Indulge in the irresistibly sweet and buttery goodness of Chess Squares, a classic Southern dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. With a soft, chewy base made from yellow cake mix and butter, topped with a rich cream cheese layer sweetened with powdered sugar and vanilla, these bars are the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Ready in under an hour with just six simple ingredients, Chess Squares are ideal for beginner bakers and experienced dessert lovers alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a quick and decadent treat, these golden, gooey squares are sure to delight everyone at the table. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or everyday indulgence, this recipe is a must-try for fans of nostalgic comfort food!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until a thick dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, 2 remaining eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. The center will still be slightly gooey.
Remove from the oven and let the chess squares cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Calories |
5114 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 187.7 g | 241% | |
| Saturated Fat | 89.4 g | 447% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 933 mg | 311% | |
| Sodium | 3233 mg | 141% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 858.4 g | 312% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 682.2 g | ||
| Protein | 55.7 g | 111% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 782 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 10.9 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 918 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.