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Simple Cream Cheese Squares

Category: 30-Minute Meals for Busy Days

These squares feature a buttery base from cake mix with a rich and creamy cheese top. They're sweet, simple to make, and perfect for any occasion.

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:04:24 GMT
Soft golden squares of cheese-filled dessert, topped with herbs, resting on a rustic wooden board. Highlight
Soft golden squares of cheese-filled dessert, topped with herbs, resting on a rustic wooden board. | cookwithcarla.com

These cheesecake bites will blow your mind when you taste them. I found this gem tucked away in my grandma's old recipe collection and tweaked it through the years in my kitchen. The rich, tangy layer sitting on that butter-based crust makes an unbeatable sweet treat. They always vanish quickly whenever my family gets together.

An Easy Crowd-Pleaser

What makes these squares so great is how quickly they come together. The smooth topping blends wonderfully with the buttery bottom, creating these amazing little bites that folks can't stop eating. I bring them to community events and friend gatherings since they don't mess up during travel and get compliments from everyone who takes a bite.

Basic Stuff You'll Want

  • Butter: A half cup softened to make everything rich and tasty.
  • Cream Cheese: One 8 ounce box for that smooth, creamy layer.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon to enhance the overall taste.
  • Yellow Cake Mix: This handy item creates a quick and reliable base.
  • Confectioner's Sugar: Four cups to create that velvety topping.
  • Eggs: Two large ones for the right texture.
A close-up of layered dessert squares dusted with powdered sugar, featuring a creamy filling and a golden, crispy top. Highlight
A close-up of layered dessert squares dusted with powdered sugar, featuring a creamy filling and a golden, crispy top. | cookwithcarla.com

Prep Steps

Final Touch
Wait till they're completely cool before cutting into squares. Sharp, clean cuts make them look fantastic.
Baking Time
Stick it in the oven for around 35 minutes until you see a light golden color appear on top.
Whip Up The Topping
Mix your cream cheese, confectioner's sugar and vanilla until it's smooth as silk then spread it over your base.
Make Your Base
Combine the cake mix with eggs and butter until it forms a smooth dough then press it down in your pan.
Get Started
Heat your oven to 350°F. I put parchment in my 9x13 pan to make cleanup a breeze.

Tasty Variations

I sometimes throw in fresh lemon zest for a zingy kick or add mini chocolate chips when I want extra sweetness. My sister makes a gluten free version using special cake mix and they turn out just as good. You can cut back on sugar if you'd rather taste more of the cream cheese tang.

Storage Tips

You can leave these squares out for a day or two but they'll last nearly a week if you pop them in the fridge. They taste fantastic whether slightly cold or at room temp. I always bring them to my reading group and they're always the first thing to disappear.

Recipe FAQs

→ What’s the benefit of using cake mix?

It’s fast and reliable. Cake mix gives consistent results and saves time while keeping the base perfect.

→ Can I swap in low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat gives the best texture and flavor, but lighter versions work too if you prefer.

→ Why should they be completely cool before cutting?

Cooling helps the creamy top firm up, giving you clean cuts and the right texture.

→ Is freezing these possible?

Absolutely. Wrap snugly and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

→ How can I switch up the flavors?

Add lemon zest, sprinkle with small chocolate chips, or try different cake mixes to mix it up.

Easy Cheese Squares

Layer a buttery cake mix crust with a creamy sweet cheese topping. Quick prep with 6 pantry staples.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min

Category: Quick & Easy

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 squares)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 tsp vanilla.
02 4 cups powdered sugar.
03 1/2 cup butter, softened.
04 8 oz soft cream cheese.
05 2 beaten eggs.
06 1 box of yellow cake mix.

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to heat at 350°F.

Step 02

Combine the butter, eggs, and cake mix in a bowl. Stir until smooth.

Step 03

Grease or line a pan that's 9x13 in size.

Step 04

Evenly press the cake dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 05

Beat the sugar, vanilla, and cream cheese together until soft and creamy.

Step 06

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the base layer.

Step 07

Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center has set.

Step 08

Wait for it to cool completely.

Step 09

Cut into square pieces.

Step 10

If you want, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top.

Notes

  1. Try adding chocolate chips or a bit of lemon zest for something different.
  2. For smoother mixing, let everything come to room temperature first.

Required Equipment

  • Baking dish, 9x13 inches.
  • Electric beater.
  • Parchment paper, optional.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from the butter and cream cheese.
  • Eggs are present.
  • Cake mix includes wheat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This data is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Protein: 3 g