Here’s a simple recipe for Cream Cheese Squares, a rich, custard-like pastry that’s soft, creamy, and perfect for dessert or a snack. 🧀🍰
Ingredients
Pastry Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, cold and cubed
- 2–3 tbsp sugar
- 1–2 tbsp cold water
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit (berries, sliced peaches, etc.)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Pastry
- In a bowl, combine flour and sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water gradually and mix until dough forms.
- Press dough into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan.
2️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the filling over the prepared pastry base, spreading evenly.
3️⃣ Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
4️⃣ Serve
- Dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh fruit if desired.
- Can be served chilled or at room temperature.
✅ Tips
- For extra richness, fold in 1–2 tbsp of sour cream into the cream cheese filling.
- Use a metal pan for crisper edges, or a glass pan for a softer crust.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
💡 Variations
- Lemon cream cheese squares: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the filling.
- Chocolate chip cream cheese squares: Fold ¼ cup mini chocolate chips into the filling.
- Berry swirl: Drop spoonfuls of fruit jam on top and swirl before baking.
If you want, I can also provide:
- 🍰 A shortcut no-bake custard cream cheese square recipe
- 🥄 Tips for a perfectly smooth, creamy filling every time
- 🌿 A lighter version with Greek yogurt instead of some cream cheese