Introduction: Indulge in the delectable delight of Cream Cheese Squares, a heavenly dessert that combines the creaminess of cream cheese with a delicate crust. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of irresistibly delicious cream cheese squares that will surely leave your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add in the ½ cup of granulated sugar, beating until well incorporated.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and well combined.
3. Assembling and Baking:
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Place the baking pan back in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and has a slight jiggle in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Preparing the Topping:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Adding the Topping and Finalizing:
- Gently spread the sour cream topping over the baked cream cheese layer, ensuring an even coverage.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the cream cheese squares cool to room temperature.
6. Chilling and Serving:
- Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cream cheese squares for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and set.
- Once chilled, carefully lift the cream cheese squares out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper.
- Cut into squares of your desired size using a sharp knife.
- Serve the Cream Cheese Squares on a dessert plate and enjoy the lusciousness!
Conclusion: These Cream Cheese Squares are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the richness of cream cheese with a sweet and buttery crust. With its smooth cream cheese filling and a dollop of creamy sour cream topping, this treat is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for something sweet, these Cream Cheese Squares are an easy and satisfying dessert option that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
