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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Strawberry Chess Bars

Stacey – March 6, 2018 – 49 Comments

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Slice of Strawberry Chess Bars with fresh strawberries in background

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Every now and then I’ll be scrolling through Facebook and something just stops me dead in my tracks. Last night’s post that did just that was this…

“At some point in your childhood, you and your friends went outside to play for the last time, and nobody knew it.”

Wow.  It gave me chills.  It took my breath.

It took me aback because it was so true.  We aren’t normally fortunate enough to know when the last time actually is the last time.

Last Friday night we got the call that Heather’s precious great aunt had been killed in a car accident.  Who would have thought that the last time we saw her, would be the last time we saw her?

We’ve been blessed to never have to deal with a tragic death like that.  It put things into perspective.  It’s caused us to pull our family a little closer and realize that we truly have to do our best to squeeze the goodness out of every single day because we don’t know when it will be the last.

While we are all devastated, this post isn’t about sadness.  This post is about realizing how fortunate we each are to have another day.  And it’s about encouraging you to make the best of it.  You will never get another chance at this very day.  Never.

Eat the dessert.  Take the trip.  Ignore the laundry.  Be spontaneous.  Live life.  Smile.  Tell folks you love them.

Slices of Strawberry Chess Bars with fork stuck insideSpeaking of dessert, it’s no secret that I love strawberries.  And it’s also no secret I love nearly every version of Gooey Butter Cake – sometimes called Chess Cake or Chess Squares.  So it makes perfect sense to combine the two, right?  Of course it does!!  So that’s just what I did.

slices of Strawberry Chess Bars stacked with red and white towelStart with a boxed strawberry cake mix, add in some fresh chopped strawberries and a few other ingredients and you have a dessert that everyone will love.  Did I mention there’s butter and cream cheese?  🙂

Slices of Strawberry Chess Bars stacked

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Slice of Strawberry Chess Bars with fresh strawberries in background
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4.67 from 9 votes

Recipe Card

Strawberry Chess Bars

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 12
Author Stacey Little | Southern Bite

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box strawberry cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup diced fresh strawberries

For the filling:

  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, stir the cake mix, melted butter, and egg together to make the crust. Fold in the strawberries. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. It may make it easier to lightly spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and pat the crust dough down.
  • In another large bowl, use a mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and mix well. Add the butter and mix well. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Mix in the vanilla. Pour the filling mixture over the crust.
  • Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the edges are just firm and lightly golden brown but the middle is still jiggly. Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Slice of Strawberry Chess Bars with fresh strawberries in background
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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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  1. Jenna

    December 26, 2022 at 8:48 pm

    Any suggestions on using parchment paper to bake? Wondering how that will work since the parchment paper will likely be sliding around while trying to “press” down the crust. Wanting to use parchment paper for easy transfer and clean cutting, since this is for a party, I want them to be clean cut bars :-). Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 27, 2022 at 1:41 pm

      Parchment will allow you to remove the entire batch and get those pretty slices. I suggest leaving enough tail on the side of your parchment to be able to lift the whole thing out once it’s cooled and slice after it’s been taken out of the pan. I like to lightly spray my pan before putting the parchment in to help it stick. Pressing the crust will be a little challenging, but it can be done with a little patience. Enjoy!

      Reply
      • Jenna

        December 29, 2022 at 8:01 pm

        Awesome! Making them now. Thank you!!!

        Reply
        • Stacey

          January 4, 2023 at 10:02 am

          Hope you enjoy!

          Reply
  2. Mary Catherine

    May 5, 2022 at 5:18 pm

    I just baked these earlier today, using a Duncan Hines cake mix. They were done in forty minutes in my fast oven. My husband and I sampled them before dinner, and we both agree that these strawberry chess bars are our latest favorite dessert! They cut beautifully if you let them cool completely and use a plastic knife. (That’s also my favorite way to cut brownies neatly.). Thanks, Stacey, for another scrumptious recipe that is very easy to make.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 9, 2022 at 3:18 pm

      So glad that you both enjoyed them!

      Reply
  3. Terri

    April 1, 2022 at 6:38 pm

    Hi Stacey, mine just backed under 40 minutes and the top looks light brown meringue. Can the crust be baked and cooled and then put the topping on? It does not resemble the picture, however, I’m certain it will taste divine. But thinking it through, because of the eggs the topping probably needs to baked also.

    Thanks much, Terri

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 4, 2022 at 9:37 am

      Yes, they both need to be baked together. Hope it tasted great!

      Reply
  4. Lois

    March 25, 2022 at 8:44 am

    So sorry to hear about Heather’s Great Aunt. As someone who has seen a lot of loved ones pass, I know there is really not much someone else can say. Stay strong in your faith. That is the only thing that has gotten me through. Now for the cake, this looks amazing!! I love gooey butter cakes, but never thought of a strawberry one. Can’t wait to make one. This could be a new Easter dessert. Thank you for all you do and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      March 25, 2022 at 12:46 pm

      Thanks so much, Lois!

      Reply
  5. Annie

    July 18, 2021 at 10:31 pm

    Stacey, every Sunday I gain five pounds just reading these yummy recipes.
    Condolences to your family. So tragic. I have a saying “You never know when the last time will be the last time. Got something to say ?”

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 19, 2021 at 2:01 pm

      Thanks so much, Annie!

      Reply
  6. Linda K. Cornett

    July 18, 2021 at 2:40 pm

    Growing up southern in East Tennessee, everything always revolved around good food. You post wonderful., tasty recipes. This strawberry chess bars sounds heavenly! Can’t. Wait to try it.

    Sorry of your grief. The quote reminds us to not take the presence of loved ones or friends for granted.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      July 19, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks so much, Linda!

      Reply
  7. Ellen

    June 8, 2020 at 9:28 am

    Mine overflowed the pan and had no distinct layers. Very disappointed, but they said it tasted good! I will not make it again.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 8, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      What size pan did you use?

      Reply
  8. Stephanie Napier

    November 27, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    Do these need to be kept in the fridge?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 27, 2019 at 9:49 pm

      I usually just keep them on the counter if they’re going to be eaten within a few days.

      Reply
  9. Ashley

    November 8, 2019 at 1:27 am

    Can you recommemd any substitute for the cream cheese part, I’m not a big fan of cream cheese or other cheese in my desserts, I like it more sweet and frosting like. Thank you for sharing this recipe I love chess pies, so this awesome.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 8, 2019 at 2:19 pm

      I’m just not sure of one in this case.

      Reply
  10. Sherry Smith

    August 10, 2019 at 4:46 pm

    These are amazing Stacey , made them for a work party at church tomorrow, I actually think we like them better than originals ! Also love the post, makes you stop and think !

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 14, 2019 at 8:05 pm

      I am SO glad that everyone enjoyed these! I just LOVE them!

      Reply
  11. BakerLady

    May 16, 2019 at 10:38 pm

    Is there a certain cake mix I should use? I’ve been using Betty crocker super moist strawberry cake mix. However, my cake mix rises up into my top layer …..still delicious but not as pretty as I’d like with the distinct layers!! Please help!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 17, 2019 at 1:26 pm

      How strange. I’ve never had that problem. I’ve not had trouble with any specific cake mix brand on this one.

      Reply
    • Stephanie Napier

      November 28, 2019 at 5:10 pm

      Mine did the same thing! Bubbled over the edges of my casserole dish! Hoping they still taste good even though they made a big mess 🙂

      Reply
      • Stacey

        December 2, 2019 at 3:18 pm

        Strange! Hope it turned out delicious regardless!

        Reply
  12. Julie @ Back To My Southern Roots

    August 11, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    What a great combination! They look so yummy!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 15, 2018 at 9:53 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  13. Michael Carlin

    August 4, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    I’ve been wanting to make this since I first saw it posted. It’s in the oven now. All I did different was add an additional egg yolk and added a handfull of blueberries with fresh picked strawberries from my patch. I’m at 7300 ft above sea level. Added 2 tblespoons flour. Oh heck! 15 minutes left! Then they have to cool! What will I do? Wait to cool?!? The anticipation ………. smelling heavenly already…

    Reply
    • Stacey

      August 6, 2018 at 1:58 pm

      I sure hope they turned out as heavenly as they smelled!

      Reply
  14. Gisele Schaeffer

    June 1, 2018 at 10:55 am

    Hi Stacey
    Just discovered your web site..
    I will try some of your recipes. Everything looks so good.
    Since I do not use box cakes, can you tell me how to make the cake from scratch? So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  15. Rachel D

    March 29, 2018 at 2:26 pm

    These look wonderful! Does this really take a cup of butter? All the dozens of chess bar recipes I have looked at only use 1/2 cup in the crust, none in the chess filling.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 3, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      Yep. They’re decadent, but so delicious!

      Reply
  16. june trent

    March 21, 2018 at 8:47 am

    This recipe sounds fantastic!! Can’t wait to make it–thank you!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      March 21, 2018 at 9:56 am

      I sure hope you’ll enjoy!!!

      Reply
  17. Kay

    March 12, 2018 at 9:38 am

    Oh. My. Gosh. Made these last night and ate . . . let’s just SAY one helping so I am not embarrassed . . . while it was still warm. Unbelievable. If they are half as good after being in the fridge overnight, I am in big trouble. One of the best desserts I’ve ever had. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      March 13, 2018 at 11:57 am

      Fantastic! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! And you’re secret is safe with me! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Kathy

    March 11, 2018 at 6:25 am

    Stacey, I love your posts and your recipes…..thank you for sharing your thoughts, perspective, family and food….you are “good people” and I appreciate you.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      March 13, 2018 at 12:00 pm

      Thanks so much, Kathy! I appreciate you!!

      Reply
  19. Amanda

    March 7, 2018 at 12:36 pm

    So sorry for your families loss. That quote is really something to think about.

    These bars look so good! I haven’t really thought about using other flavored cakes to make chess bars. What a yummy idea.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      March 7, 2018 at 2:48 pm

      Thanks so much, Amanda! Hope you’ll give them a try!

      Reply
  20. Lucy

    March 6, 2018 at 10:55 pm

    Oh my these sound wonderful! Do you think they would freeze well? I think they would make great “one bite” size for showers and teas, a few toasted pecans, maybe a chicken salad finger sandwich, and a good cup of coffee or lunch! Menu! ????

    I have tried and enjoyed so many of your recipes, and enjoy your stories. Good work!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      March 7, 2018 at 2:39 pm

      I’m honestly not sure about freezing these. The “chess” part worries me a bit. Glad to hear you’ve had some success with the recipe! Hope you continue to enjoy!

      Reply
    • Debbie

      September 29, 2018 at 8:21 am

      I made these and they are great. Froze some of them and they were just as good as the fresh ones.

      Reply
      • Stacey

        October 1, 2018 at 11:10 am

        So glad to hear that!

        Reply
      • Jennifer Beavers

        June 18, 2019 at 4:34 pm

        Can these be made without fresh strawberries?

        Reply
        • Stacey

          June 20, 2019 at 9:18 am

          Yes. You can leave out the fresh strawberries completely if you wish.

          Reply
  21. Claudine Bratcher

    March 6, 2018 at 9:31 pm

    Stacey, these Strawberry Chess Bars look absolutely devine! I’m making them as soon as I can get to the store for the ingredients I don’t have on hand to make them!
    I was so sorry to hear about Heather’s Great Aunt. Now you both have strong faith and so you know that God is in charge and He’ll help you through this tough time. Just remember, like I do when I have to face bad times, that it’s just like in the story “Footprints in the Sand”, He’ll always be there to carry you through the bad times.
    Claudine in Fort Worth, TX

    Reply
    • Stacey

      March 7, 2018 at 2:37 pm

      Thanks so much for those words of encouragement, Claudine!

      Reply

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Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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