Luscious Cream Cheese Squares Recipe: Simple Joy in Every Bite

Dessert lovers rejoice as these decadent cream cheese squares dance on the edge of pure indulgence.

Sweet and creamy textures merge into a delightful treat that promises to steal the show at any gathering.

Soft, rich cream cheese blends seamlessly with a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a mouthwatering sensation.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

The simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, making this dessert a go-to option for busy home bakers.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear, these cream cheese squares will become your new favorite dessert.

Let’s find out this irresistible recipe and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

Equipment for Cream Cheese Squares

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cake mix, eggs, and butter.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth cream cheese topping.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: The key pan size for making these delicious squares.
• Measuring cups: Helps ensure precise ingredient amounts.
• Spatula: Great for spreading cake mixture and cream cheese layer evenly.
• Sharp knife: Helps cut clean, neat squares after cooling.
• Parchment paper or butter: Prevents sticking and makes removal easy.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Squares at Home

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Warm up the oven and get your baking dish ready for a delightful dessert adventure. Choose a 9×13-inch pan and make sure it’s prepped for smooth removal later.

• Cake Base Foundation

Blend the cake mix with eggs and butter into a delicious foundation. Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of your pan, creating a sturdy base for the creamy topping.

• Creamy Dream Topping

Whip together the sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla until silky smooth. Gently spread this luxurious layer across the cake base, making sure it covers every inch with delectable richness.

• Baking Magic

Slide the pan into the waiting oven. Watch as the edges turn a beautiful golden brown, signaling that your dessert is transforming into a mouthwatering treat. Bake until the top sets perfectly.

• Cooling and Serving

Let your creation cool completely. Slice into neat squares, wiping the knife between cuts to ensure clean, picture-perfect pieces that will wow everyone who tastes them.

Tips for Creamy and Sweet Cheese Squares

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a ultra-smooth, lump-free filling.
• Experiment with different extract variations like almond, lemon, or coconut to add unexpected depth to your cream cheese layer.
• For an extra-crispy bottom crust, lightly toast the cake mix base in the oven for 5 minutes before adding the cream cheese layer.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar, drizzle melted chocolate, or add fresh berries on top for a stunning presentation that elevates this simple dessert.
• These squares actually taste better after chilling overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.

Serving Cream Cheese Squares for Dessert

• Dessert Picnic Companion: Pack these cream cheese squares in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, perfect for summer potlucks or family reunions.
• Sweet Brunch Delight: Serve alongside fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant weekend breakfast treat that feels special and indulgent.
• Coffee Break Classic: Pair these squares with a hot espresso or cappuccino for a midday snack that provides a delightful sweet and creamy contrast to your coffee.
• Elegant Party Platter: Arrange the squares on a decorative tray with mint leaves or chocolate shavings for a beautiful dessert presentation that will impress guests at any celebration.

Storing Cream Cheese Squares Correctly

• Smart Slice Strategy: Cut these delightful cream cheese squares into smaller portions, making them perfect for grab-and-go treats during busy weekdays or weekend gatherings.
• Chill and Savor: Store squares in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and maintaining that delectable creamy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for up to 3 months, offering a quick dessert option when unexpected guests arrive.
• Temperature Tip: Always let frozen squares thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to slowly return to their original soft and creamy consistency without compromising taste or texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 275 kcal

Servings: 13

Cream Cheese Squares Ingredient Rundown

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides a quick, reliable foundation with rich, buttery flavor and convenient pre-measured ingredients.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together, add moisture, and create a tender, soft cake texture.
• Butter: Enhances richness, adds depth of flavor, and helps create a smooth, cohesive cake base.

• Cream Cheese, Confectioners Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a lusciously smooth, sweet cream cheese frosting that balances tangy and sugary notes with aromatic vanilla warmth.
• Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat, room temperature variety for optimal spreadability and creamy consistency.
• Confectioners Sugar: Ensures silky-smooth texture and adds delicate sweetness without graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Select pure vanilla for authentic, rich flavor that elevates the entire dessert's taste profile.

Decadent Cream Cheese Squares Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Creamy New York style cream cheese squares deliver a luxurious dessert experience with rich Philadelphia cream cheese and buttery graham cracker crust. Silky smooth layers promise sweet satisfaction that will delight dessert enthusiasts seeking classic comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (113 grams) butter
• 4 cups (454 grams) confectioners sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for effortless dessert extraction.
2. Base Layer: Thoroughly combine yellow cake mix, eggs, and butter into a uniform dough. Press the mixture evenly across the baking dish bottom, creating a solid foundation for the dessert.
3. Cream Filling: Whisk confectioners’ sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until achieving a luxuriously smooth, lump-free consistency. Spread the creamy mixture uniformly over the cake base, ensuring complete coverage without trapping air bubbles.
4. Baking Process: Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring for golden-brown edges and a slightly set top. The goal is a delicate, tender texture without excessive browning.
5. Cooling and Serving: Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, enabling layers to stabilize and simplifying the cutting process. Use a clean, sharp knife to slice into precise, appealing squares. Serve and relish the rich, creamy delicacy.

Notes

• Prep Surface Protection: Use parchment paper with overhang for effortless lifting and clean removal of the entire dessert without crumbling.
• Mixing Technique: Blend cake mix ingredients thoroughly to prevent dry pockets, ensuring a smooth, uniform base layer with consistent texture.
• Cream Cheese Smoothness: Whisk cream cheese mixture until completely lump-free, using room-temperature ingredients for silkier, more spreadable consistency.
• Baking Precision: Watch edges carefully during baking; golden-brown color indicates perfect doneness without risking dry or overcooked squares.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg