Strawberry CHESS BARS Recipe

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make delicious strawberry chess bars using a boxed cake mix. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for any occasion. With a creamy filling and a hint of strawberry, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start baking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand:

• 15 oz boxed cake mix
• 1 stick of unsalted butter (113 g)
• 3 large eggs
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 lb confectioner's sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 lb fresh strawberries (optional)
• 9×13 inch baking dish

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the chess bars bake evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

• Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the bars from sticking. You can use butter or a non-stick spray.

Step 4: Mix the Cake Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and 1 egg.
2. Stir until well combined. The mixture should resemble a thick batter.
3. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add in the remaining 2 eggs, confectioner's sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and the filling is smooth.

Step 6: Combine Layers

• Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake base in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 7: Add Strawberries (Optional)

• If using fresh strawberries, chop them into small pieces and sprinkle them over the cream cheese layer. This adds a delightful fruity flavor.

Step 8: Bake the Chess Bars

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center may still look slightly jiggly.

Step 9: Cool and Cut

1. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
2. After cooling, refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.

Conclusion

Now you have a batch of delicious strawberry chess bars to enjoy! These bars are perfect for sharing or as a special dessert at your next gathering. Feel free to experiment with other fruits or toppings to make this recipe your own. Happy baking!