Chess Squares
This recipe for Chess Squares is a classic southern dessert made with only 5 ingredients. Get a rich, buttery cake crust with a sweet, thick cream cheese topping - a knockout combo!
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix (1 box)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup salted butter (1 stick, melted)
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, egg, and melted butter until combined. The mixture will be very thick. Press it evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, eggs, and powdered sugar until smooth. Pour the mixture over the cake layer and gently spread it into an even layer.
- Bake at 300°F for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set. The bars may still jiggle slightly and will firm up as they cool. Avoid over-baking to keep the cream cheese layer soft and creamy.
Notes
- For best texture, let the chess squares cool completely before slicing. Chilling them for 30–60 minutes will give you cleaner cuts.
- The center may still jiggle slightly when removed from the oven; the bars will firm up as they cool.
- Use full-fat, room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest topping and best set.
- A 7×11-inch glass baking dish makes thicker, gooier bars. A 9×13-inch dish will produce thinner bars and may bake slightly faster.
- Store chess squares in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 354mgPotassium: 66mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 229IUCalcium: 113mgIron: 1mg
