Southern chess squares are a delicious and indulgent dessert that has been a staple in Southern households for decades. This delectable treat consists of a buttery crust topped with a rich and creamy chess filling, making it the perfect balance of sweet and savory. While the origin of the name "chess squares" is still debated, one thing is for sure - this recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover.
Made with a buttery crust and a creamy chess filling, these Southern chess squares are the perfect combination of sweet and rich. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a classic Southern dessert.
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A Southern Girl’s Chess Squares
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix, Eggs, Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered
This recipe has been passed down through generations of Southern women, each putting their own unique twist on the classic chess squares. With a buttery crust, gooey chess filling, and a sprinkle of love, these chess squares will transport you to the heart of the South.
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Chess Squares
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix, Eggs, Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered
Simple yet satisfying, these chess squares are a staple in Southern households. The creamy filling is made with just a few ingredients, making it a quick and easy dessert for any occasion.
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Cheesecake Chess Squares
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix, Eggs, Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered
If you love chess squares and cheesecake, then this recipe is the perfect fusion of the two. The creamy chess filling is topped with a layer of decadent cheesecake, creating a mouthwatering dessert that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Chess Squares Without Cake Mix
Main Ingredients: Lady Fingers, Cream Cheese, Eggs, Powdered Sugar
For those who prefer to make everything from scratch, this recipe is for you. These chess squares are made without the use of a cake mix, resulting in a homemade crust that is buttery and flaky.
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Easy Chess Squares
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Butter Cake Mix, Butter, Cream Cheese
Don’t let the name fool you – these chess squares may be easy to make, but they are bursting with flavor. With a simple crust and a creamy filling, this recipe is perfect for those who are short on time but still want a delicious dessert.
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Chocolate Chess Squares
Main Ingredients: Chocolate Cake Mix, Large Egg, Unsalted Butter, Chopped
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! This recipe takes traditional chess squares to a whole new level by adding a layer of rich, chocolatey goodness. With just the right amount of sweetness, these chocolate chess squares are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Strawberry Chess Squares
Main Ingredients: Strawberry Cake Mix, Eggs, Butter, Cream Cheese
Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor to these classic chess squares. The tangy fruit pairs perfectly with the creamy filling, creating a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern cornbread is a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason. This recipe uses a cast iron skillet to create a crispy, golden crust that is complemented by a fluffy and moist interior. Serve it alongside a hearty meal for the ultimate Southern comfort food experience.
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Lovely Lemon Chess Squares
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix, Large Eggs, Lemon Extract, Salted
Light and refreshing, these lemon chess squares are the perfect dessert for a warm summer day. The tangy lemon filling is balanced by a buttery crust, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
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Cookies and Cream Chess Squares
Main Ingredients: Chocolate Cake Mix, Eggs, Butter, Cream Cheese
If you’re a fan of cookies and cream, then you will love these chess squares. Crushed Oreos are mixed into the creamy filling, creating a dessert that is both familiar and unique.
Similar to chess squares, this Southern buttermilk chess pie takes the creamy filling to a whole new level by using buttermilk instead of regular milk. The result is a dessert that is tangy, rich, and utterly delicious.
This classic Southern dish is made by simmering chicken in a rich and flavorful gravy until it is fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve it over rice or with a side of biscuits for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Cooked with bacon, onions, and a touch of hot sauce, these Southern collard greens are a staple side dish in many Southern households. The combination of savory and spicy flavors makes them the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without a generous serving of this Southern cornbread dressing. Made with a mixture of cornbread, celery, onions, and herbs, this dish is a holiday favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Lemon Drop Chess Squares
Main Ingredients: Lemon Cake Mix, Melted Butter, Egg, Cream Cheese
A twist on the classic lemon chess squares, this recipe adds a layer of lemon drop candies to the creamy filling, resulting in a dessert that is both tart and sweet. It’s the perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.
Another classic Southern dish, smothered oxtails are cooked low and slow until they are tender and full of flavor. Serve them with rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of warm, flaky biscuits. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create the perfect biscuit – golden on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.
Cheesy, gooey, and oh-so-comforting, this Southern baked macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleaser. Made with a blend of cheeses and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s the ultimate mac and cheese recipe.
A twist on the classic, this Southern baked mac and cheese is made with a creamy and flavorful cheese sauce that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s a must-try for any mac and cheese lover.
The History of Southern Chess Squares
The Debate Over the Name
There are many theories on how these delectable treats got their name. Some say it comes from the chess pie filling that is typically used, while others claim it comes from the chess board-like pattern that is created when the squares are cut. Regardless of its origin, one thing is certain - Southern chess squares have been a beloved dessert in the South for generations.
A Southern Staple
Southern chess squares have been a staple dessert in the South since the early 20th century. It is said that this recipe was first created by African American cooks who worked on Southern plantations. With simple and affordable ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, this dessert quickly became a household favorite. Today, you can find variations of this recipe in almost every Southern cookbook and kitchen.
Making the Perfect Southern Chess Squares
The Crust
The key to a perfect Southern chess square is a buttery and flaky crust. Traditionally, this crust is made with flour, butter, and powdered sugar, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Some recipes also call for the addition of chopped pecans, adding a crunchy and nutty element to the crust.
The Chess Filling
The chess filling is what gives this dessert its signature flavor. Made with a combination of sugar, eggs, and butter, this filling is rich and creamy. Some variations also include cornmeal or flour, which helps to thicken the filling and give it a slightly denser texture. For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add in different flavorings such as vanilla extract or lemon zest.
Bringing the South to Your Kitchen
With its rich history and irresistible flavor, it's no wonder that Southern chess squares have become a beloved dessert all over the country. So why not bring a taste of the South to your own kitchen? With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these delicious treats and experience a true Southern delicacy for yourself.
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Southern Chess Squares RecipeIngredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until a dough forms.
Press the dough into a 9x13 inch baking dish, making sure it is evenly spread out and covering the bottom of the dish.
In a separate bowl, beat together granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, cornmeal, and vanilla extract.
Pour the chess filling over the crust and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
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