Modified: Jul 18, 2025 · Published: Jun 23, 2025 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Chess Squares Recipe – Easy Southern Gooey Butter Bars

If you’ve ever had a Southern mama or auntie slide a pan of Chess Squares on the table, then you know this dessert means business. Soft, buttery, and topped with a gooey cream cheese layer that melts in your mouth.

Updated June 2025 with new tips, FAQs, and structure to help you bake the perfect Chess Squares every time. It was originally posted in January 2015.

Overhead view of finished and cut chess squares on parchment paper on marble surface.

Here's what some readers are saying about this recipe:

One reader, Marta, commented: "This is probably the only "chess" I'll ever be a whiz at...eating! LOL!! Thanks for another great recipe! ★★★★★"

Another reader, Heather, says: "I've had chess pie before but these chess squares were so much easier! Can't believe it was made with a cake mix! ★★★★★"

Jump to:

Chess Squares (Chess Bars)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What Are Chess Squares?
Key Ingredients
Before You Bake: Read This First
📖 Recipe
Recipe Variations
LaKita's Tips for Success
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Store & Freeze
More Southern Dessert Recipes to Try

Chess Squares (Chess Bars)

There’s just something special about a dessert that’s been passed down through generations. Simple ingredients, a gooey center, and the kind of sweetness that brings people back for seconds (and thirds). These Chess Squares, also called Chess Bars or Gooey Butter Bars, are one of those recipes. Southern, nostalgic, and unfussy, they’re everything I love in a dessert.

Made with just seven ingredients, this version uses boxed cake mix for ease but delivers full homemade flavor. My mom made these often, and now I make them for everything from church gatherings to quiet weekends at home. One bite, and you’ll understand why they never last long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern comfort – Sweet, gooey, and buttery like a hug from your favorite auntie.
No-fuss ingredients – Starts with boxed cake mix and pantry staples.
Crowd favorite – Always a hit at potlucks, holidays, or any gathering.
Versatile – Easily adapted with lemon zest, chocolate chips, or nuts.
Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and freeze for when the craving hits.

What Are Chess Squares?

Chess Squares are a type of gooey butter bar that originated in the South. The base is a soft crust made from cake mix, butter, and eggs. The top layer? A rich, creamy blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and more eggs that bakes into a golden, crackly, melt-in-your-mouth topping.

They’re known for their chewy edges and decadent, gooey centers. Some folks call them Chess Bars or Gooey Bars, but whatever the name, they’re beloved.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch:

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make squares in separate containers on marble surface.

Yellow Cake Mix - The shortcut base for the crust.
Eggs - You’ll need 3 total, one for the base, two for the topping.
Cream Cheese - Room temperature for easy mixing.
Butter - Adds flavor and moisture. I use unsalted.
Powdered S ugar - Sweetens the topping and helps it set.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

Before You Bake: Read This First

Use room temperature ingredients: Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly.
Line your pan: Parchment paper makes it easier to lift and slice.
Don’t overbake: The center should still jiggle slightly. It’ll firm up as it cools.
Let them cool completely: These bars slice best once fully cooled or even slightly chilled.

Overhead view of baked squares in white baking dish on marble surface.

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📖 Recipe

Chess Squares Recipe

LaKita Anderson

This Chess Squares recipe is a rich, buttery Southern dessert made with cake mix and just 7 ingredients. These gooey bars are sweet, simple, and always a hit.

4.91 from 30 votes

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Video

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 344 kcal

Equipment

1 large mixing bowl
1 9x13-inch rectangle baking dish or 11x11-inch square baking dish (as shown)

Ingredients

Bottom Layer:
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
½ cup butter, melted
1 large egg
Top Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 pound box powdered sugar (16 ounces)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish (or an 11x11-inch as shown in the photos) with parchment paper or lightly grease.
In a large bowl, mix together the 15.25 ounce box of cake mix, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 egg until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
In another bowl, beat the 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using), mixing until combined. Gradually add the 16 ounces powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread into an even layer.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
Cool completely before slicing into squares. For best results, chill before slicing.

Notes

Melt the butter and allow it to come to room temperature before using it in the recipe.
Allow the cream cheese and eggs to come to room temperature before beginning the recipe for easier mixing.
Make the crust and filling mixture with a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer to make the process easier.
Allow the chess squares to cool completely before cutting.

Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 339mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 418IUCalcium: 89mgIron: 1mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword chess bars, chess squares

Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Recipe Variations

Lemon Chess Squares: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the cream cheese layer.
Chocolate Chip Chess Squares: Fold ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the top layer.
Pecan Chess Squares: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans over the top before baking.

Close up side view of cut bars on parchment paper on top of marble surface.

LaKita's Tips for Success

For extra gooey bars, bake on the lower end of the time range.
Use full-fat cream cheese. The low-fat kind won't set the same.
Store bars in the refrigerator for the cleanest slices and best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze chess squares?

Yes! Let them cool, then freeze in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Do they need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese layer. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Why are my bars too cakey?

That usually means they were overbaked. Pull them when the center is just barely set.

How to Store & Freeze

Store: In the fridge for up to 5 days. Best served slightly chilled.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Overhead view of single chess square on white plate with fork cutting into it.

More Southern Dessert Recipes to Try

Did you grow up eating Chess Squares too? I’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any fun twists with lemon, chocolate chips, or a little something extra. And if you share it on Instagram, tag me @simplylakita so I can see your gooey bars in action!

💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy baking!