Cream Cheese Squares

Cream Cheese Squares

Cream cheese squares are a delightful dessert that strikes the perfect balance between creamy and sweet. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as an after-dinner indulgence. Here’s how to create these delectable cream cheese squares.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • A pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup fruit preserves (apricot, raspberry, or your choice)
  • Fresh berries or fruit slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cubed cold butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Make sure it’s firmly packed.

Making the Cream Cheese Layer:

  1. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth.
  2. Add the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
  3. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

Adding the Topping:

  1. Spoon the fruit preserves of your choice evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  2. If you like, you can use a knife or a toothpick to create a decorative swirl with the fruit preserves.

Baking and Cooling:

  1. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, and the center is set.
  2. Remove the cream cheese squares from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Once cooled, transfer the entire square by lifting the parchment paper overhang and placing it on a cutting board.
  4. Slice into squares or bars of your desired size. If you wish, top each square with fresh berries or fruit slices for an extra burst of flavor and color.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

  • Be sure not to overbake the cream cheese squares; they should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
  • Experiment with different fruit preserves to create a variety of flavor combinations.
  • These cream cheese squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

These cream cheese squares are a wonderful blend of textures and flavors, making them a delightful dessert for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or serve them as a sweet treat at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit!

Variations:

  • Chocolate Lover’s Dream: For a chocolate twist, add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top once they’ve cooled.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, over the fruit preserves for added crunch and flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the cream cheese mixture and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a zesty citrus kick.
  • Caramel Drizzle: Warm up some caramel sauce and drizzle it over the cream cheese squares for an indulgent touch.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust if you or your guests have dietary restrictions.

Cook’s Notes:

  • Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before using it. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture for the cream cheese layer.
  • When pressing the crust into the pan, it’s helpful to use the bottom of a flat measuring cup or glass to create an even and compact layer.
  • Feel free to get creative with the fruit preserves. Apricot, raspberry, and strawberry are classic choices, but you can use any flavor that appeals to you.
  • If you’re serving these cream cheese squares at an event, consider dusting them with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch.

Enjoy these cream cheese squares as a delightful dessert or sweet snack. They’re versatile, easy to make, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!