Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's perfect for fall? Look no further than these delightful pumpkin spice squares! This easy recipe delivers a delicious blend of spices and pumpkin, encased in a buttery, crumbly crust. It's the ideal homemade dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth on a chilly evening. These pumpkin squares are a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, proving that delicious dishes can also be relatively simple to make. Get ready to enjoy the best recipes for a truly autumnal experience!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions:
Get started with the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Prepare the pumpkin filling and bake:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and milk until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin filling over the prepared crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the squares cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to firm up and makes cutting much easier.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Squares:
- Chill the butter: Using cold butter is crucial for a flaky and tender crust.
- Don't overmix the filling: Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cool completely: Patience is key here! Allowing the bars to cool completely prevents them from crumbling when you cut them.
- Storage: Store leftover pumpkin squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a delicious crunch to the filling or sprinkled on top of the crust.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
- Cream cheese swirl: Swirl a layer of softened cream cheese into the pumpkin filling before baking for an extra decadent touch.
- Chocolate chips: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for a delightful chocolate pumpkin combination.
Nutritional Information (per square, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 12g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Sugar: Approximately 20g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These pumpkin spice squares are a true delight, offering a simple yet satisfying homemade treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this easy recipe and make this delicious dish a staple in your autumn baking repertoire. They're wonderful for easy recipes, fulfilling those cravings for quick dinner ideas, and making a great addition to your collection of food recipes.