The Chess Squares Recipe I've Made for Decades
Chess squares are such an easy homemade recipe. The bars, made from scratch, are quick and easy to make, and all your friends will will be begging for another piece.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time50 minutes mins
Rest Time1 hour hr
Total Time2 hours hrs
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Southern
Servings: 20 pieces
Calories: 296kcal
Author: Julie Pollitt
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 stick butter melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg.
Press into the bottom of a greased 9" x 13" pan.
In another medium-sized bowl, mix 2 eggs, cream cheese, and powdered sugar.
Pour over the cake mix.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cool before cutting the squares.
Creating the perfect Chess Squares doesn't just rely on following the recipe - a few tips and tricks can make all the difference. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your Chess Squares turn out perfectly every time:
1. Use room temperature eggs: When your eggs are at room temperature they will incorporate more easily into the batter. You will end up with a smoother texture.
2. Don't over mix the batter: I've done this plenty of times and it leads to tough and dense squares. Just mix until everything is combined.
3. Let the squares cool completely: Let the chess squares cool completely before cutting. They will set up better and have cleaner cuts. This is the hard part because I want to eat them so badly when they come out of the oven. The struggle is real.
4. Try different toppings: While the classic Chess Squares are delicious on their own, you can get creative with toppings like Cool Whip, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
5. Store the chess squares properly: If you have any leftovers, put them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated.
Serving: 1 | Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 44.7g | Protein: 2.89g | Fat: 12.2g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 49.7mg | Sodium: 247.7mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 35g