The title Cream Cheese Squares refers to an irresistibly creamy, easy dessert incorporating a soft layer of cake topped with a luscious layer of cream cheese. This one uses a yellow cake mix as a base, resulting in a buttery, somewhat dense bottom layer that pairs perfectly with the smooth, sweetened cream cheese on the top.
The prep is easy: you mix the cake mix with eggs and butter to create the crust, and then whip together a sweet cream cheese mixture for the topping. When layered, the dessert bakes up to a soft, golden finish, the cream cheese layer remaining creamy and rich. These squares slice easily once cooled, so they’re ideal for serving at parties or as a quick treat for family and friends.
Eat these squares as is, or sprinkle some confectioner’s sugar on top for a touch of elegance and additional sweetness. With a delicious balance of buttery cake and creamy topping, these glorious confection will surely be a hit!
Why You’ll Love It:
Easy to Make: A cake mix base and a basic cream cheese topping means this recipe is quick and beginner-friendly.
Crowd-Pleaser: With their rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor, these squares are irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.
Adaptable: You can add other layers with flavors, toppings or garnishes to make these squares your own.
Great for Sharing: The 9×13-inch size is enough for a crowd, making it perfect for parties or potlucks.
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Key Ingredients:
Yellow Cake Mix: And using a yellow cake mix makes things easier and gives you a sweet dense base for the cream cheese topping. You can also use white or butter cake mix, if preferred.
Eggs: Whisked eggs combine with the cake mix and butter to provide structure and moisture to the crust.
Butter: You’ll need softened butter to mix in easily and provide the cake base with that rich buttery flavor. Skip melted butter, which can make the crust too dense to hold its shape.
Confectioner’s Sugar: As a fine sugar, this is great for the sweetening the cream cheese mixture, leaving it smooth and creamy.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat, softened cream cheese is recommended for ideal flavor and texture. This softens it, which helps it get incorporated, resulting in a smooth, lump-free topping.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth to the topping and rounds out the flavor.
INGREDIENTS LIST WITH AMOUNTS AND STEPS AT THE RECIPE CARD ON THE BOTTOM
Instructions for cream cheese squares:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps to bake the cream cheese squares evenly and get them at the right texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Base
Combine the Ingredients: Mix together the yellow cake mix, beaten eggs, and softened butter in a big mixing bowl. Mix until smooth and thoroughly combined using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter to prevent the baked goods from sticking, or line it with parchment paper to make removal easier.
Fit the Cake Layer: Press the cake mix evenly evenly across the bottom of the pan to cover the entire base in an even layer.
Step 3: Prepare the cream cheese topping
Mix Cream Cheese Topping: In another bowl, mix the confectioner’s sugar, softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth for a rich topping.
Spread The Topping: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer and ensure it is spread out evenly across the surface with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake the Squares
Bake: Move the pan to the hot oven and bake for 35 minutes. The top should be set and lightly golden, but don’t overbake, as you want the cream cheese layer to remain soft and creamy.
Cool: Bake then take the pan out and leave it to cool completely so the layers set properly for easily cutting.
Step 5: Cut and Serve
Cut into Squares: When cool, use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares, wiping the knife between cuts for clean sides.
Serve: Transfer the cream cheese squares to a platter and serve plain, or top with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar for some extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
With Fresh Berries: Top with fresh strawberries, raspberries or blueberries for a refreshing flavor contrast with the rich, creamy filling.
With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to each square for an airy addition.
On a Dessert Board: Lay out with cookies, brownies and fruit for an impressive dessert spread to please a crowd.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store any leftover cream cheese squares in an airtight container within your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping the temperature cool allows the cream cheese layer to hold its shape and stay fresh.
Freezing: These squares freeze well. Freeze them individually (spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet), then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. (The duck can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving.)
Room Temperature: In warm weather, cream cheese squares should not sit out for more than 2 hours for food safety.
Variations
Chocolate Cream Cheese Squares: Start with a chocolate cake mix as a base to add a rich cocoa flavor that combines beautifully with the creamy topping.
Lemon Cream Cheese Squares: Use a lemon cake mix instead of yellow and add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese topping for a bright, citrusy kick.
Spiced Cream Cheese Squares: Use a spice cake mix, and add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture for a warm, cozy flavor that’s ideal for fall.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Squares: For a seasonal pumpkin-flavored version, stir ½ cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese topping.
Nutty Topping: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for more texture and a nutty crunch.
Conclusion:
Cream Cheese Squares Recipe a new classic dessert, buttery cake layered and smooth cream cheese topping. These squares are as simple as they are tasty — perfect for get-togethers, real or virtual potlucks, family reunions or just a sweet bite at home. Now devour their rich, cake-like, creaminess!
Cream Cheese Squares
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix for cake base
- 2 large eggs beaten, for cake base
- 1/2 cup butter softened, for cake base
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar for topping
- 8 oz cream cheese softened, for topping
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, beaten eggs, and softened butter. Mix until smooth, then press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, blend the confectioner’s sugar, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the mixture over the cake layer in an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until the top is set and lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cream cheese layer soft.
- Let the pan cool completely. Cut into squares, wiping the knife between cuts for clean edges. Serve as-is or dust with extra confectioner’s sugar.
1 comment
Did exactly as recipe called for, baked 40 minutes because it still had liquid. They set up like gooey bars, not the look of cheese cake. They taste good, but they taste like gooey cake if you have ever made that