Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cream Cheese Squares offer the perfect balance of a rich, buttery crust and a smooth, sweet cream cheese filling. The combination of textures is divine—crisp on the bottom and creamy on top. These squares are versatile enough for a special occasion, potluck, or just as an everyday dessert. They are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and are perfect for slicing and serving to a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Make the filling: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Spread evenly, then bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the squares cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 12-15 squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Add fruit: Add fresh fruit like berries on top for extra flavor and a pop of color.
- Make it chocolatey: Use a chocolate cake mix for the base to create a chocolate and cream cheese combination.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the top for some added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover cream cheese squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. These squares can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or let them come to room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer, such as chocolate, white, or lemon.
2. Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze these squares?
Yes, they freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
4. How do I know when the squares are done baking?
The filling should be set and lightly golden around the edges. You can also test by gently pressing the center—it should not jiggle.
5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may slightly alter the texture of the filling.
6. What can I serve with these squares?
These squares are great on their own, but they also pair well with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
7. Can I add flavorings to the cream cheese filling?
Yes, you can add a little lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon to give the filling a unique flavor.
8. Can I use a 9×9-inch pan instead of a 9×13-inch pan?
Yes, using a 9×9-inch pan will result in thicker squares. Just adjust the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
9. Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar in the crust?
Powdered sugar in the crust won’t work well as a substitute for granulated sugar, but you can try substituting with an equal amount of white sugar.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make these squares gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Squares are the ultimate dessert when you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and easy to make. With a buttery crust and a rich cream cheese filling, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these squares will definitely become a go-to recipe in your collection. Enjoy!
Cream Cheese Squares
Cream Cheese Squares are a decadent dessert that combines a buttery cake mix crust with a rich, creamy cream cheese filling. Slightly tangy yet sweet, these squares offer a deliciously smooth texture on top and a crisp, buttery base. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make squares are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something sweet, this dessert will quickly become a favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 squares
- Category: Dessert, Bars, Easy Sweets
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
-
Make the Filling: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
-
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Spread it evenly, then bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.
-
Cool and Serve: Let the squares cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Add fresh berries on top for extra flavor and color.
- Swap in chocolate cake mix for a chocolate and cream cheese combo.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
