave if we crave a gooey texture.
Conclusion
We love how these brownies bring delight to any occasion because they combine a classic taste with an irresistible texture. They never fail to gather compliments and we know youll agree once youve tried them. Whether were hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in we find these brownies the perfect end to any day. Lets dive in and revel in sweet chocolate bliss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Neiman Marcus Brownie Recipe?
This renowned dessert is a rich, chocolatey brownie with a creamy twist. It starts with a chocolate cake mix base and is topped with a sweet cream cheese layer. The result is a fudgy, indulgent treat that’s easy to make at home. Loved for its simplicity and decadent flavor, this brownie recipe appeals to both casual bakers and serious dessert fans.
Which ingredients are essential?
You’ll need a box of chocolate cake mix, unsalted butter, eggs, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The cake mix forms the brownie base, while butter and eggs bind it. Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla create a velvety layer on top. The salt brings out the chocolate’s depth.
What equipment should I have?
Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan, large and medium mixing bowls, plus a mixer for a smooth topping. A silicone spatula is helpful for scraping batter, and measuring cups or spoons ensure accuracy. Finally, use a wire cooling rack to let the brownies set without losing their moisture.
How do I store these brownies?
Once cooled, slice them and keep in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about three days at room temperature or up to five days in the fridge. If you need to store them longer, freezing is an option. This way, you can preserve flavor and texture for future chocolate cravings.
Can I freeze the brownies?
Absolutely. Place cooled brownies in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually so they won’t stick. They can last up to two months when frozen. To enjoy them later, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. For an extra gooey touch, pop them in the microwave briefly before serving.
What are the best serving suggestions?
Enjoy these brownies plain or dress them up with a dusting of powdered sugar. For extra indulgence, consider a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of ice cream on the side. Whether for parties or late-night cravings, the combination of fudgy chocolate and creamy topping always delights.