Description
This classic Chess Squares recipe features a buttery cake base topped with a rich, creamy sweet cream cheese layer. Perfectly balanced with a gooey center and a tender crumb, these bars are an irresistible treat ideal for dessert or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base
- 1 box Yellow cake mix
- 1 large Egg (room temperature)
- ½ cup Butter (melted)
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup Butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 16 ounces Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Base: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 egg, and ½ cup melted butter. Use an electric mixer to blend until you achieve a crumbly, dough-like consistency.
- Spread Cake Base: Press the cake mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish using your hands to form an even layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, ½ cup melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar with the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until completely smooth and creamy.
- Layer Cream Cheese Topping: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base in the baking dish, covering the base completely.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The key is not to overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey for the perfect texture.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the Chess Squares to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smoother mixture.
- Do not overbake; the gooey center is essential for the classic texture.
- Ensure the baking dish is well greased to prevent sticking.
- Allow full cooling before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- You can dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
