Chess Cheese Squares
Cheese squares feature a moist, creamy filling atop a buttery cake crust, making them a delightful dessert perfect for gatherings and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the yellow cake mix, 1 stick of butter, and 1 egg until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 3 eggs, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake crust in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a flavored cake mix, such as butter or vanilla. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing. If you don't have powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine. This recipe is a delightful twist on American recipes that utilize cake mixes.
Serving Suggestions
These Chess Cheese Squares are perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat after dinner. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries. They also make an excellent dessert alongside Lillian'S Mushroom Soup for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chess Cheese Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or warm in the microwave for a few seconds until just soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chess Cheese Squares contains roughly 333 calories, with 2g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 23g 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 flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or lemon, to create unique variations of this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the cream cheese filling will still remain prominent, so choose a cake mix that complements it well.
How do I know when the squares are done baking?
The Chess Cheese Squares are done when the top is golden brown and the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted into the filling should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these squares a day in advance. Bake them, allow them to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. They will develop even more flavor overnight. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
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).