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Cream Cheese Squares: The Ultimate Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy desserts with a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, then Cream Cheese Squares should be your next go-to recipe. These luscious bars are the perfect blend of smooth, tangy cream cheese and a buttery, crumbly crust, making them a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because you want a decadent dessert, these cream cheese squares are sure to impress.
Incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. Read on for the recipe, tips, and everything you need to know to make this indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Squares:
- Creamy and Tangy: The rich, velvety cream cheese filling offers just the right amount of tang, perfectly complementing the sweet crust. It’s a flavor combination that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Perfect Texture: With a buttery, crumbly crust and a smooth, creamy center, each bite of these cream cheese squares is a delightful contrast of textures. You get the softness of the filling and the crunch of the base.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, these squares come together quickly. You don’t need any special baking skills to create this treat.
- Versatile: You can customize these squares by adding your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. The recipe can easily be adapted to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving these at a party, a holiday celebration, or a casual weeknight dessert, these cream cheese squares are sure to be a hit with family, friends, and guests.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Squares:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent the squares from sticking.
2. Make the Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s well-packed.
3. Bake the Crust:
Place the crust in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the crust is baking, make the creamy filling. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step to ensure the mixture is lump-free. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and flour, and continue beating until fully combined and smooth.
5. Assemble the Squares:
Pour the cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the crust, making sure the filling is smooth and covers the entire surface.
6. Bake the Cream Cheese Squares:
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly golden. The center should be firm but not completely firm like a cake – it should have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
7. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the squares from the oven and allo
