Spicy Pumpkin Squares
Spicy Pumpkin Squares combine the warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with a hearty oat crust, making a perfect fall dessert for pumpkin lovers and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (18 1/4 oz.) package spice cake mix ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups quick-cooking oats ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine (soft) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- whipped cream or ice cream (for topping) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat together the cake mix, oats, margarine, sugar, and 1 egg until crumbly.
- Reserve 2 cups of the crumb mixture for topping.
- Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, 2 eggs, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt; mix well.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool before serving with whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute the spice cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using unsweetened applesauce instead of some of the margarine. Adding dried cranberries or raisins can enhance the flavors. Make sure to pack the brown sugar firmly for the right sweetness and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Spicy Pumpkin Squares warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Pair them with a cup of spiced chai or coffee for a delightful treat. They also go well with a side of Mary'S Frosted Pecans for an added crunch. For a festive touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm. If you prefer a crisper topping, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Pumpkin Squares contains roughly 463 calories, with 9g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g 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?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Cook and puree about 2 cups of fresh pumpkin to replace the canned pumpkin. Be sure to drain any excess moisture to prevent the squares from becoming too wet.
Can I freeze these pumpkin squares?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can freeze the squares in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and consider adding fresh whipped cream just before serving for an extra touch.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider using applesauce in place of half the margarine for reduced fat.
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).