Description
Delightful cream cheese squares offer a perfect blend of creamy texture and sweet indulgence from Southern kitchens. Rich layers of graham cracker crust and smooth filling create a classic dessert that brings comfort to the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz/226 g each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 16 oz (453 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter to form a cohesive, crumbly base mixture.
- Crust Formation: Press the prepared dough evenly into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan, creating a uniform foundation.
- Initial Baking: Roast the crust in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 12-15 minutes until achieving a light golden color.
- Filling Creation: Whisk cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth, then blend in egg and vanilla extract to develop a velvety cream cheese mixture.
- Assembly and Baking: Pour the cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading evenly and returning to the oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center sets firmly.
- Cooling and Serving: Allow the baked dessert to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate before cutting into 16 precise squares, ensuring a clean, professional presentation.
Notes
Maintain Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is softened but not melted to create a perfectly crumbly, tender crust that holds together beautifully.
Prevent Crust Burning: Watch the crust carefully during initial baking to achieve a light golden color without over-browning, which can make the base tough and bitter.
Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps, creating a silky-smooth filling that spreads evenly without cracks or air pockets.
Cooling is Crucial: Allow squares to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating, preventing condensation and maintaining the dessert’s pristine texture and appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg