Cream Cheese Squares Recipe:
Cream Cheese Squares are a delicious dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Here’s a simple recipe to make these tasty treats:
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and a pinch of salt for the crust. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture and continue mixing until you have a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to achieve an even layer.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Add 1/2 cup of sugar, the egg, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it out to the edges and smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, and the center is set. The exact baking time may vary, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cream cheese squares for a few hours or overnight to firm up the filling and make it easier to cut.
- Once chilled and firm, cut the cream cheese squares into desired portions using a sharp knife. You can cut them into squares or bars, depending on your preference.
- Serve and enjoy! Optionally, you can dust the squares with powdered sugar or add a fruit topping for extra flavor and presentation.
These Cream Cheese Squares are creamy, luscious, and have a delightful balance of sweetness. They make a fantastic dessert for gatherings or a special treat for yourself and your loved ones.
Enjoy!
