Blue Ribbon Pumpkin Pie Squares
Pumpkin Pie Squares offer a delightful combination of creamy pumpkin filling and a crunchy oat and pecan topping, making them perfect for fall gatherings or holiday desserts. Their warm spices and rich texture appeal to pumpkin lovers and those seeking a cozy, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sifted flour
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can pumpkin (2 cups) ⓘ
- 1 (13 1/2 oz.) can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, quick cooking oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup butter in a bowl.
- Mix until crumbly using an electric mixer on low speed.
- Press the mixture into an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use Egg Beaters instead of whole eggs for a lower fat option. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts can be a great alternative to pecans. Ensure the pumpkin is pure and not pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin pie squares are delicious on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or coffee. For a festive touch, sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pumpkin pie squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blue Ribbon Pumpkin Pie Squares contains roughly 353 calories, with 7g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 649mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pumpkin pie squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these squares a day in advance. Just allow them to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. They taste great chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for gatherings.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're allergic to nuts or simply prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. The squares will still be delicious and maintain their texture without the nuts.
How can I tell when the pumpkin pie squares are done?
The squares are done when the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. They may have a slight jiggle, but they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).