Cream Cheese Squares: An Effortlessly Delicious Dessert
By Jason Griffith
There’s something truly magical about a dessert that tastes incredibly decadent but comes together with minimal effort. These Cream Cheese Squares are exactly that—a beloved classic that’s simple to make, yet delivers on rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying flavor every single time. With a tender cake base and a luscious cream cheese topping, these squares are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat for yourself. They’re an old-fashioned favorite for a reason, bringing warmth and comfort in every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big proponent of smart shortcuts in the kitchen, and this Cream Cheese Squares recipe uses a yellow cake mix to pure perfection. What I love most is how the cake mix transforms into a chewy, delightful base that perfectly complements the rich, tangy-sweet cream cheese layer. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert—nostalgic, incredibly easy to make, and always a huge hit. The contrast between the cakey bottom and the smooth, creamy top is just divine. Plus, the simple preparation means less fuss and more time to enjoy these amazing squares!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1 (8-oz) box cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Swaps and Notes
- Cake Mix Flavor: While yellow cake mix is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla cake mix, butter golden cake mix, or even a chocolate cake mix for a twist.
- Butter: Ensure your butter is truly softened for easy mixing into the cake base. If it’s too cold, it won’t combine properly.
- Cream Cheese: Like the butter, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth, lump-free topping. Take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you plan to mix.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, this is essential for the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cream cheese topping.
- Vanilla Extract: Use good quality pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Flavor Boosts: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the cake mix for a warmer spice note. A few drops of almond extract in the cream cheese layer could also be a delicious addition.
- Optional Toppings: Before baking, you could sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the cream cheese layer.
How to Make Cream Cheese Squares
1. Prepare the Baking Pan & Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easier removal and cutting.
2. Make the Cake Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the entire box of yellow cake mix, the 2 large beaten eggs, and the ½ cup of softened butter. Mix these ingredients together with a spoon or electric mixer on low speed until everything is evenly moistened and a thick, somewhat crumbly dough forms. It won’t be like traditional cake batter, but rather a soft, pliable dough.
3. Press the Cake Layer: Press the cake batter mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch pan. You can use your hands, the back of a spoon, or a flat bottomed glass to ensure it’s pressed into a smooth, even layer covering the entire bottom.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of confectioner’s sugar, the 8-oz box of softened cream cheese, and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is completely creamy and smooth, with no lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
5. Assemble the Squares: Carefully spoon the cream cheese and frosting mixture over the top of the pressed cake base. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the cream cheese layer evenly across the entire surface.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. The cream cheese layer should be set and lightly golden, and the edges of the cake layer should be slightly browned.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the Cream Cheese Squares cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Cooling fully is crucial for the layers to set properly and for clean cuts. Once cooled, slice into desired square sizes and serve!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For both the butter and cream cheese, ensuring they are softened to room temperature is vital for a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Don’t Overmix the Cream Cheese: Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, stop mixing. Overmixing can incorporate too much air.
- Patience with Cooling: Resist the urge to cut into the squares before they are completely cool. This allows the cream cheese layer to fully set, preventing a messy outcome.
- Line with Parchment (Optional but helpful): Lining the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire slab out of the pan for clean cutting.
- Clean Knife for Cutting: For clean cuts, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Cream Cheese Squares are a delightful treat all on their own, but a few additions can make them even more special:
- A light dusting of extra confectioner’s sugar on top before serving.
- A side of fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) to add a fresh, tart contrast.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch.
- They pair wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
- If you love easy, comforting baked treats like this, you might also enjoy:
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot)
- The Easter Cookies Everyone Will Be Talking About (and Asking the Recipe For)
- These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat to Bake on Repeat
Storage and Leftover Tips
Cream Cheese Squares store wonderfully, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Cream Cheese Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The cream cheese layer needs to be kept cold.
- Freezing: These squares freeze well! Once fully cooled and cut, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Cream Cheese Squares are truly a testament to the fact that some of the best desserts are also the simplest. They offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors, from the tender cake base to the luscious cream cheese topping, making them an instant classic in any home. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to bring warmth and comfort to your table!
What are your go-to easy desserts that always disappear fast? Share your favorites in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more delightful recipes!
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