by Diana Rattray

These chess squares are always a hit! The squares are easy to fix with a cake mix, some cream cheese, eggs and butter, and powdered sugar. The squares are the perfect treat to take along to a potluck or bake sale. They’re always welcome at parties, whether there’s a special occasion or not. Or include them in lunch boxes for a kids’ snack or a coffee break.

chess squares made with a cake mix and cream cheese topping.

Cooking Tip
To soften cream cheese quickly, remove the wrapping and set it on a microwave safe plate. Microwave on high for about 15 to 20 seconds. If it is still cold in the center, microwave for an additional 5 to 10 seconds.

Dicing it into smaller pieces can also hasten softening.

Print

Southern Chess Squares

a stack of southern chess squares on a plate

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chess squares are kin to the southern favorite, chess pie. The cream cheese topping sits on a simple cake mix crust. It’s an easy dessert recipe that’s always a hit!

  • Author: Diana
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (or golden butter 15.25 ounces to 16.25 ounces)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)

For the Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 16 ounces confectioners’ sugar (about 3 1/2 cups)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 325 F. Grease and flour a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer on low, combine the cake mix with the beaten egg and the softened butter until the mixture begins to clump together.
  3. Press the crumb mixture into the pan, patting as evenly as possible.

Prepare the Filling

  1. In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese and beat until blended. Beat the 3 remaining eggs and the vanilla to make a smooth batter.
  3. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crumb layer.
  4. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until set and lightly browned.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments