Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients, construction, variations, and tips for your Cream Cheese Squares recipe:
Ingredients
- Cake Layer:
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter
- Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 box (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
Construction
- Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the Cake Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, beaten eggs, and softened butter.
- Stir until fully combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan to form the base layer.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter layer in the pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the dessert to cool completely before cutting it into squares.
- Serve and enjoy!
Variations
- Flavor Twists:
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) or shredded coconut to the cream cheese mixture for added texture.
- Replace vanilla essence with almond or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.
- Fruit Additions:
- Swirl in fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry) into the cream cheese mixture before spreading it.
- Chocolate Version:
- Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a richer flavor.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Festive Toppings:
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce once cooled.
Tips
- Softening Cream Cheese:
To ensure smooth mixing, leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes. - Even Baking:
Check the dessert after 30 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overbake. The center should be slightly set but not too firm. - Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. - Freezing:
Freeze individual squares for a make-ahead treat. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Enjoy this decadent dessert and feel free to adapt it to your taste!