Cream cheese squares

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:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. 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.
3. Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture and continue mixing until you have a crumbly dough.
4. 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.
5. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
6. 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.
7. Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it out to the edges and smoothing the top.

1. 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.
2. Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Once cooled, refrigerate the cream cheese squares for a few hours or overnight to firm up the filling and make it easier to cut.
4. 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.
5. 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!