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Cream Cheese Chess Bars Recipe

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4 from 4 reviews

This classic Chess Bars recipe features a rich and creamy cream cheese filling layered over a buttery yellow cake crust. Baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for serving warm or chilled at any gathering or special occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 1 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter or salted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Filling:

  • 1 8 oz block cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter or salted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (plus additional for dusting tops)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-2 inch overhang for easy removal, and spray the parchment with cooking spray.
  2. Make the crust dough: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  3. Blend cream cheese and butter: Using the same bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add eggs and extracts: Incorporate the 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the cream cheese mixture, mixing until well combined.
  5. Incorporate powdered sugar: Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the powdered sugar. Once all is added, increase the speed to medium and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
  6. Assemble bars: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust and spread it out smoothly.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are set and a light golden brown, while the center remains slightly gooey when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking to maintain a moist texture.
  8. Cool: Remove from oven and allow the chess bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. Remove and slice: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into bars according to desired size.
  10. Serve: Optionally dust the tops with additional powdered sugar and serve warm or chilled for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Do not overbake to keep the center gooey and soft.
  • Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of bars.
  • The bars can be served either warm or chilled, based on preference.
  • Additional powdered sugar dusting adds a decorative touch and extra sweetness.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened before mixing for smoother filling.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/cream-cheese-chess-bars-recipe/