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.
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! ★★★★★"
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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:
- 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 Sugar - 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.
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📖 Recipe
Chess Squares Recipe
Video
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.
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.
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
Yes! Let them cool, then freeze in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Yes, because of the cream cheese layer. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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.
More Southern Dessert Recipes to Try
- Chocolate Delight
- Oreo Delight
- Southern Blackberry Cobbler
- Easy Banana Pudding (No Bake Recipe)
- No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake
- Creamy Berry Trifle Dessert
- Elephant Ear Pastry
- Banana Pudding Tres Leches Cake
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!
Jade says
Ummmm I think everything is great in this recipe except......1lb of powdered/confectioners sugar is NOT 4 cups(32 oz). It is 2 cups(16oz). 16oz is 1lb of confectioners sugar. I used 4 cups and it was more of a pudding than bar. 🙂
LaKita says
Oops, that was a typo, it should be 1 pound of powdered sugar. It's been corrected. Thank you for letting us know 🙂
Loreto and Nicoletta says
These look just so delicious, and so easy to make. Very dangerous though as those pieces are on shot poppers. Southern food is always soulful and comforting!
LaKita says
Thank you so much, very sweet and comforting 🙂
Sharon says
These chess squares were so easy to make really good. I plan on keeping this recipe for when I need to make something quick that everyone will love.
LaKita says
Thank you Sharon, it's a great quick recipe!
Marie says
I wasn't familiar with chess squares but when I saw how easy the recipe seemed to be, I thought it was the perfect treat to make with my son! We had fun making these and the whole family loved them! I think this will be a new classic for us 🙂
LaKita says
Thank you Marie, happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the chess squares!
Tammy says
Ooh I've heard of chess squares but I've never made them before. Love this semi-homemade recipe. So easy and sounds so good when you want something sweet in a pinch!
LaKita says
Thank you Tammy, perfect dessert in a pinch!
veenaazmanov says
Thanks for such a delicious recipe. Simple, quick and easy and a perfect dessert for a party. I will surely try this out.
LaKita says
Thank you, hope you enjoy!
Elaine says
I will probably need to make these for someone who loves playing chess, just for the sake of it. Although I bet the taste goes through the roof - can't wait!
LaKita says
Thank you Elaine! Perfect to make and share with a chess player 🙂
Bernice says
I have never heard of Chess Squares so thank you for the introduction. They look fairly simple to make and I feel like they are great plain or fancied up with other toppings.
LaKita says
Thank you Bernice! They are so simple to make.
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!
LaKita says
Thank you Heather! The cake mix makes it so much easier!
Jessica says
These turned out SOOOO good, and were super easy to make. I think I'll make them again for Christmas!
LaKita says
Thank you Jessica! They're sooo easy to make!
Sig Miles says
Do you Store chess squares in the refrigerator or on the counter ?
LaKita says
Either is fine in an airtight container. I prefer to store them in the refrigerator.
Laura says
Recipe calls for 9x13 pan but looks like it was made in an 8x8 pan. Wondering about change of cooking time? Thanks!
LaKita says
The baking dish in the photo is not an 8x8-inch pan, it is an 11x11-inch pan. However, I have made chess squares many times in a 9x13-inch baking dish which is more commonly used and what I recommend for this recipe. I do not suggest using an 8x8-inch so there is no need to note a change in cooking time.
Aline says
Oh my! I never heard of chess squares but they look so good I need to try these!!
LaKita says
Thank you! Please do give them a try!
Kenya Rae says
I never heard of this but my god I am glad you introduced us. Adding this to my dessert list to make real soon!
LaKita says
Thank you! You won't regret it.
Aly Michell says
I love anything with cream cheese, so you have my attention! I love that it looks so easy to make too.
LaKita says
Thank you Aly! It is so easy to make!
SHANIKA says
I've never had Chess Squares but I'm loving the sound of this gooey sweet treat! Looks amazing!
LaKita says
Thank you, they are so delicious!
Katrina Adams says
Love chess squares!!
LaKita says
Yes!! They are the best!!
Tamara J. says
These are my dads all time favorite! Such a timeless recipe, and still so delicious!
LaKita says
Your dad has good taste and I cannot agree with you more!
Marta says
This is probably the only "chess" I'll ever be a whiz at...eating! LOL!! Thanks for another great recipe!
LaKita says
It is the best chess to be a whiz at LOL!!
Pam Garrett says
These look delicious. My grandmother used to make chess pie and it was everyone's favorite. I will certainly try these soon.
admin says
Thank you Pam. They are quite delicious and this recipe is so easy.