Chess Squares Dessert: A Deliciously Easy Recipe to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

by

Chess Squares Dessert is a delightful treat that has captured the hearts of many dessert lovers. This rich, creamy dessert combines the flavors of a classic cheesecake with the comforting texture of a brownie, creating a unique and indulgent experience. Originating from Southern kitchens, Chess Squares have a rich history that reflects the warmth and hospitality of the region. People adore this dish not only for its luscious taste but also for its convenience; it’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or family dinners. With its irresistible layers and satisfying sweetness, Chess Squares Dessert is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine!

Chess Squares Dessert this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Preparing the Batter

Let’s get started on making these delicious Chess Squares! First, we need to prepare our batter. Follow these steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that our Chess Squares bake evenly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand with a wooden spoon. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and creamy at this point.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our Chess Squares to be tender and soft.
  6. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using). This is where the fun begins, as you can customize the mix-ins to your liking!

Cooking Process

Now that our batter is ready, it’s time to bake these delightful squares!

  1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. I prefer parchment paper as it makes cleanup a breeze!
  2. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure to get into the corners so that every piece is equally delicious.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary!
  4. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into squares later.

Assembling and Serving

After the Chess Squares have cooled, it’s time to cut and serve them!

  1. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the squares into even pieces. I usually aim for about 24 squares, but you can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
  2. If you’d like, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. This adds a nice touch and a bit of sweetness!
  3. Serve the Chess Squares warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with a cup of coffee or tea.
  4. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to make your Chess Squares even more delightful:

  • For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter. It enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully!
  • If you’re a fan of peanut butter, consider swirling in some peanut butter into the batter before baking for a delicious twist.
  • Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, to suit your taste.
  • For a fruity version, add in some dried cranberries or cherries along with Chess Squares Dessert

    Conclusion:

    In summary, the Chess Squares Dessert is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their friends and family with a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture. This dessert is not only easy to make but also offers a unique twist on traditional brownies, making it a standout choice for any occasion. The layers of cream cheese and buttery cake create a heavenly combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these Chess Squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience even further. You can also experiment with variations by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of caramel for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to get creative! I truly believe that once you try this Chess Squares Dessert, it will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delicious recipe. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your Chess Squares turned out and any unique twists you added. Happy baking! Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    Chess Squares Dessert: A Deliciously Easy Recipe to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

    • Author: Maria
    • Total Time: 45 minutes
    • Yield: 24 squares 1x
    Print Recipe

    Description

    Deliciously rich and chewy Chess Squares packed with semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, making them a perfect treat for any occasion!

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
    • 4 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 1 cup white chocolate chips
    • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
    • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
    3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
    4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
    6. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using).
    7. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
    8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
    9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    10. Let the pan cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares.
    11. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.

    Notes

    • For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter.
    • Swirl in some peanut butter for a delicious twist.
    • Experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add dried fruits for variation.
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆