Description
Delight in these Strawberry Chess Squares featuring a moist strawberry cake base topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese layer and fresh strawberries for a sweet, custardy dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 15.25 ounce strawberry boxed cake mix (Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Strawberry Supreme)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (8 tablespoons)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup diced strawberries (about 5 ounces), patted dry if juicy
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar (16 ounces), can reduce to 3 cups for less sweetness
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ to 1 teaspoon almond extract (use 1 teaspoon for bolder flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F placing the rack in the center. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. If using a dark or nonstick metal pan, reduce temperature to 325°F and adjust bake time accordingly.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and 2 eggs. Mix with a hand or stand mixer on paddle attachment until smooth and thick, taking care not to overbeat.
- Press Base and Add Strawberries: Evenly press the dough into the prepared pan, moistening hands or using cooking spray to prevent sticking. Sprinkle diced strawberries evenly over the dough.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and remaining 2 eggs starting on low speed and increasing to medium until smooth and combined.
- Top and Spread: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the base layer and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the cream cheese layer is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Avoid overbaking. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Serve: Cut into 12 squares and optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Almond Extract: Use Nielsen-Massey for fragrant almond aroma. Adjust amount to preference for bolder or milder flavor between ½ and 1 teaspoon.
- Strawberries: Pat diced strawberries dry if juicy to prevent excess moisture affecting texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Classic recipe uses 4 cups for sweetness. Reduce to 3 cups to lessen sweetness but dessert remains quite sweet.
- Baking Pan Tip: Dark or nonstick pans conduct heat faster; reduce oven temp to 325°F and monitor baking time to prevent base from rising too much.
- Egg Ratio Variation: Traditional recipes may vary eggs between base and cream cheese layers for different textures; this recipe uses 2 eggs in each layer for a balanced custard and chewy base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
