These delicious Chess Squares are a Southern Staple made using 5 basic ingredients including boxed cake mix, cream cheese, butter, eggs, and sugar. So gooey and delicious!
If you're craving even more tasty Southern-style dessert recipes, then try making a rich and classic Homemade Sour Cream Pound Cake or a nutty and sweet Pecan Pie Recipe.
Allow me to introduce you to chess squares.
This is a simple, no-fuss dessert recipe that comes together quickly with a bit of assistance from a few items that you can easily purchase at any grocery store. This recipe is basically mistake-proof and produces the most delicious, moist, gooey, and chewy squares that you’ve ever had.
The first time I was introduced to this recipe was at a church function and it's a classic southern staple that has made an appearance in many places simply because it's so sweet and delicious. Trust me, you do not want to pass this recipe by.
Let's get started!
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Ingredients You'll Need
- Yellow Cake Mix - Use any 15.25 ounce size boxed brand of cake mix that you prefer to make the crust. Classic Yellow pairs well with the other ingredients in this recipe and keeps it classic, but you may also try using butter golden or French vanilla.
- Eggs - You will need three large eggs to make these chess bars. One will be used to help bind the crust so that it sticks together. Two will be needed to make the filling/topping thick, and creamy, and gives it that beautiful yellow color. Try to remove the eggs before getting started to allow them to come to room temperature for better mixing results.
- Cream Cheese - Use regular full-fat cream cheese to make the filling/topping of the squares creamy and pair well with the sugar. Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing to make the process easier.
- Butter - Makes the filling buttery and adds rich decadent flavor. Melt the butter for a few minutes on top of the stove in a small saucepan or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for about 10 to 30 seconds.
- Powdered Sugar - Also known as confectioners sugar.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.
Step By Step Instructions
The recipe begins by preheating the oven to 300 degrees F. and spraying a 9x13-inch (or an 11x11-inch as shown in the photos) baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Begin preparing the crust first by using a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer to mix together the cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until it forms a soft dough. The dough will stick together onto itself and will be tacky. Place into the prepared baking dish and evenly press it into the bottom of the baking pan using clean hands.
Using the same stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl, add the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and two remaining eggs to make the cream cheese mixture. Mix the ingredients until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Pour on top of the prepared crust into the prepared baking dish.
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake at 300 degrees F. for about 40 to 50 minutes or until the top is puffy and lightly golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- 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
- Chopped Pecans - Add ¾ cup of finely chopped pecans to the filling mixture for a bit of crunch and a nice layer of nutty texture and flavor.
- Lemon Chess Squares - Substitute lemon-flavored cake mix and add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the filling mixture.
- Chocolate Crust - Try making a chocolate crust by using a chocolate cake mix instead.
Storage
If you have any leftovers, you may store them in an airtight container or plastic storage bag inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
They can also be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Cut into squares and place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag before placing in the freezer.
Recipe
Chess Squares
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 3 large eggs, divided
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 4 cups (1 lb) powdered sugar (less if you want it to be less sweet)
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- The recipe begins by preheating the oven to 300 degrees F. and spraying a 9x13-inch (or an 11x11-inch as shown in the photos) baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Begin preparing the crust first by using a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer to mix together the 15.25 ounce box of cake mix, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 large egg until it forms a soft dough.
- The dough will stick together onto itself and will be tacky. Place into the prepared baking dish and evenly press it into the bottom of the baking pan using clean hands.
- Using the same stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl, add the 4 cups powdered sugar, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, and 2 remaining large eggs to make the cream cheese mixture. Mix the ingredients until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Pour on top of the prepared crust into the prepared baking dish.
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake at 300 degrees F. for about 40 to 50 minutes or until the top is puffy and lightly golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Enjoy!
- Store them in an airtight container or plastic storage bag inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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.
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.
Original post date 01/20/2015. Updated 03/13/2017, 08/24/2019 and 10/27/2022.
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Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy this Chess Squares Recipe? Please 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.
Jessica
These turned out SOOOO good, and were super easy to make. I think I'll make them again for Christmas!
LaKita
Thank you Jessica! They're sooo easy to make!
Heather
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
Thank you Heather! The cake mix makes it so much easier!
Bernice
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
Thank you Bernice! They are so simple to make.
Elaine
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
Thank you Elaine! Perfect to make and share with a chess player 🙂
veenaazmanov
Thanks for such a delicious recipe. Simple, quick and easy and a perfect dessert for a party. I will surely try this out.
LaKita
Thank you, hope you enjoy!
Tammy
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
Thank you Tammy, perfect dessert in a pinch!
Marie
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
Thank you Marie, happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the chess squares!
Sharon
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
Thank you Sharon, it's a great quick recipe!
Loreto and Nicoletta
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
Thank you so much, very sweet and comforting 🙂