Ever had a sweet treat that made you feel like you’re back at family gatherings or cozy coffee chats? The chess squares recipe is a Southern favorite that does just that. Its buttery crust and gooey filling warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
This dessert is a staple in Southern kitchens, symbolizing comfort and simplicity. Imagine playing chess with friends as these bars’ aroma fills the air. It’s a recipe you can make easily with ingredients you probably have.
Baking these bars is perfect for any special occasion or when you just want something sweet. This recipe has been loved for generations. It’s a great way to make memories in your kitchen. So, let’s start baking and create some unforgettable moments!
Key Takeaways
- The chess squares recipe is a cherished Southern dessert.
- Perfect for pairing with tea or coffee, adding warmth to your gatherings.
- Easy to make with ingredients you likely have at home.
- Baking takes approximately 50 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Utilizes simple ingredients: yellow cake mix, eggs, butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar.
- A 9X13 baking pan is required for this recipe.
- Rated 5 stars by over 28 reviewers, shared more than 30,821 times.
Introduction to Chess Squares
Chess squares, also known as chess bars, chess cake, or gooey butter cake, are a beloved Southern dessert. They are loved for their simplicity and taste. This classic treat uses a yellow cake mix base and a creamy filling made of cream cheese and eggs.
This dessert has just five main ingredients. You’ll need a 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix, ½ cup of melted butter, three large eggs, an 8-ounce block of cream cheese, and a 16-ounce package of confectioners’ sugar. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. It bakes in about 30-40 minutes at 325°F, turning golden brown with a gooey center.
Chess squares are a big part of Southern culture, especially in St. Louis, Missouri. They’re loved for their simplicity and taste. You can enjoy them with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh berries. They can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for a week, or frozen for 3 months.
Preparing and storing chess squares is easy. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature and use full-fat cream cheese. Don’t overbake to get the right consistency. You can also add your own twist by using different cake mixes or adding lemon juice or pumpkin puree.
Here’s a quick look at what you need for a classic chess squares recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Cake Mix | 15.25 ounces | Base crust |
| Butter (melted) | ½ cup | For the crust |
| Large Eggs | 3 | Room temperature |
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces | Full-fat recommended |
| Confectioners’ Sugar | 16 ounces | Sifted for smooth texture |
Ingredients Needed for Chess Squares
To make perfect chess squares, you need some key ingredients. These help create the crumbly crust and creamy filling. It’s what makes this dessert so loved.
Essential Ingredients
The basic ingredients are crucial for the classic taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yellow Cake Mix: A box of yellow cake mix is the base.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs are needed for binding and richness.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese make the filling smooth.
- Butter: Melted butter adds crispiness to the crust.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 pound of confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting, sweetens the filling.
Optional Ingredients
Adding a few optional ingredients can make the dessert your own:
- Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle these on the crust for texture and nutty flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla can enhance the taste.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for a warm, spicy twist.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make delicious chess squares. For more details, check out the easy chess squares recipe online.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Welcome to the exciting part of our chess squares recipe! These steps will show you how to make a delicious dessert that will wow everyone. To start, you need to prepare carefully and pay attention to each step.
Preparing the Crust
The first step is making the crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix one box of yellow cake mix, one stick of melted butter, and one egg until it forms a soft dough. Press this dough into a 13″ x 9″ baking dish.
Making the Filling
Now, let’s make the filling. Mix one box of powdered sugar, one 8-oz package of softened cream cheese, and three eggs until smooth. Pour this over the crust in the baking dish.
Baking and Cooling
Now, your crust and filling are ready to bake. Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden. Let it cool completely before cutting into squares. This ensures clean cuts and makes your dessert look great.
With these steps, you now know how to make chess squares that will impress everyone. For more creative desserts, try this churro cheesecake recipe. Remember, baking well requires patience and precision!
Why This Recipe is a Southern Classic
The traditional chess squares recipe is a beloved part of Southern cooking. It’s known for its rich taste and simple making. This dessert is a symbol of Southern hospitality, often seen at church events, family reunions, and community gatherings.
This recipe is loved for its simplicity. It needs just five ingredients: yellow cake mix, butter, eggs, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. It can be made in 55 minutes, making it easy for anyone to bake. The use of yellow cake mix ensures a consistent taste, which is why it’s so popular.
Chess squares can also be made in different flavors by changing the cake mix. This makes them versatile and enjoyable for everyone.
Chess squares are not just tasty; they’re also nutritious. Each piece has about 362 calories, 45g of carbs, 3g of protein, and 19g of fat. They’re best enjoyed in small amounts, perfect for sharing at Southern gatherings. They can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to three months.
“The name ‘chess squares’ is thought to have originated from a Southern accent’s pronunciation of ‘just pie,’ leading to the affectionate term ‘chess pie.’”
These squares are loved for their taste and flexibility. You can adjust the sweetness by changing the powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer. The recipe is easy to follow, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Check out more Southern recipes at Southern Sweet Potato Casserole.
| Recipe Name | Preparation Time | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Chess Squares | 55 minutes | 362 kcal |
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chess Squares
Making the perfect chess squares is all about the right mix of ingredients and techniques. Here are some tips and tricks to take your chess squares to the next level.
Achieving the Right Consistency
The texture and taste of your chess squares depend on their consistency. Use real butter for a richer flavor than margarine. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
This consistency is key for a balanced, tasty bite in every piece.
Storing and Serving Ideas
Keeping your chess squares fresh is important. Store them in an airtight container after cooling. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For the best taste, let them come to room temperature before serving. Or, gently reheat them for a warm treat.
If you want to store them longer, freeze them. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They’ll last up to a month this way.
This is great for events or enjoying later. For more storage tips, check out this page.
Variations of Chess Squares
Exploring chess squares variations opens a world of exciting flavors and textures. There are many customized chess squares to choose from. Whether you like a lemony zing or chocolate, there’s something for everyone.
Traditional chess squares have a rich, buttery flavor. But why not try something new? Adding lemon zest and juice can give them a refreshing, tangy taste. This contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling.
If you love sweets, adding chocolate chips can make your squares even better. The melty chocolate pieces add a rich, chocolatey flavor to the classic squares.
“Customization is key when it comes to making these classic treats your own. Whether you’re a fan of fruity flavors or crave a bit of chocolate, these variations will satisfy your taste buds.”
- Add blueberries or raspberries for a fruity burst.
- Try pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor.
- Include chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist.
Choosing any variation, the preparation is simple and the results are delicious. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the classic recipe’s nutritional values:
| Servings | Rating | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Potassium | Fiber | Sugar | Vitamin A | Calcium | Iron |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 bars | 4.83 from 82 votes | 10 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 10 minutes | 197 kcal | 32g | 2g | 7g | 4g | 41mg | 198mg | 30mg | 1g | 24g | 244IU | 52mg | 1mg |
So, how will you customize your chess squares? Try different additions and make these classic bars uniquely yours!
Chess Squares Recipe from Paula Deen
Paula Deen is known for her Southern cooking, especially her chess squares recipe. This treat is like gooey butter cake, with rich Southern dessert flavors. If you want to make Paula Deen’s chess squares, here’s what you need to know.
The recipe uses simple ingredients: yellow butter cake mix, eggs, unsalted butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need and how to make it:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Butter Cake Mix | 1 box (16 oz) |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 sticks |
| Cream Cheese | 8 oz (1 package) |
| Powdered Sugar | 4 cups |
Paula Deen makes these chess squares easy to make, even when you’re short on time. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, mix the cake mix, 1 egg, and 1 stick of melted butter for the crust. Spread this mixture in a greased baking dish.
For the filling, mix the cream cheese and remaining 2 eggs until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, then the second stick of butter, melted. Pour this over the crust and bake for 40-50 minutes. The center should still be a bit gooey.
“The chess squares disappeared in less than 10 minutes at my last gathering—everyone loved them!”
Conclusion
Baking chess squares is a fun way to share Southern tradition with loved ones. This dessert is easy to make, perfect for both new and seasoned bakers. You can enjoy chess squares without any hassle.
To make these treats, you’ll need 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 3/4 cups of sugar, and 4 eggs. Add 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. Each square has about 349 calories, with 57g of carbs, 3g of protein, and 12g of fat.
These squares stay delicious for up to 5 days in the fridge or a month in the freezer. You can also try different versions of the recipe. For a healthier option, use less sugar or whole grain mix. Adding fresh fruit is another great idea.
Chess squares are great for various diets. You can use gluten-free flour and substitutes for butter and eggs. This makes them perfect for gluten-free and vegan diets.
Making chess squares is a heartwarming experience. It brings Southern charm to your kitchen. So, get your ingredients ready and enjoy baking. Let the aroma and flavors brighten up your home and table.