Chess Squares

4.89 from 27 votes

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!

Prep Time10

Cook Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chess bars, chess squares

Servings:

Calories: 349kcal

Author: LaKita Anderson

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