Butter Cheese Squares
Creamy, sweet cheese squares with a buttery crust, perfect for dessert or tea time, appealing to those who love rich, indulgent treats with a hint of citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Make a crust by mixing the cake mix, melted margarine, and 1 egg.
- Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, 2 eggs, and confectioners sugar with a mixer.
- Mix until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle with confectioners sugar after baking.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you're out of confectioners sugar, you can blend granulated sugar in a blender until fine. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you want a fruity twist, fold in some blueberries or raspberries into the cream cheese mixture before baking. This dessert pairs beautifully with New York Cheese Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Butter Cheese Squares as a delightful dessert at gatherings or alongside coffee for an afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to a dessert table with Ice Cream Cupcakes or other sweet treats. For a refreshing contrast, consider pairing with a light fruit salad like Sunny Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm. If you prefer them chilled, they are delicious straight from the fridge too.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Cheese Squares contains roughly 447 calories, with 4g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 479mg per serving (21% 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Butter Cheese Squares a day in advance. Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator. They actually taste even better after sitting for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, try using a dairy-free cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth.
How do I know when the squares are done baking?
The Butter Cheese Squares are done when the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
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).