Decadent Chocolate Chess Bars
Indulge in these Decadent Chocolate Chess Bars, a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate cake with a creamy, gooey filling. Inspired by traditional chess pie, this recipe is sure to impress. The buttery base adds a lovely texture while the cream cheese and powdered sugar topping creates a sweet, luscious experience. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars are not only easy to make but also irresistibly delicious. Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself for a delightful treat!
8
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chocolate cake mix
1 (18 ounce) (Prepare according to package instructions.)
margarine
1/2 cup (Melted.)
egg
1 (Beaten.)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) (Softened.)
powdered sugar
1 (1 lb) box (Sifted.)
eggs
2 (Slightly beaten.)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (None.)
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (Optional, can be omitted.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a 9x13-inch baking pan, melt the margarine completely. Remove from heat.
3
Beat one egg into the melted margarine until well combined.
4
Sprinkle the chocolate cake mix over the egg and margarine mixture. using a fork, mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Press the chocolate cake mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust.
6
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
7
Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing well after each addition until fully combined.
8
Stir in the slightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
9
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake crust, spreading it evenly.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden.
11
Remove from the oven and let cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy your ooey-gooey bars!
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
50
Carbs
4
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Chess Bars?
Decadent Chocolate Chess Bars are a rich dessert that combines a chocolate cake base with a creamy, gooey cream cheese filling inspired by traditional chess pie.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You will need a 9x13-inch baking pan to prepare these chocolate bars.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What are the main ingredients for the crust?
The crust consists of one 18-ounce package of chocolate cake mix, 1/2 cup of melted margarine, and one beaten egg.
How is the chocolate cake crust prepared?
Melt the margarine in the pan, beat in one egg, mix in the cake mix with a fork, and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
What is in the creamy filling?
The filling is made from 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, a 1 lb box of powdered sugar, two slightly beaten eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
How should the powdered sugar be added to the filling?
The powdered sugar should be added gradually to the beaten cream cheese, mixing well after each addition until fully combined.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 40-45 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden.
Should the bars be cooled before serving?
Yes, you should let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares to enjoy the ooey-gooey texture.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can optionally add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
Each serving contains 50 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of these bars?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
Is the cream cheese used cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth, creamy filling.
What kind of cake mix works best?
The recipe specifies using a standard 18-ounce box of chocolate cake mix.
How many eggs are needed in total for the entire recipe?
You will need a total of three eggs: one for the crust and two for the filling.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as dessert, chocolate, bars, bake sale, party food, easy recipe, and cream cheese.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
While the recipe specifies margarine, butter is often a suitable substitute in baking for a similar buttery base.
Is the powdered sugar sifted?
Yes, the ingredient list recommends using sifted powdered sugar for the best results.
What is the inspiration for this dessert?
This recipe is inspired by traditional southern chess pie.
How do you mix the filling ingredients?
Beat the softened cream cheese, gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then stir in the slightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
What should the top of the bars look like when finished?
The top should be set and have a lightly golden color.
How is the vanilla extract used?
1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are stirred into the cream cheese and egg mixture.
Should the margarine be melted separately?
The instructions suggest melting the margarine completely directly inside the 9x13-inch baking pan.
What tool is used to mix the crust?
A fork is used to mix the chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted margarine thoroughly.
Can I omit the pecans?
Yes, the chopped pecans are optional and can be omitted according to your preference.
How do you layer the bars?
The chocolate cake mixture is pressed into the bottom as a crust, and the cream cheese mixture is poured evenly over the top.