Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Squares with Crumb Topping
Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Squares with Crumb Topping are a delightful dessert that combines a creamy, sweet-tangy filling with a crunchy, buttery crumb topping. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these squares are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Each bite offers a luxurious taste experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 9 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking pan.
- In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs and vanilla bean paste; mix until creamy.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.
- For the crumb topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly.
- Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half of the crumb topping, layer with remaining batter, and top with crumbs.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Swap regular cream cheese for flavored varieties for an interesting twist. Add chocolate chips or nuts to the topping for extra flavor and crunch. Serve warm or chilled with fresh berries or whipped cream for added delight.