Cream cheese squares are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese with the sweetness of a yellow cake mix. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or event.
Ingredients:
To prepare these scrumptious cream cheese squares, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup of softened butter
- 4 cups of confectioner’s sugar
- 1 (8-ounce) box of softened cream cheese
- 1 small spoon of vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, beaten eggs, and softened butter. Mix the ingredients together until they are well incorporated and form a smooth batter.
- Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and butter it to prevent the squares from sticking. Then, press the cake batter evenly into the bottom of the pan to create a uniform layer.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the confectioner’s sugar, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it becomes creamy and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Once your cream cheese frosting mixture is ready, spread it evenly over the top of the cake batter layer in the baking pan.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set.
- After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting the squares. This will ensure that the squares hold their shape and are easy to serve.
Tips:
- For best results, make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy texture for both the batter and frosting.
- You can customize these cream cheese squares by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days. These squares can also be frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion:
Cream cheese squares are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and creaminess. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible squares to enjoy with family and friends. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply as a sweet indulgence, these cream cheese squares are sure to be a hit!
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix instead of yellow cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix according to your preference. Chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon cake mix can be substituted for the yellow cake mix to create variations of the cream cheese squares. - How should I store the cream cheese squares?
After they have cooled completely, store the cream cheese squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for several days when properly stored. You can also freeze them for longer-term storage, but make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. - Can I reduce the amount of confectioner’s sugar for a less sweet frosting?
While the confectioner’s sugar helps to achieve the desired consistency and sweetness of the frosting, you can adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. You may reduce the amount slightly if you prefer a less sweet frosting, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and consistency of the frosting. - How can I prevent the cream cheese squares from sticking to the baking pan?
To prevent the squares from sticking to the baking pan, make sure to thoroughly butter the pan before pressing the cake batter into it. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easier removal after baking. Additionally, allowing the squares to cool completely before cutting them into squares will help prevent them from sticking to the pan.