Cream Cheese Squares Recipe – A Creamy and Sweet Delight

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Discover the perfect dessert with these Cream Cheese Squares. This easy recipe features a smooth, creamy filling on a buttery crust, making it a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

Introduction:

If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious, then Cream Cheese Squares are the perfect choice. These squares are incredibly easy to make and have a smooth, velvety cream cheese filling on a buttery, crumbly crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just something to satisfy your dessert cravings, these cream cheese squares will become an instant favorite.

Let’s get started on making this indulgent yet simple dessert that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your crust cooks evenly once you assemble the squares.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
3. Press the Crust into the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan, creating a firm, even layer.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool while you prepare the cream cheese filling.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. This ensures there are no lumps in the filling.
2. Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla: Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat the mixture until everything is well combined.
3. Stir in the Flour: Add the flour to the cream cheese mixture and stir until it’s smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Squares

1. Pour the Filling onto the Crust: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the cream cheese mixture over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake the Squares: Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cream cheese filling is set and lightly golden on top. You can check the filling by gently shaking the pan – it should not jiggle in the center.
3. Cool the Squares: Allow the cream cheese squares to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before cutting them into squares.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cut into Squares: Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the cream cheese squares into even pieces. You can make them small for bite-sized treats or cut them larger if you prefer.
2. Optional Garnish: For added flavor and decoration, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with your favorite fruit sauce, like raspberry or strawberry. You can also top the squares with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Squares:

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires basic ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. No fancy items needed!
• No Complicated Techniques: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is foolproof and easy to follow.
• Rich and Creamy: The cream cheese filling is smooth, rich, and creamy, perfectly complementing the slightly sweet and buttery crust.
• Versatile: You can customize the topping with your favorite fruits, chocolate, or even add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These squares make an excellent treat for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

Additional Tips and Variations:

• Add Fruit to the Filling: If you want a fruity Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies twist, try adding a layer of fruit preserves or fresh berries to the cream cheese mixture before baking. A layer of strawberry jam or raspberry sauce works particularly well.
• Use a Different Crust: Instead of a basic flour crust, try using crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafer crumbs for a different flavor and texture.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert gluten-free.
• Sweeten with Honey or Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetener, you can replace the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup. Just make sure to adjust the measurements for sweetness to your liking.

Nutrition Information (Per Square):

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g

Conclusion:

These Cream Cheese Squares are the perfect balance of a sweet, creamy filling and a buttery, crumbly crust. They’re quick and easy to make, yet delicious enough to impress your guests or treat yourself to a sweet indulgence. Whether you serve them at a special event or as an everyday snack, these squares are bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

So grab your ingredients, preheatPotsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy the oven, and let’s bake up these irresistible Cream Cheese Squares!