Indulge in the rich, fudgy decadence of Chocolate Chess Squares, a classic Southern dessert with a chocolatey twist. This easy-to-make treat features a luscious cream cheese and cocoa filling layered over a buttery chocolate cake mix crust, creating the perfect balance of gooey and slightly crisp textures. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a handful of pantry staples like powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you crave something sweet and indulgent, these Chocolate Chess Squares are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Plus, theyβre just as delicious chilled as they are fresh from the pan!
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter. Allow it to cool slightly.
Add the dry chocolate cake mix and 2 eggs to the melted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, forming the bottom layer.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.
Add the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined and creamy.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set but still slightly gooey in the center. (Do not overbake; the filling should have a slight jiggle.)
Remove from the oven and allow the Chocolate Chess Squares to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Calories |
5308 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 240.0 g | 308% | |
| Saturated Fat | 123.6 g | 618% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1243 mg | 414% | |
| Sodium | 3206 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 788.8 g | 287% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.3 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 614.6 g | ||
| Protein | 63.0 g | 126% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.0 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 813 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 19.4 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 1354 mg | 29% | |
*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.