Irresistible Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares: Your New Favorite Easy Dessert
Prepare to fall in love with these Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares! Imagine a sweet, vibrant raspberry filling nestled within a wonderfully moist and dense cake, all crowned with a luxurious, tangy cream cheese glaze. This dessert is not just delicious; it’s an absolute breeze to whip up and yields a generous big batch, making it your go-to recipe for any gathering or when you simply need a comforting treat.
Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving something sweet, these Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares are guaranteed to impress. Their simple preparation belies their sophisticated flavor, offering a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and creamy tanginess that appeals to everyone.
Baking Joy in a Busy Life
Life has a funny way of shifting our priorities. I recently started a new job, and it’s been an interesting adjustment. While I genuinely enjoy my work, the hours, and my colleagues, it means less time for the kitchen and for sharing new recipes on this blog. There was a time when I dreamed of turning Accidental Happy Baker into a full-time venture, a professional pursuit. Now, I’ve embraced it for what it truly is: a cherished hobby, a creative outlet, and my personal happy place.
This shift has taught me the immense value of efficient, yet utterly delicious, recipes. When you’re balancing work, family, and personal passions, you need dishes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. That’s precisely where these Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares shine. They embody my philosophy of finding joy in baking, even when time is a precious commodity. It’s about creating something wonderful without feeling overwhelmed.
This feeling is often amplified during the summer months when my kids are out of school. There’s a precious window of time for late-night Netflix binges, backyard games of catch, and refreshing trips to the swimming pool. These moments with my children are fleeting, and they always take top priority. Baking will always be there when they’ve grown and flown the nest, but these family moments are now. So, when I do step into the kitchen, I want it to be a relaxing, rewarding experience, not another chore. Baking is my stress relief, my creative escape, and these squares fit that bill perfectly.
The Inspiration Behind These Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares
A few weeks ago, I was asked to prepare desserts for a community event. My schedule was packed, so I knew I needed something quick, impressive, and able to feed a crowd. My mind immediately went to a variation of one of my most popular recipes here on Accidental Happy Baker: my beloved Cherry Almond Squares. The concept was perfect: a sheet pan dessert that’s simple to assemble but delivers incredible flavor.
And so, these Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares were born! They truly are one of the easiest desserts to whip up, especially because they cleverly utilize convenient pantry staples like cake mix and pre-made pie filling. Yet, despite their simplicity, they taste like they’re made entirely from scratch. At the event, one lady asked me if they were completely homemade. When I confessed they started with cake mix, she squealed with delight and said, “That makes me love these even more! It’s something anyone could make.” And she’s absolutely right!
Why These Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares Are a Must-Try
These squares are a magical fusion of pie and coffee cake, delivering the best of both worlds. You get the luscious, fruity burst of raspberry, the comforting, moist texture of a rich cake, and the irresistible tang of a cream cheese glaze. What’s not to love? They’re super simple to prepare, ready in just about 35 minutes from start to finish, and they are universally adored. This recipe is a testament to how fantastic “semi-homemade” baking can be!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using a white cake mix as a base saves a significant amount of time without compromising on flavor or texture. The sour cream in the batter adds an incredible moistness and richness, making the cake feel much more luxurious than one made from a basic cake mix alone. Paired with the convenience of canned raspberry pie filling, this dessert comes together with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute entertaining.
Essential Ingredients for Success
To create these delightful Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares, you’ll need a few key ingredients, most of which you probably already have or can easily find at any grocery store. The foundation of our cake relies on a standard package of white cake mix. Don’t worry about doctoring it up too much; the additions of sour cream, water, and eggs will transform it into a perfectly moist and flavorful base.
For the star flavor, a can of raspberry pie filling provides that sweet and tangy fruit layer. This is where the “easy” part really shines, as it eliminates the need for preparing fresh fruit and thickening agents. For the irresistible glaze, you’ll need cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice (to cut through the sweetness and add a bright note), and a touch of milk to achieve the perfect drizzle consistency. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth, lump-free glaze.
Having all your ingredients at room temperature, especially the eggs and sour cream for the cake batter and the cream cheese for the glaze, will ensure everything combines smoothly and bakes evenly. A well-greased and floured sheet pan is also crucial for easy removal of your delicious squares.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares
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Ingredients
- 1 package white cake mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 21 ounce can raspberry pie filling
- 3 Tablespoons milk
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as the cake goes in.
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Generously grease and flour a standard sheet pan (approximately 13×18 inches). This critical step prevents the cake from sticking and makes for easy removal and cutting.
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream, water, and eggs. Whisk them together until well blended. Then, gradually stir in the white cake mix until it’s just moistened. The batter might have a few small lumps, which is perfectly normal and won’t affect the final texture. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake, so stop as soon as the ingredients are combined.
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Carefully spread the prepared cake batter evenly across the bottom of your greased and floured sheet pan. An offset spatula works wonderfully for this.
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Take spoonfuls of the raspberry pie filling and gently drop them over the surface of the cake batter. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; the heat of the oven will help it settle and create beautiful pockets of fruit.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back lightly when gently touched in the center. A toothpick inserted into the cake part (not directly into the filling) should come out clean.
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Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire baking rack. Cooling is crucial before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
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While the cake cools, prepare your cream cheese glaze. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the milk, starting with 2 tablespoons, and continue adding small amounts until the glaze reaches your desired drizzling consistency. It should be thick enough to cling to the squares but thin enough to pour easily.
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Once the cake is fully cooled, generously drizzle the smooth cream cheese glaze over the entire surface of the raspberry squares. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Tips for Baking Perfect Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the cake batter, ensure your sour cream and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the mix, leading to a more uniform and tender cake. The same goes for the cream cheese for the glaze; softened cream cheese beats up much smoother, preventing lumps.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you’ve added the cake mix, mix only until just moistened. A few lumps are fine. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tougher cake.
- Even Spreading of Batter: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the cake batter evenly in the pan. A consistent thickness will ensure the cake bakes uniformly.
- Gentle with Pie Filling: When dropping the pie filling, try to distribute it somewhat evenly across the batter. You don’t need to spread it perfectly; it will naturally sink and swirl a bit during baking, creating beautiful pockets of fruit.
- Test for Doneness: The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (avoiding the raspberry filling) comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden. The top should also spring back when gently pressed.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: This is crucial! Applying the cream cheese glaze to a warm cake will cause it to melt and run off, rather than setting into a beautiful, creamy layer.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: The amount of milk needed for the glaze can vary slightly depending on the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add milk gradually, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations:
While raspberry is a fantastic choice, this versatile recipe can be adapted with other fruit fillings:
- Cherry Almond Squares: The original inspiration! Use cherry pie filling and consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter or glaze for a complementary flavor.
- Blueberry Lemon Squares: Swap raspberry pie filling for blueberry, and perhaps add a bit of lemon zest to the cake batter for an extra bright flavor.
- Peach Streusel Squares: Use peach pie filling. Instead of a cream cheese glaze, you could add a simple streusel topping (butter, flour, brown sugar) baked on top for a different texture.
- Chocolate Raspberry: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cake mix or drizzle with melted chocolate instead of (or in addition to) the cream cheese glaze.
Serving Suggestions:
These Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares are wonderful on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate them:
- With Coffee or Tea: They make a perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- As a Potluck Favorite: Cut into smaller squares for easy grab-and-go servings at parties or potlucks.
- Dessert with a Scoop: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Brunch Item: Their “coffee cake” like quality makes them suitable for a sweet brunch offering.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key:
- Room Temperature: If consumed within 1-2 days, these squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, especially if your cream cheese glaze is made with less milk and is firmer.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, or if your kitchen is warm, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The cream cheese glaze will firm up slightly when chilled.
- Freezing: These squares freeze surprisingly well! Cut them into individual servings, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly warm in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of pie filling?
While the recipe calls for pie filling for convenience and consistent texture, you can use fresh raspberries. You would need to create a jam-like filling by cooking down fresh raspberries with a little sugar and cornstarch until thickened, then cooling it before adding it to the cake batter. This will add more prep time but offers a fresher flavor profile.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
Full-fat plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used as a substitute for sour cream. They will provide similar moisture and tanginess to the cake.
Can I make this recipe in a different size pan?
This recipe is designed for a standard 13×18-inch sheet pan. If using a smaller pan (like a 9×13-inch baking dish), you’ll likely need to reduce the recipe by half and adjust the baking time. A larger pan might result in a thinner cake that bakes more quickly, so always keep an eye on it and test for doneness.
Is the lemon juice essential for the glaze?
The lemon juice in the glaze is highly recommended as it adds a crucial bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the raspberries and powdered sugar, preventing the glaze from being overly rich. You can omit it, but the glaze will be sweeter. A tiny bit of vanilla extract could be added instead for a different flavor.
Embrace the Ease, Savor the Flavor
In a world that constantly demands our attention, finding moments of simple pleasure is invaluable. These Raspberry Cream Cheese Squares offer just that – a delightful, fuss-free baking experience that culminates in an exceptionally satisfying dessert. They prove that you don’t need hours in the kitchen or a pantry full of gourmet ingredients to create something truly special.
So go ahead, reclaim your joy in baking with this incredibly easy recipe. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet escape on a regular Tuesday, these squares will bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Their perfect blend of moist cake, sweet raspberry, and creamy tang makes them an instant classic. Happy baking!