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Overhead view of cut squares on parchment paper on top of marble surface.
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4.88 from 31 votes

Chess Squares Recipe

These Southern Chess Squares are a 5-ingredient gooey butter bar that's impossibly simple and irresistibly good. A classic Southern dessert ready in under an hour!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chess bars, chess squares
Servings: 16
Calories: 344kcal
Author: LaKita Anderson

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.
    Overhead view of crust layer of squares added to the bottom of a baking dish.
  • 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.
    Second layer ingredients added to glass mixing bowl with spatula.
  • Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread into an even layer. 
    Overhead view of second layer ingredients added to baking dish.
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
    Overhead view of finished squares in white square baking dish.
  • Cool completely before slicing into squares. For best results, chill before slicing.
    Overhead view of cut squares on parchment paper on top of marble surface.

Video

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: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 339mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 418IU | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 1mg
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