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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Chess Squares

    October 27, 2022 by LaKita 38 Comments

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    overhead view of cut chess squares on parchment paper

    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.

    overhead view of finished chess squares on parchment paper

    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!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Recipe Tips & Tricks
    • Recipe Variations
    • Storage
    • Recipe
    • More Recipes You'll Love

    Ingredients You'll Need

    overhead view of ingredients needed to make dessert in separate bowls and packages
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.

    ingredients to make crust combined and pressed into the bottom of a baking dish

    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.  

    filling added on top of crust in parchment lined 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!

    close up side view of finished bars in parchment lined baking dish

    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

    LaKita Anderson
    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!
    4.96 from 21 votes
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    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 349 kcal

    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

    Calories: 349kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 339mgPotassium: 49mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 418IUCalcium: 89mgIron: 1mg

    *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.

    Keyword chess bars, chess squares
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SimplyLaKita or tag #SimplyLakita

    Original post date 01/20/2015. Updated 03/13/2017, 08/24/2019 and 10/27/2022.

    finished cut squares on parchment

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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!


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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pam Garrett

      April 11, 2015 at 5:39 pm

      These look delicious. My grandmother used to make chess pie and it was everyone's favorite. I will certainly try these soon.

      Reply
      • admin

        April 12, 2015 at 9:10 pm

        Thank you Pam. They are quite delicious and this recipe is so easy.

        Reply
    2. Marta

      September 04, 2019 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      This is probably the only "chess" I'll ever be a whiz at...eating! LOL!! Thanks for another great recipe!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 08, 2019 at 10:30 am

        It is the best chess to be a whiz at LOL!!

        Reply
    3. Tamara J.

      September 05, 2019 at 10:02 am

      5 stars
      These are my dads all time favorite! Such a timeless recipe, and still so delicious!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 08, 2019 at 10:29 am

        Your dad has good taste and I cannot agree with you more!

        Reply
    4. Katrina Adams

      September 05, 2019 at 10:18 pm

      5 stars
      Love chess squares!!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 08, 2019 at 10:28 am

        Yes!! They are the best!!

        Reply
    5. SHANIKA

      September 06, 2019 at 9:36 am

      5 stars
      I've never had Chess Squares but I'm loving the sound of this gooey sweet treat! Looks amazing!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 08, 2019 at 10:28 am

        Thank you, they are so delicious!

        Reply
    6. Aly Michell

      September 06, 2019 at 9:42 am

      I love anything with cream cheese, so you have my attention! I love that it looks so easy to make too.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 08, 2019 at 10:20 am

        Thank you Aly! It is so easy to make!

        Reply
    7. Kenya Rae

      September 07, 2019 at 10:49 pm

      5 stars
      I never heard of this but my god I am glad you introduced us. Adding this to my dessert list to make real soon!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 08, 2019 at 10:20 am

        Thank you! You won't regret it.

        Reply
    8. Aline

      September 09, 2019 at 7:56 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my! I never heard of chess squares but they look so good I need to try these!!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        September 09, 2019 at 8:53 pm

        Thank you! Please do give them a try!

        Reply
    9. Laura

      March 07, 2020 at 9:49 am

      Recipe calls for 9x13 pan but looks like it was made in an 8x8 pan. Wondering about change of cooking time? Thanks!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        March 08, 2020 at 11:19 am

        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.

        Reply
    10. Sig Miles

      August 29, 2020 at 10:06 pm

      Do you Store chess squares in the refrigerator or on the counter ?

      Reply
      • LaKita

        August 31, 2020 at 8:12 pm

        Either is fine in an airtight container. I prefer to store them in the refrigerator.

        Reply
    11. Jessica

      October 31, 2022 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      These turned out SOOOO good, and were super easy to make. I think I'll make them again for Christmas!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        October 31, 2022 at 1:59 pm

        Thank you Jessica! They're sooo easy to make!

        Reply
    12. Heather

      November 01, 2022 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      I've had chess pie before but these chess squares were so much easier! Can't believe it was made with a cake mix!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        November 08, 2022 at 4:01 pm

        Thank you Heather! The cake mix makes it so much easier!

        Reply
    13. Bernice

      November 01, 2022 at 6:24 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        November 08, 2022 at 4:02 pm

        Thank you Bernice! They are so simple to make.

        Reply
    14. Elaine

      November 02, 2022 at 6:38 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        November 08, 2022 at 4:02 pm

        Thank you Elaine! Perfect to make and share with a chess player 🙂

        Reply
    15. veenaazmanov

      November 02, 2022 at 9:40 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for such a delicious recipe. Simple, quick and easy and a perfect dessert for a party. I will surely try this out.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        November 08, 2022 at 4:03 pm

        Thank you, hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    16. Tammy

      November 03, 2022 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        November 08, 2022 at 4:03 pm

        Thank you Tammy, perfect dessert in a pinch!

        Reply
    17. Marie

      November 04, 2022 at 1:35 pm

      5 stars
      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 🙂

      Reply
      • LaKita

        November 08, 2022 at 4:04 pm

        Thank you Marie, happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the chess squares!

        Reply
    18. Sharon

      November 04, 2022 at 4:20 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • LaKita

        November 08, 2022 at 4:04 pm

        Thank you Sharon, it's a great quick recipe!

        Reply
    19. Loreto and Nicoletta

      November 06, 2022 at 4:36 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • LaKita

        November 08, 2022 at 4:05 pm

        Thank you so much, very sweet and comforting 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm LaKita, a food blogger living in Northwest/Panhandle Florida. I love creating and sharing recipes that are simple to make and comforting to eat. Follow me for more delicious recipes.

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