Handwritten recipe card for Chess Cake
by: salvagedrecipes

Southern Chess Cake Bars with Cream Cheese

Chess Cake
Chess Cake is a classic Southern dessert that layers a buttery cake base with a rich, creamy filling. This recipe uses a lemon cake mix for the crust, topped with a sweet cream cheese mixture that forms a gooey center when baked. Often referred to as a type of gooey butter cake, Chess Cake has roots in old-fashioned Southern baking, prized for its simple ingredients and indulgent texture. The contrast between the soft, tangy filling and firm crust makes it a beloved potluck and holiday dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 12
Calories 388 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Base:

  • 1 pkg lemon cake mix
  • 1 stick butter (or oleo, melted)
  • 1 egg (beaten)

For the Filling:

  • 16 oz powdered sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 eggs

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  • Combine lemon cake mix, melted butter, and 1 beaten egg in a bowl.
  • Mix well until a thick dough forms.
  • Press mixture into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  • In a separate bowl, blend powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and 2 eggs.
  • Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  • Pour the filling mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

  • Cool completely before cutting.
  • Do not refrigerate.

Tips

  • Add 1 tsp vanilla to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
  • Substitute yellow cake mix if lemon flavor is not desired.
  • Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
  • Add zest of one lemon to brighten the flavor.
  • Sprinkle powdered sugar on top after cooling.
  • For a denser bar, slightly reduce the cream cheese layer baking time.
  • Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans to the crust for texture.
  • Replace oleo/butter with browned butter for a deeper flavor.
  • Serve slightly warm for a gooier texture, or fully cooled for cleaner slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 390mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 1gSugar: 56gVitamin A: 313IUCalcium: 116mgIron: 1mg
Keyword classic southern, cream cheese dessert, easy baking, heirloom dessert, potluck dessert, sweet bars, vintage recipe
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