Chess Cheese Cake
A luscious cheesecake bar with a buttery cake base and creamy cheese topping, perfect for gatherings and satisfying sweet cravings with rich vanilla and smooth cream cheese flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix one egg, butter, and cake mix together.
- Pat the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar, two eggs, vanilla, and cream cheese.
- Blend the cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until light brown.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a butter cake mix instead of yellow. If you need a lighter option, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending, and for added depth, try incorporating a teaspoon of lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture. If you enjoy variations, check out the Sour Cream Blueberry Cake for a fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Chess Cheese Cake bars are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a special treat, serve alongside a scoop of ice cream or with fresh berries. If you’re looking for more dessert ideas, try the Frosted Apricot Jewels for something equally delicious.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chess Cheese Cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy them cold or warm them gently in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chess Cheese Cake contains roughly 366 calories, with 3g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.
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 use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla. Just be mindful that the flavor of the cake will alter the overall taste of the cheesecake layer, so choose one that complements your preference.
How can I tell when the cheesecake layer is done baking?
The cheesecake layer is done when it appears set and lightly golden on the edges, but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chess Cheese Cake a day in advance. Simply bake, cool, and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
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).