Chess squares are a classic, easy-to-make dessert known for their simple yet satisfying blend of chocolate and butterscotch flavors. This recipe leverages the convenience of cake mix to make them even quicker and easier to whip up, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Let's dive into the details and answer some common questions surrounding this delightful treat!
What are Chess Squares?
Chess squares are a type of bar cookie, named for their checkered appearance (though often more of a mottled swirl). The combination of chocolate and butterscotch creates a rich, decadent flavor profile that's both sweet and slightly salty. Traditional recipes involve making the crust and topping from scratch, but this recipe uses cake mix for a significant shortcut without sacrificing taste.
How do you make Chess Squares with Cake Mix?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Instead of starting from scratch with dough, we use a boxed cake mix as the base for both the crust and the topping. This drastically reduces prep time while still delivering that classic chess square flavor.
Ingredients:
- One box of your favorite chocolate cake mix (devil's food or fudge works well)
- Eggs (as specified on the cake mix box)
- Oil (as specified on the cake mix box)
- Water (as specified on the cake mix box)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions:
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions, using the specified amount of eggs, oil, and water. Press half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Stir in the butterscotch chips. Spread this mixture evenly over the chocolate layer in the pan.
- Bake: Pour the remaining chocolate cake batter over the butterscotch mixture. Swirl the two layers together gently with a knife or toothpick for a marbled effect.
- Cool and Cut: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the squares cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Can you use different types of cake mix?
Yes! While a devil's food or fudge cake mix provides a rich chocolate base that pairs wonderfully with the butterscotch, you can experiment with other flavors. A yellow cake mix might create a lighter, more subtly sweet variation. However, chocolate is the classic and generally recommended choice.
What kind of butterscotch chips are best?
Most butterscotch chips work well, but look for chips that are specifically marketed for baking. These tend to melt more evenly and provide a better texture.
How do you store leftover chess squares?
Store leftover chess squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; allow them to thaw completely before serving.
Are there variations of Chess Squares?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, swirls of caramel, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment and find your own perfect combination.
This recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of chess squares. The use of cake mix streamlines the process, making it perfect for busy bakers or anyone looking for a simple yet impressive dessert. Enjoy!
