Dessert Squares
Sweet and creamy dessert squares featuring a buttery cake base topped with a rich cream cheese layer. Perfect for gatherings or as a decadent treat, this recipe combines the moistness of cake with the smoothness of cream cheese, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Barely mix together melted butter, yellow cake mix, and egg.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and eggs until creamy and smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base in the pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour.
- Allow to cool slightly then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you're out of yellow cake mix, you can substitute it with a homemade mix of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Ensure the butter is melted and slightly cooled before mixing, as this helps achieve a better texture. If you're looking for a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the cake base.
Serving Suggestions
These dessert squares are delightful on their own but can be elevated with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Pair with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside 'Killer' Brownies or Yummy Chocolate Mint Fudge for a variety of tastes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover dessert squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it slightly, making the cream cheese filling extra creamy. You can also serve them cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dessert Squares contains roughly 197 calories, with 3g protein, 35g 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 low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. It might not be as rich and creamy as the full-fat version, but it will still work. Just ensure it is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free dessert squares, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check that the powdered sugar is also gluten-free, as most brands are. This will allow you to enjoy the same delicious flavors without gluten.
What should I do if my squares are too gooey?
If your dessert squares turn out too gooey, it may be due to underbaking. Ensure you bake them long enough until the cream cheese mixture is set and slightly golden on top. If this happens, you can refrigerate them to firm up before serving.
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).