Description
This easy chess bars recipe, called Powdered Sugar Snow Squares, features a tender crust and a gooey, sweet center that melts in your mouth. It is a family-friendly, minimal-fuss dessert perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a unique twist)
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work here)
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, optional
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prep The Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make The Crust: Cream 0.5 cup softened butter and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until light. Beat in 1 egg and 0.5 teaspoon vanilla. Mix in 1.5 cups flour and 0.5 teaspoon baking powder until just combined. Press evenly into the prepared pan.
- Whip The Filling: In the same bowl, melt remaining 0.75 cup butter. Stir in 1.5 cups granulated sugar, 3 eggs, and 0.5 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Fold in coconut if using.
- Bake: Pour filling over crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes; edges golden, center feels mostly set. If edges brown fast, tent with foil.
Notes
Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a smooth batter. For faster mixing, consider using a stand mixer. If you prefer a slightly less rich option, you can try reducing the butter in the filling by a tablespoon or two without much impact on flavor. Doneness cues: The center should look mostly set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Troubleshooting: If undercooked, bake a few more minutes; cover with foil if edges brown too fast. If dry, it’s overbaked; watch closely. Rotate pan if oven has hot spots for even baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 calories
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: easy dessert, chess bars, snow squares, powdered sugar, gooey, family-friendly, baking, sweet, quick
