Sure, I’d love to share a full recipe for Cream Cheese Squares! These little treats are rich, creamy, and absolutely delightful. They’re the kind of dessert that you’ll want to bake again and again. Let’s dive right into the full recipe, along with a bit of history and some fun details!
Cream Cheese Squares
Delicious, decadent, and perfect for any occasion!
Introduction:
Cream Cheese Squares are a simple yet scrumptious dessert that combines the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese with the sweet, buttery goodness of cake. These squares are often found at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just as a comforting treat for your family. The great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make! The cream cheese filling is thick and luscious, while the cake mix crust provides a soft, buttery foundation. It’s a quick dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
History:
Cream cheese desserts date back to the early 1900s when cream cheese was first mass-produced in the United States. The popularity of these treats soared as people discovered how perfectly the tangy, creamy texture of cheese complemented sweet baked goods. While cream cheese squares themselves are a more modern creation, their influence comes from classic cream cheese-based cakes and pies, particularly from the Southern U.S. where rich, indulgent desserts are a staple.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 large eggs
- For the cream cheese filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, and 2 beaten eggs.
- Mix together until the ingredients are fully combined and a dough-like consistency forms. The dough will be thick, but that’s perfect.
- Press this dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to form the crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. The filling should be thick but smooth, with no lumps.
Step 3: Combine
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the whole dish in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.
Step 4: Cooling and Serving
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, and then refrigerate them for at least an hour before cutting into squares.
- Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy! You can dust them with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Method Behind the Magic:
This recipe is incredibly simple, but it’s the combination of the rich cream cheese filling and the buttery cake mix crust that makes it irresistible. The crust acts as a soft base that holds the filling, and as the squares bake, the crust soaks up some of the filling, resulting in an almost custard-like texture. The magic happens when the cream cheese and eggs blend together, creating a dense yet smooth filling that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake layer beneath.
Conclusion:
Cream Cheese Squares are a fantastic dessert to bake for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving something sweet for yourself. They’re easy to make, and the combination of cake and cream cheese is simply delightful. Plus, they hold up well in the fridge, so you can enjoy them for days after making them!
Lovers of Cream Cheese Squares:
People who love creamy, sweet, and soft desserts will fall in love with these squares. If you’ve ever enjoyed cheesecake or other cream cheese-based desserts, then these are right up your alley. The cake mix makes this recipe incredibly quick, so it’s perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros who want something delicious with minimal effort.
Variations:
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment by adding other ingredients to the filling or crust, such as:
- Chocolate chips in the filling for a fun twist
- Cinnamon in the cake mix for a spiced-up version
- Berries on top of the finished squares for extra flavor
This dessert is bound to be a hit, and I’m sure it’ll become a regular in your recipe box! Let me know if you give it a try or if you have any other baking questions. 😊