CREAM CHEESE SQUARES

### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the squares once they’re baked.

2. **Prepare the Crust:**
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, and egg. Mix them together until the dough is smooth and crumbly. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form the crust. This will act as the base for the creamy filling.

3. **Make the Cream Cheese Filling:**
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

4. **Assemble the Bars:**
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared cake crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The cream cheese filling will be thick, but it will spread nicely as it bakes.

5. **Bake the Cream Cheese Squares:**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The filling should be set and lightly golden on the edges, while the center will be just a little soft. Be careful not to overbake, as the cream cheese filling will continue to firm up as it cools.

6. **Cool and Slice:**
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cream cheese squares cool to room temperature. For best results, refrigerate the squares for at least an hour to allow the filling to set completely. This makes cutting them into squares much easier.

7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once cooled, cut the dessert into squares (about 24 pieces, depending on the size you prefer). If desired, dust the tops with a little powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Serve chilled, and watch them disappear in no time!

### Tips and Variations:

– **Cake Mix Variations:** While the recipe calls for a yellow cake mix, feel free to experiment with different cake flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or even spice cake for a unique twist on this dessert.
– **Fruit Topping:** For added flavor and a pop of color, top the cream cheese squares with fresh fruit like berries, sliced peaches, or even a drizzle of fruit preserves.
– **Add-ins:** Consider mixing in a few chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or crushed nuts to the cream cheese filling for some added texture and flavor.
– **Gluten-Free Option:** If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix available at most grocery stores.
– **Make Ahead:** These cream cheese squares can be made a day or two in advance, making them an excellent dessert for parties or gatherings. Just store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

### Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Squares:

– **Simple Ingredients:** With just a few pantry staples like cake mix, cream cheese, and sugar, this dessert is incredibly easy to make, yet tastes indulgent.
– **Crowd-Pleasing:** Whether you’re hosting a party, a bake sale, or a family dinner, cream cheese squares are always a big hit. Their sweet and creamy texture appeals to just about everyone.
– **Versatile:** These squares are easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. The cake mix crust pairs beautifully with the creamy filling, but you can mix in different flavors or toppings to make it your own.
– **Quick to Prepare:** The whole process, from prep to baking, takes less than an hour (plus cooling time), making them a perfect last-minute dessert when you need something quick but delicious.

### Conclusion:

Cream Cheese Squares are the kind of dessert that feels both luxurious and approachable, combining the best of rich cream cheese filling with a soft, buttery cake crust. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this recipe fits the bill. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll find yourself making these squares over and over again. Enjoy!