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Chess Squares are a Southern Staple made using 5 simple ingredients which are a cake mix, cream cheese, butter, eggs, and sugar. Gooey and delicious!
Allow me to introduce you to chess squares…
A simple, no-fuss recipe that comes together quickly with a little bit of assistance from a few items that you can purchase at any grocery store. This recipe is mistake-proof and produces the most delicious, moist, gooey, chewy squares that you’ve ever had.
The first time that I was introduced to this recipe was at a church function and it is probably a southern staple that has made an appearance in many places simply because it is so delicious.
Trust me, you do not want to pass this recipe by!
What are Chess Squares made of?
- Yellow cake mix
- Eggs
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered Sugar, also known as confectioners sugar
How Do You Make Chess Squares?
The recipe begins by preheating the oven to 300 degrees F. and spraying a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Make the crust first by using a medium bowl to mix together the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until it forms a soft dough.
Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Next, using the same bowl or an electric mixer, combine the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and two remaining eggs to make the cream cheese mixture. Mix until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Pour on top of the prepared crust.
Place in the preheated oven and bake at 300 degrees F. for about 40-50 minutes or until the top is puffy and golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.
Tips for Making the Best Chess Squares:
- Melt the butter and allow it to come to room temperature before using in the recipe.
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before beginning the recipe for easier mixing.
- Make the crust by stirring in a bowl with a spoon.
- Make the cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer.
- Allow the chess squares to cool completely before cutting.
Can You Freeze Chess Squares?
Yes, chess squares can be stored in the freezer up to 1 month. Cut into squares and place in an airtight container or freezer bag before placing in the freezer.
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love:
Chess Squares
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs, divided
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 4 cups (1 lb) powdered sugar (less if you want it to be less sweet)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Using a medium bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg together until it forms a soft dough and then press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will make your first layer and crust.
- Using the same medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and the two remaining eggs until smooth, about 1 to 2 mins. Pour on top of the prepared crust.
- Place into the preheated oven and bake at 300 degrees F. for about 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 7 days.
Notes
- Melt the butter and allow it to come to room temperature before using in the recipe.
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before beginning the recipe for easier mixing.
- Make the crust by stirring in a bowl with a spoon.
- Make the cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer.
- Allow the chess squares to cool completely before cutting.
- May store in the freezer in a freezer bag up to 1 month.
Nutrition
*All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.
Got any comments, questions, or other ideas for this recipe for chess squares? Share them in the comments below!
Pam Garrett
These look delicious. My grandmother used to make chess pie and it was everyone's favorite. I will certainly try these soon.
admin
Thank you Pam. They are quite delicious and this recipe is so easy.
Marta
This is probably the only "chess" I'll ever be a whiz at...eating! LOL!! Thanks for another great recipe!
LaKita
It is the best chess to be a whiz at LOL!!
Tamara J.
These are my dads all time favorite! Such a timeless recipe, and still so delicious!
LaKita
Your dad has good taste and I cannot agree with you more!
Katrina Adams
Love chess squares!!
LaKita
Yes!! They are the best!!
SHANIKA
I've never had Chess Squares but I'm loving the sound of this gooey sweet treat! Looks amazing!
LaKita
Thank you, they are so delicious!
Aly Michell
I love anything with cream cheese, so you have my attention! I love that it looks so easy to make too.
LaKita
Thank you Aly! It is so easy to make!
Kenya Rae
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
Thank you! You won't regret it.
Aline
Oh my! I never heard of chess squares but they look so good I need to try these!!
LaKita
Thank you! Please do give them a try!
Laura
Recipe calls for 9x13 pan but looks like it was made in an 8x8 pan. Wondering about change of cooking time? Thanks!
LaKita
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.
Sig Miles
Do you Store chess squares in the refrigerator or on the counter ?
LaKita
Either is fine in an airtight container. I prefer to store them in the refrigerator.