Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these creamy cream cheese squares! They’re like little bites of heaven, perfectly sweet and oh-so-smooth. I first whipped these up for a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than I could say « dessert! » The rich cream cheese filling, combined with a buttery graham cracker crust, creates a delightful contrast in every bite. Plus, they’re super easy to make—trust me, if I can do it, anyone can! You simply mix, chill, and serve. These squares are not just a treat; they’re a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, let’s dive into how to make these delightful little squares that are perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your creamy cream cheese squares bake evenly and come out with that perfect texture. Trust me, no one wants a soggy crust!
Prepare the Crust
Now, grab a bowl and mix together the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. You want it to resemble wet sand—this is what will give your squares that deliciously buttery base. Once combined, grease a 9×9 inch pan with a little butter or non-stick spray to ensure your squares come out nice and easy. Then, press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. You really want it compact so it holds together when you slice into it later!
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In another bowl, it’s time to beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and creamy. This is the heart of your dessert, so I like to give it a good mix—about 2-3 minutes—until it’s luscious and fluffy. You’ll smell that sweet vanilla aroma, and oh boy, it’ll get your taste buds tingling!
Whip the Heavy Cream
Next, in a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until you reach soft peaks. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds its shape but isn’t too stiff. This step is super important because it adds that light, airy texture to your cream cheese mixture. It’s what makes these squares so creamy and dreamy!
Combine and Assemble
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream—this is where the magic happens! You want everything to be well combined but still fluffy. Once that’s done, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Add Toppings and Chill
Finally, sprinkle those delightful chocolate chips on top. They add a lovely little crunch and sweetness! Now, it’s time to chill your masterpiece in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This allows all those flavors to meld and the squares to set up perfectly. Trust me, good things come to those who wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Easy ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you won’t need to make a trip to the store.
- Delicious flavor: The creamy filling paired with the buttery crust is an irresistible combination that everyone will adore.
- Perfect for gatherings: These creamy cream cheese squares are a hit at parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare them a day in advance, which makes hosting a breeze!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy cream cheese squares turn out absolutely perfect! First off, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened before mixing. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps in your filling. Nobody wants that! Also, when you’re folding in the whipped cream, go slow and gentle—this helps maintain that airy texture we love.
Another tip? Don’t skip the chilling time! I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting them chill for at least 4 hours is key to getting that perfect set. And if you’re in a pinch, you can always make them a day ahead—just cover them well in the fridge. Trust me, they only get better with time! Lastly, feel free to experiment with different toppings; a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of nuts can take these squares to the next level!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch things up with these creamy cream cheese squares! Want a zesty kick? Add some lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing twist. You can also swap out the chocolate chips for crushed berries or nuts for a different flavor profile. For a fun seasonal touch, try mixing in pumpkin puree and spices—hello, fall vibes! And don’t forget about the toppings! Drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with toasted coconut, or even add a layer of fruit preserves on top. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each square of these creamy cream cheese squares. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on the ingredients used, so your actual numbers might vary a bit depending on specific brands or substitutions you make. But here’s a general idea of what you’re getting with each delicious square:
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
With all that creamy goodness, these squares are a delightful way to indulge while still keeping things relatively balanced. Just remember—everything in moderation, right?
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy cream cheese squares is super easy! Just make sure they’re well-covered to keep them fresh and delicious. I like to use plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid on the pan. These squares can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days—if they last that long! Trust me, they’re so good they might disappear faster than you expect!
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a rare treat!), there’s no need to reheat them. They’re best served chilled right out of the fridge. However, if you prefer them a little softer, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows that creamy filling to soften just a bit, making every bite even more delightful. Enjoy your tasty treat!
FAQ Section
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for these squares?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. The squares might not be as rich and creamy, but they’ll still taste delicious!
How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan and bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the cream cheese filling. This helps to set the crust and gives it that nice, crunchy texture!
Can I freeze creamy cream cheese squares?
Absolutely! These squares freeze really well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. They’ll be just as creamy and delicious!
How long do these squares last in the refrigerator?
Your creamy cream cheese squares will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Just make sure they’re well-covered to keep them tasting their best!
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If chocolate isn’t your thing—or you just want to mix it up—try adding fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas on top. You could also use nuts, toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch of sweetness!
Creamy cream cheese squares: 5 Heavenly Bites to Bliss
- Temps Total: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Rendement: 16 squares 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious creamy cream cheese squares perfect for dessert.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For a different flavor, add lemon zest.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: creamy cream cheese squares
