Chewy Cream Cheese Squares
Chewy Cream Cheese Squares are rich, nutty bars with a creamy layer, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and enjoyed as a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar and butter until fluffy.
- Stir in the baking mix and chopped pecans until the mixture is crumbly.
- Measure 1 cup of the brown sugar mixture and set aside for the topping.
- Press the remaining brown sugar mixture into a greased 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan, covering the entire bottom.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar. If you don't have buttermilk baking mix, you can substitute it with a mixture of all-purpose flour and baking powder. To enhance the cream cheese filling, consider adding a teaspoon of grated lemon zest. Make sure to beat the cream cheese until it's smooth to avoid lumps in the filling.
Serving Suggestions
These squares are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a great dessert after a meal of South Of The Border Chicken or can be enjoyed as a sweet snack throughout the day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chewy Cream Cheese Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place the squares in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through, being careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chewy Cream Cheese Squares contains roughly 183 calories, with 1g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 5g 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 nut instead of pecans?
Yes, you can easily substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Both options will give a different flavor and texture but will work well in this recipe.
What can I do if I don't have cream cheese?
If you're out of cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or mascarpone as a substitute. Both will give a creamy texture, though the flavor will vary slightly, adding a delicious twist to the squares.
Can I make these squares gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free baking mix instead of the traditional buttermilk baking mix. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a completely gluten-free treat.
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).