Cousin Janet'S Pumpkin Pie Squares
Sweet pumpkin pie squares with a crunchy oat and nut crust, filled with spiced pumpkin custard, perfect for fall gatherings and holiday desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sifted flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 pound can pumpkin (2 cups) ⓘ
- 1 (13 1/2 oz.) can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, rolled oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup butter in a mixing bowl.
- Mix until crumbly using an electric mixer on low speed.
- Press the mixture into an ungreased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Beat well until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the baked crust.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.
- Combine chopped nuts, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons butter to make the topping.
- Sprinkle the nut mixture over the pumpkin filling.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Cool the pan on a rack.
- Cut into 2-inch squares and serve. Optionally, top with a dollop of cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. You can also replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option. If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar in the filling. To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or using fresh ginger instead of ground. This recipe is a great way to use leftover pumpkin puree from other dishes.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin pie squares are perfect for a fall dessert spread and pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Consider serving alongside a cup of spiced chai or coffee for a comforting treat. They also make a wonderful addition to a potluck or holiday gathering. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pumpkin pie squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. For a delightful texture, you can also serve them cold directly from the fridge. These can be frozen for longer storage; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cousin Janet'S Pumpkin Pie Squares contains roughly 186 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% 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 use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree in place of canned. To do this, roast a sugar pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture to prevent the filling from being too watery. Fresh pumpkin will provide a vibrant flavor and is a great way to use seasonal produce.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until thickened). This will help bind the ingredients together while maintaining the moisture in the filling. These options work well for a vegan version of the pie squares.
How do I know when the filling is set?
To check if the filling is set, gently shake the pan after the last baking time. The center should be firm but slightly jiggle, which indicates it's done. If it's still too wobbly, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Make sure to cool the squares completely before cutting to help them hold their shape.
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).