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Buttery dessert bars with a golden crust, creamy filling, and yellow polka-dot accents, served on a white plate.

Chess Bars

Experience Chess Bars Love: A Buttery Treat to Savor! These rich, indulgent bars are the perfect sweet snack for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • Yellow Cake Mix 1 box, about 15.25 oz – A time-saving shortcut that forms the perfect foundation for your bars.
  • Unsalted Butter ½ cup, melted – Adds richness and ensures a tender, flavorful crust.
  • Egg 1 large – Helps bind the crust and adds structure.

For the Filling:

  • Cream Cheese 8 oz, softened – The secret to a creamy, luscious filling.
  • Eggs 2 large – These create a smooth, custard-like texture.
  • Vanilla Extract 1 teaspoon – Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
  • Powdered Sugar 4 cups – Sweetens the filling and gives it that smooth, velvety consistency.

Tips for Perfect Prep:

  • Softening Cream Cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before starting. If you’re short on time microwave it in 10-second intervals until just softened.
  • Room-Temperature Eggs: Let the eggs come to room temperature to ensure they blend seamlessly into the batter.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality vanilla extract and butter make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until well combined and a soft dough forms.
  • Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just get it nice and smooth.

Make the Filling

  • In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
  • Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until completely smooth and well incorporated.
  • Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. It’ll look like a lot of filling, but don’t worry—this is what gives the chess bars their signature, gooey texture!

Bake the Bars

  • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden, and the filling has set.
  • You can check by inserting a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean, though a few crumbs are fine.
  • Let the bars cool completely in the pan. They’ll firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut into perfect squares.
  • Cut and Serve
  • Once cooled, slice the chess bars into squares. If you used parchment paper, just lift them out of the pan for neat slices.
  • Serve and enjoy the delicious buttery goodness!

Pro Tip:

  • For extra flavor, try adding a little lemon zest or chocolate chips to the filling. It’s a fun way to switch things up and add a personal twist to your chess bars

Notes

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and even texture in the bars.
Line the Pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and clean-up, preventing the bars from sticking.