This is a recipe of indistinct origin that everyone I know has made at some time or another. I’m not sure if that’s a Southern thing or not. Regardless of that, this is one of those handy fall-back recipes when you want something with a high taste to effort ratio.
To make the crust, combine a package of yellow cake mix, 1 cup of melted butter, and 1 egg. When this is combined, add 1 cup of chopped pecans. Press the mixture into a 9″x13″ pan.
Beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese and a 1-pound box of confectioner’s sugar until smooth. Add two eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Pour this mixture over the crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.
These bars are so easy and so good. The crust is very thick – essentially as thick as the sweet, cream cheese-y filling – and very buttery. It all adds up to some incredible gooey goodness. Be sure to secure one for yourself, though, because they disappear very quickly.




August 8th, 2006 at 6:12 pm
Maybe I’m not totally objective since the baker is my sister; but, ….these are WONDERFUL!! Always good and always a hit with everyone.
July 6th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
I’ve made this cake with a little bit different of a recipe but it was absolutely GREAT!! I’m hooked on it! I’m sure I’ll be baking it regularly!!!!
October 8th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
on the chess bars is it white or brown sugar
October 8th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Dee, it’s confectioner’s sugar.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Jennifer – I have now made the Chocolate
Chess Bars a half dozen times. My friends and I up here in God’s Country (Minnesota) had never heard of them, but they are now a permanent part of our recipe collections. Thanks so much.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Teresa, I’m glad you like them! Definitely one of my favorites.
March 21st, 2009 at 1:43 am
what brand did you use for the yellow cake mix?
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
shasa, I like Duncan Hines.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 pm
i made them yesterday, they were soo good!
thanks for the recipe. this definitely will be a regular for me
November 24th, 2009 at 4:26 am
A friend gave me this recipe years ago and I still make it occasionally. It’s delicious and very easy to make.
Debbie