Cream Cheese Squares Recipe

Okay, picture this: What is the a flaky, buttery crust giving way to sweet, tangy cream cheese filling, all topped with an easy, delicious whipped cream. What is a glaze that melts in your mouth? What are cream cheese squares? They’re like cheesecake, but in bar form and about a million times easier to make. If you can stir a bowl, you could make these. When I was little, my grandma would make something similar and the whole house would smell like it. I remember her making it very similar. What are some of the best recipes for bringing back those cozy, comforting memories? I swear, even easier than brownies from a box, and way more impressive! What are some recipes that are better than the ones you would buy at the grocery store?

What are cream cheese squares?

Cream Cheese Squares are bite-sized pieces of pure happiness. Think of them as a cross between sugar cookies and cheesecake. Is it a buttery crust, topped with creamy, decadent cream cheese? ), sugar, a touch of vanilla, and then glaze to bring it all together. Is it a no bake cheesecake filling? The beauty is in simplicity – the ingredients are humble, but the results are anything but. The cream cheese filling is soft and creamy, and the crust is crisp but not too sweet. What is the perfect treat when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the bathroom?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some good reasons to love Cream Cheese Squares? What is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a hint of vanilla? What makes you want to eat more? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. I don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. What’s a good baking pan? What are some pantry staples that you already have on hand? What are some of the best things about a cell Can you add different extracts to the filling (almond or lemon are amazing)? What are some ways to serve preserves, or sprinkle the top with chopped nuts? What is not to love?

I can’t get enough of this recipe. It’s a crowd pleaser. My kids are always asking me to make these, and they’re always a hit at potlucks and parties. What are some great weeknight desserts? What are some good recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth after dinner? What’s better than a donut? Is it okay to take these over a slice of cheesecake?

How do I make cream cheese squares?

Quick Overview

What is the basic idea of this: “It’s If you’re making a cookie dough, you’ll press it into tins, mix up the filling of cream cheese, and bake for 30 minutes. I like to bake crust, but I don’t have any sugar, spread it over the top, bake it until golden and set, and then drizzle with a little water. I have used coconut cream for this. Is it really that easy to make these weekly? What is the best part about this recipe? Even if you don’t get the crust perfectly even, or a glaze isn’t picture-perfect, they’ll still be edible.

Ingredients Notes

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour:How much flour should I use for crust?
• Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to mix with the sugar and flour.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• Vanilla extract: What are A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the crust.

For the Filling:

• Cream cheese:The star of the show! Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it mixes smoothly. Full-fat cream cheese is best for weight loss.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the filling together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla isWhat is the flavor of the filling?

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: The base of the glaze. Sift it before using to avoid lumps.
• Milk:Is whole milk a good glaze? What are some substitutes for almond milk or lemon juice?
• Vanilla extract: What is A touch of vanilla adds a nice flavor.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Is it possible to line a paper bag with parchment paper? Is it easy to lift a bar out after baking? If you’re in a humid climate like I am, this is even more crucial, as the dough can be sticky.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the dough, or the crust will be tough. The dough should be crumbly. I like to use a fork for this step, it helps keep the butter cold!

Step 3: Press into Pan

How do you press dough into a baking pan? How do you flatten a measuring cup? Make sure it’s nice and even so the filling bakes evenly. I usually use the flat bottom of a glass or measuring cup to really pack the crust down. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a tiny bit of flour on it.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese left. If you’re using a stand mixer, be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling too thin.

Step 5: Spread Filling

What is the cream cheese filling? Pour it over the crust, spreading it evenly. Make sure to get all the way to the edges of the pan. If you want to get fancy, you can swirl in some fruit preserves or sprinkle the top with chocolate. I added lemon zest to the filling for a tangy twist.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden. The center of the filling should be slightly jiggly. Is it possible to cook in an oven for a few hours? If you want the filling to be firm, let it bake for a few minutes.

Step 7: Cool

Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before glazing. If you put a glaze on the bars while they are still warm, it will melt. I know it’s tempting to cut into them right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 8: Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. I sometimes add a pinch of salt to my glaze as well!

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice into squares and serve. What are some good side dishes to serve chilled, but they’re also good at room temperature? I like to cut them into small squares so they’re easy to eat in one bite. Can you store these in the refrigerator for up to a week?

What should I serve it with?

Cream Cheese Squares are incredibly versatile, so you can serve them with almost anything!

For Breakfast:Serve with coffee or latte. What are some good side dishes to serve with fresh fruit? What are some good ways to crumble bananas over yogurt or granola?

For Brunch:What are some great side dishes to serve with a mimosa or sparkling wine? What are some good side dishes to serve with a quiche or frittata? What are some good brunch appetizers to serve with your favorite brunch food?

As Dessert:Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good side dishes to serve with caramel sauce? My grandma always served hers with a glass of cold milk.

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy them with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on picnics. I love to cozy up on the couch with a square and a cup of tea in the evening.

My family loves these served with a side of fresh raspberries – the tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly. I’ve also been known to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cream Cheese Squares

Want to make sure your Cream Cheese Squares turn out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips, learned from countless batches of baking (and a few minor disasters along the way!):

Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the crust dough! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix until just combined, then press it into the pan. For the filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will ensure a smooth, creamy filling without any lumps. Beat the filling until just combined – overmixing can make it too thin.

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have unsalted butter on hand, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by 1/4 teaspoon. You can also substitute the vanilla extract with other extracts, like almond or lemon. For a healthier version, you can try using whole wheat flour for the crust, but the texture will be slightly different. I have tried substituting coconut flour for the flour and it turns out with a much dryer texture.

Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking. Ovens vary, so the baking time may need to be adjusted. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Glaze Variations: For a chocolate glaze, add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the powdered sugar before mixing in the milk and vanilla extract. For a lemon glaze, substitute the milk with lemon juice and add a teaspoon of lemon zest. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze for a festive touch.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Want to make these ahead of time or have leftovers? Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Cream Cheese Squares:

Room Temperature: You can store these at room temperature for up to 2 days, but they’re best kept in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent the filling from becoming too soft. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.

Refrigerator Storage: These will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. If you’re stacking them, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezer Instructions: These can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze these, it’s best to wait to glaze them until after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy. You can also make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

These Cream Cheese Squares are more than just a recipe; they’re a reminder of simpler times, of cozy kitchens filled with the aroma of baking, and of sharing delicious treats with loved ones. The best part is that this recipe is so easy and is completely fool proof. If you’re looking for a dessert that is as satisfying to make as it is to eat, this recipe is definitely for you. The combination of the buttery crust, creamy filling, and sweet glaze is simply irresistible, and I guarantee these will disappear in minutes. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear about your variations and personal touches.