Are you craving a sweet treat that's incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further! These Philadelphia Cream Cheese Squares are the perfect answer. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can whip up these delightful squares, perfect for sharing (or not!). They're the epitome of homemade cooking at its finest – a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly healthy.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Spread this mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the filling is set.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Let the squares cool completely in the pan before cutting into them. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy dessert. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Best Philadelphia Cream Cheese Squares:
-
Soften your cream cheese properly: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened for a smooth and creamy filling. Leaving it out at room temperature for about an hour before starting will ensure the best results. This will help create that perfect smooth texture.
-
Don't overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry squares. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
-
Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste! Opt for high-quality cream cheese and vanilla extract.
-
Get creative with toppings: While these squares are delicious on their own, feel free to experiment with toppings! A sprinkle of chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce would be a wonderful addition.
Variations:
-
Chocolate Cream Cheese Squares: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the graham cracker crust for a decadent chocolate twist.
-
Lemon Cream Cheese Squares: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the cream cheese filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.
-
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Squares: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the cream cheese filling for a delightful peanut butter and cream cheese combination.
Nutritional Information (per square, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 15-20g Saturated Fat: 10-15g Sugar: 20-25g Protein: 3-4g
These Philadelphia Cream Cheese Squares are a delightful and easy dessert recipe perfect for any occasion. They’re a quick dinner idea for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!