• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Surfers Kitchen

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • About us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Travel
    • About us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×

    September 8, 2016 Dessert

    Chess Squares

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Chess Square Cookie Bar on Blue Plate with fork in background

    Years ago, I made these Chess Squares on my old site (FortyCakes.com) after finding the recipe on Kevin and Amanda.com.  The original recipe may come from Paula Deen but most likely it has been passed down through modern Southern kitchens.  This recipe is an easy Southern classic that everyone seems to love. 

    Today, for some reason, these little squares of delicious  popped into my mind while I was working at my desk.  It is likely because I am on Day 3 of the Whole 30 and my brain is trying to sabotage my efforts toward better health.  My body has been crying out for all of the things it can't have:  Sugar, Cheese, Cake.   Hopefully, you are not in the midst of a strict lifestyle change and you can reach into the cabinets, grab the ingredients and get to cooking. 

    Ingredients 

    • Boxed Yellow Cake Mix
    • Eggs
    • Butter
    • Cream Cheese
    • Powdered Sugar

    The recipe is very simple, mix together a few very common ingredients, pour into a cake pan and pop into the oven.  After almost an hour of baking, out pops the most delicious and decadent cookie bar you have ever tried.  While I liked it served warm and gooey right out of the oven, it is also great after it has cooled.   

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is it possible to make these chess squares gluten free? 

    I haven't tested it yet but I think if you use a gluten free cake mix, you should be fine.  I like all of King Arthur Flours cake mixes and flours so would suggest you try it with this one.  

    Can you make these vegan?  

    I didn't test a vegan option of chess squares but it doesn't seem like it could work well.   The stars of the show here are the butter, eggs and cream cheese.  If you are looking for a vegan dessert, I would recommend my five layer dream bars.  

    If you end up making these chess squares, please tag me on Instagram @the_surfers_kitchen.  I love to see what you are working on in your kitchens.  And, if you test a vegan version, let me know how it goes! 

    Recipe for Chess Squares or Butter Cake|www.thesurferskitchen.com @the_surfers_kitchen

    Chess Squares

    So rich and decadent but splurge worthy! Make a big batch and take to the next office party.
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Cookies
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 24

    Ingredients

    • 1 box yellow cake mix
    • 3 eggs
    • 8 ounces cream cheese
    • 1 stick butter melted
    • 1 pound powdered sugar

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
    • Lightly spray a 9X13 baking pan with spray or use parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, the melted butter and 1 egg until you get a thick dough.
    • Press that into the bottom of the baking pan.
    • Whip together the cream cheese, 2 eggs and powdered sugar until smooth.
    • Pour on top of the yellow cake layer.
    • Bake for 50 minutes or until the top gets golden brown.
    • Serve warm, cool or straight out of the fridge!

    "More Food"

    • Loaded Brownies
    • Blog Income Report and Business Update --October 2016
    • Protein Packed Massaged Kale Salad
    • How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    woman in hot springs

    Hi, I'm Karla! A marine biologist and entrepreneur that is passionate about exploring the planet and eating great food along the way.

    More about me →

    Recently Updated

    • Easy Homemade Peach Crisp for Two
    • Lettuce and Avocado Sandwich: A Love Story
    • Pistachio and Cherry Granola Recipe
    • Travel Guide to Jekyll Island Georgia

    Travel

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Media Kit
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme