These classic Chess Bars have all of the sweet flavors you love. This dessert comes together easily with a boxed cake mix, eggs, butter, and oil in the cake layer, and cream cheese, eggs, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar in the gooey layer.
Treat your guests to these Chess Bars at your next party! They feature two sweet layers and are big on flavor.
What Are Chess Bars?
Chess bars are a classic southern dessert. They have a cake layer and a gooey layer that’s similar in texture and flavor to cheesecake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- yellow cake mix
- eggs
- salted butter
- vegetable oil
- cream cheese
- vanilla extract
- powdered sugar
- optional additional powdered sugar for sprinkling
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Chess Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, butter, and oil to form a thick batter. Spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- To create the gooey layer, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in the eggs, butter and vanilla and mix well to combine. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour the gooey mixture over the cake layer and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the edges are brown, but the center is still jiggly. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into squares. Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar, if desired and serve!
Tips And Tricks
- Remove the eggs and cream cheese from the fridge ahead of time. They should be room temperature when you start.
- Melt the butter ahead of time to give it a chance to cool before you add it.
How To Store Chess Bars
Store Chess bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5-7 days.
To freeze Chess Bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost the chess bars in the fridge overnight and then serve topped with powdered sugar.
How To Serve Chess Bars
These Chess Bars are delicious as a dessert or sweet mid-morning snack with coffee or tea.
Chess Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Cake Layer:
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15 ounces
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Gooey Layer:
- 8 ounces block cream cheese softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- additional powdered sugar for sprinkling optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, butter, and oil to form a thick batter. Spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- To create the gooey layer, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in the eggs, butter and vanilla and mix well to combine. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour the gooey mixture over the cake layer and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the edges are brown, but the center is still jiggly. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into squares. Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar, if desired and serve!
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