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Easy Chess Cake Recipe: Classic Gooey Chess Squares

Easy Chess Cake Recipe

Classic chess squares made with a yellow cake mix crust and a smooth cream-cheese topping. These buttery, gooey bars are simple to prepare and especially delicious once fully cooled and chilled for neat slices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 24 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1 box, about 15.25 ounces Yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg Large egg
Filling
  • 1 package, 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
  • 2 eggs Large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 package, 16 ounces, approximately 3 3/4 cups Powdered sugar

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the dry yellow cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one large egg until a thick dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the two eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until the filling is fully combined.
  4. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the cream-cheese mixture is smooth. Spread it evenly over the cake-mix crust.
  5. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly soft. Cool completely before slicing, and chill for cleaner cuts if desired.

Notes

Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. Do not overbake because the center firms as the cake cools. For neat slices, refrigerate the cooled cake for 30–60 minutes and use a lightly greased knife.