These Cream Cheese Squares are rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet with a soft cake-like base and cheesecake topping. They’re super easy to make and perfect for potlucks, parties, or tea-time desserts.
⏱ Prep Time
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Prep: 10 minutes
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Bake: 30–35 minutes
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Cool: 30 minutes
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Total: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12–16 squares
🍳 Equipment
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9×13-inch baking pan
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer
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Spatula
🥘 Ingredients
🧁 Cake Base
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1 box yellow cake mix
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg
🧀 Cream Cheese Layer
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup melted butter
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Make Base
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In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and egg until dough forms.
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Press evenly into the bottom of the baking pan.
Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Layer
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Beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar and mix well.
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Beat in eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until creamy.
Step 4: Assemble
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Pour cream cheese mixture over the base and spread evenly.
Step 5: Bake
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Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is set and lightly golden.
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Center should be slightly gooey (it will firm up as it cools).
Step 6: Cool & Serve
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Cool completely, then cut into squares.
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Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
🍽 Flavor & Texture
✔ Creamy cheesecake topping
✔ Soft cake-like bottom layer
✔ Sweet, rich, and buttery
✔ Perfect dessert bars
⭐ Tips & Variations
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Lemon cream cheese squares: Add lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
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Chocolate version: Use chocolate cake mix or add chocolate chips.
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Pumpkin cream cheese bars: Mix pumpkin puree and spices into cream cheese layer.
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Low-sugar: Use sugar-free cake mix and monk fruit powdered sugar.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Approx per square)
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Calories: 320
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Fat: 18g
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Carbs: 36g
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Protein: 4g
