There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, gooey dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Meet chess squares recipe—a dessert that combines the simplicity of a cake with the decadence of a creamy filling. Whether you call them chess square bars or simply chess squares, these sweet treats have been delighting dessert lovers for generations. With a buttery cake base and a rich, cream cheese filling, these squares are the perfect balance of soft, chewy, and creamy. The magic happens when the ingredients come together to create a bar that feels like a little slice of heaven in every bite.
What makes these squares stand out? Not only are they incredibly easy to prepare, but their versatility allows you to play with flavors or even add in fun mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit jams. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving something sweet, chess squares are sure to become your go-to dessert.
Chess Squares Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12-16
servings15
minutes30
minutes250
kcalChess squares, also known as chess square bars, are an indulgent dessert with a perfect blend of rich sweetness and a hint of texture, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 box of yellow cake mix (or any white cake mix)
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, 2 eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly wobbly when touched.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the chess squares to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Keep your chess squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Texture: For a firmer texture, bake slightly longer; for a gooey, soft texture, reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
- Variations: Add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or fruit jam to the mix to create a custom version of your chess squares.
- Serving Tip: Chess squares are best served warm or at room temperature, allowing the sweet, gooey texture to shine.
Tips for Perfect Chess Squares:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter and a creamier filling, making for an even better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake base ingredients, avoid overmixing. Stir until just combined to keep the texture soft and light.
- Watch the Bake Time: The key to perfect chess squares is ensuring the center remains slightly wobbly when you pull it out of the oven. This creates the perfect gooey filling while the top sets into a golden layer.
- Flavor Variations: Add a splash of vanilla, almond extract, or even a bit of lemon zest to elevate the flavor profile of your chess squares.
Recipe Variants:
- Chocolate Chess Squares: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a richer, chocolatey twist.
- Fruit Chess Squares: Incorporate your favorite fruit preserves or jam (like raspberry or strawberry) into the cream cheese filling for a fruity version of these squares.
- Nutty Chess Squares: Mix in crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a satisfying crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Absolutely! Chess squares recipe can be made the day before and stored at room temperature. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Yes, chess squares freeze well. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
If you don’t have a cake mix on hand, you can substitute it with homemade cake batter. Simply combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to create a similar base.
Try This Related Recipe:
For another sweet treat that’s easy to prepare and just as delicious, try our Nut Roll Recipe. They’re buttery, sweet, and packed with crunchy nuts, making them the perfect dessert companion for any occasion.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 19g
- Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% of the Daily Value
- Iron: 4% of the Daily Value
Health Benefits of Chess Squares:
While chess squares are a treat to indulge in, they also offer a few nutritional benefits thanks to ingredients like eggs, cream cheese, and butter. Eggs provide protein and healthy fats, while cream cheese contains calcium, which supports bone health. However, keep in mind that these bars are rich in sugar and fat, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
The inclusion of butter also means that chess squares provide a good source of energy, making them perfect for those moments when you need a sweet pick-me-up. While not a health food by traditional standards, enjoying these bars as an occasional indulgence is a satisfying way to enjoy life’s little pleasures.
Chess squares are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves sweet, creamy treats with a bit of texture. Whether you call them chess square bars or simply chess squares, this recipe is a fantastic way to bring a little joy into your kitchen. Their combination of a soft cake base and a rich, gooey filling makes them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and adaptable to whatever flavors you enjoy most.
So, if you’re craving a comforting dessert that’s sure to wow your guests, whip up a batch of these chess squares today. From family gatherings to solo indulgence, these squares are bound to become a favorite in your recipe box!
Leave a Reply