Pumpkin pie squares

Pumpkin Pie Squares Recipe | USA | Ingredients & Instructions

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 12

Introduction

Pumpkin pie squares are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the flavors of a classic pumpkin pie with the convenience of a bar or square. These tasty treats are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just as a sweet treat for yourself.

History

Pumpkin pie squares are a modern twist on the traditional pumpkin pie, which has been a popular dessert in the United States since the early 19th century. The first pumpkin pie recipes were recorded in American cookbooks in the 1800s, and the dish has since become a staple at Thanksgiving and other holiday meals.

Ingredients

For crust
1 cup flour
0.5 cup quick-cooking oats
0.5 cup brown sugar
0.5 cup butter or margarine
For filling
1 can mashed pumpkin (16 oz (454 g))
1 can evaporated skim milk (13.5 oz)
2 eggs
0.75 cup sugar
0.5 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1.5 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp nutmeg
0.25 tsp ground cloves

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and margarine. Mix until crumbly using a pastry blender or an electric mixer on low speed.
Press the dough into the bottom of an ungreased 8-by-12 inch baking pan.
Bake for 10 minutes.
In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Beat or process well.
Pour the mixture into the baked crust.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a sharp knife comes out clean from the center.
Cut into squares and serve with chantilly cream.
Nutritional info per serving: 250 calories; 6 g protein, 38 g carbs, 9 g fat (31%). Exchanges: 0.3 milk, 2.3 g bread, 0.2 meat, 1.8 g fat.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the top of the pumpkin pie squares before baking for added crunch.
Swirl a tablespoon of caramel sauce into the pumpkin filling for a caramel pumpkin pie square.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use pureed pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.

- For a richer crust, you can substitute butter for the margarine in the crust recipe.

- Be sure to let the pumpkin pie squares cool completely before cutting into squares to ensure clean slices.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin pie squares are delicious on their own, but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect pumpkin pie squares is to bake them until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. This will ensure a creamy and delicious texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have quick-cooking oats, you can use old-fashioned oats instead.

- You can use butter instead of margarine in the crust for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Pumpkin pie squares can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pumpkin pie squares on a platter dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pumpkin pie squares pair well with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy fall dessert. They also go well with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover pumpkin pie squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pumpkin pie squares contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pumpkin pie squares contains approximately 38 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of pumpkin pie squares contains approximately 9 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of pumpkin pie squares contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pumpkin pie squares are a good source of vitamin A, thanks to the pumpkin puree. They also contain small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Pumpkin pie squares contain wheat and eggs. They can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in the crust.

Summary

Pumpkin pie squares are a delicious dessert option that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of vitamin A. They are a great option for those looking for a sweet treat that is not overly indulgent.

Summary

Pumpkin pie squares are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the flavors of a classic pumpkin pie with the convenience of a bar or square. With a creamy pumpkin filling and a crunchy oat crust, these tasty treats are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just as a sweet treat for yourself.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that had been passed down to me from my own mother. As I sifted through the yellowed cards, my eyes landed on a faded piece of paper with the words "Pumpkin Pie Squares" scrawled across the top.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but as soon as I saw it, memories flooded back to me. I remembered baking these delicious pumpkin pie squares with my own mother when I was just a little girl. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the kitchen, the warmth of the oven, and the joy of sharing a sweet treat with loved ones all came rushing back to me.

I knew that I had to make these pumpkin pie squares again, so I gathered the ingredients and got to work. The recipe was simple enough, a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy pumpkin filling and baked to perfection. As the squares baked in the oven, my kitchen filled with the familiar scent of fall spices, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia.

When the timer dinged, I pulled the pumpkin pie squares out of the oven and let them cool before cutting into them. The first bite was like a taste of my childhood, the perfect combination of sweet and spiced flavors that brought back so many memories.

I couldn't wait to share these pumpkin pie squares with my family. As they gathered around the table, I served each of them a piece of the dessert that had meant so much to me. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in our household.

As we sat together, enjoying the pumpkin pie squares and each other's company, I thought about how recipes have the power to connect us to our past and bring us closer to the ones we love. This simple dessert had brought back so many memories for me, and I knew that it would continue to be a part of our family gatherings for years to come.

So, whether I learned this recipe from a friend, a magazine, or simply stumbled upon it in an old box of recipe cards, I am grateful for the moment that brought it back into my life. These pumpkin pie squares will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of baking and the love that goes into every homemade treat.