Pumpkin Squares Recipe

This recipe for Pumpkin Squares produces delicious, dense, moist, and spicy pumpkin squares that are like gingerbread, only better for a nut lover like me because they are crusted with pecans.

Fall and winter comfort food at its most basic deeply satisfying best!

Did I mention that these tasty pumpkin squares taste even better a day or two after baking when the flavors have had the chance to meld together or that they travel extremely well?

These are only some of the reasons this pumpkin square recipe is a winner in my book.

It's adapted from a wonderful cookbook called The Weekend Baker: Irresistible Recipes, Simple Techniques, And Stress Free Strategies For Busy People by Abigail Johnson Dodge that offers great recipes, simple techniques, and stress-free strategies for busy people who still want to be able to bake delicious homemade desserts for their family and friends.

You can stir these Pumpkin Squares together in minutes. It's the standard, very easy process so common of quick bread and muffin recipes - stir together your dry ingredients, stir together your liquid ingredients, combine the dry and liquid ingredients until just blended, pour into the pan and bake.

What could be easier?

Pecan Crusted Pumpkin Bars

And for taking these quick and easy steps you are rewarded with delicious pumpkin squares that can be served warm from the oven for a simple rustic homemade fall or winter dessert.

Are you like me -- Do you love to give gifts of food?

Then you will love the versatility and dependability of this pumpkin squares recipe. It's the one I often turn to during the fall and winter months whenever I need a tasty hostess or thank you gift. I bake the pumpkin squares in a disposable foil pan and wrap with colorful plastic and/or cellophane wrap for a thoughtful gift.

Pumpkin Squares Recipe

As always, begin by reading through the pumpkin squares recipe to make sure you have everything you need and gather your ingredients. Mixing and baking is so much easier when everything you need is at your fingertips.

Remember to smell your spices before you use them since they only have a 6-month shelf life. If it's been more than six months since you opened your jar of of pumpkin pie spice it may be time to replace it. When your spices have lost their scent it means they've lost their flavor too.

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
Generously grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
Alternatively, line your pan with parchment or greased foil.
Pour chopped pecans into the pan and tilt to coat the bottoom and sides evenly, and then carefully tip out the excess, saving them for the topping.
Combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl, whisking until smooth.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl with a whisk until well blended.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. You don't want to over mix since this can make your pumpkin squares tough.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
Scatter the remaining nuts evenly over the top of the pumpkin squares batter.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly touched and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes or so.
Cut into desired size bars.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

These delicious pumpkin squares can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Pumpkin Squares Serving Suggestions

For an extra special dessert, serve warm pumpkin squares with a dusting of confectioners sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkling of chopped pecans.

Your family and friends will swoon and beg you for the recipe!

Do you prefer pumpkin bar recipes that make a bigger batch?
Then you will want to be sure and check out this spicy pumpkin bars recipe