Pumpkin Angel Squares
Pumpkin Angel Squares combine creamy pumpkin filling with a crisp pecan crust, topped with fluffy whipped topping, making a delightful dessert perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine (soft) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar, divided ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed ⓘ
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin ⓘ
- 3 eggs, separated ⓘ
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix flour, butter, and chopped pecans with a pastry blender until crumbly.
- Press mixture into a 9-inch square pan to form the crust.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
- Combine cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and whipped topping with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and chill in the refrigerator.
- Soften unflavored gelatin in cold water.
- Combine gelatin with pumpkin, egg yolks, brown sugar, milk, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large saucepan.
- Cook over moderate heat, stirring until the mixture begins to bubble. Cover and cool.
- Beat egg whites until frothy; gradually add remaining sugar and beat until stiff and glossy.
- Fold the beaten egg whites into the cooled pumpkin mixture.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill until set. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding into the pumpkin mixture. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds are great substitutes. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. For a hint of spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Angel Squares make a delightful dessert for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving alongside a warm beverage, like spiced chai or apple cider, for a cozy touch. For more festive ideas, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing the squares as they may become watery when thawed. Serve chilled, but if you prefer, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin Angel Squares contains roughly 570 calories, with 9g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 pumpkin?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. To do so, cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. You'll need about 2 cups of fresh pumpkin puree to replace the 16 oz. can. Ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the recipe.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make Pumpkin Angel Squares vegan, replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water equals 1 egg). Use a plant-based cream cheese and whipped topping. Ensure your gelatin is vegan-friendly or substitute with agar-agar.
What can I use instead of unflavored gelatin?
You can substitute unflavored gelatin with agar-agar for a vegetarian option. Use 1 tablespoon of agar-agar powder mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then follow the same steps to dissolve it in your pumpkin mixture. This will help achieve a similar texture.
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).