Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares Savory Fall Snack

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Get ready to enjoy the taste of fall with my Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares! These simple treats combine sweet pumpkin and tart apples, creating a snack that warms your heart. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves autumn flavors. Join me as we explore the easy steps to make this delightful dish and learn tips for the best results!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of pumpkin and apple creates a moist, flavorful square that embodies the essence of fall.
  2. Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  3. Perfect for Sharing: These squares are cut into easy-to-serve pieces, making them ideal for gatherings, parties, or cozy family nights.
  4. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients Required

– 1 cup pumpkin puree

– 1 cup peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith)

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

– 1/2 cup vegetable oil

– 3 large eggs

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

– 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

These ingredients bring together the best flavors of fall. The pumpkin puree gives a rich texture and the apples add a nice crunch. Mixing granulated and brown sugar gives a perfect sweetness. Vegetable oil keeps the squares moist. The eggs help bind everything, while the vanilla adds warmth.

The baking powder and baking soda make the squares rise, giving them a light texture. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide that signature fall spice. If you like, add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Dusting with powdered sugar makes the squares look lovely when serving.

Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes cooking easier and more fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation and Mixing

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You can also use parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of diced apples, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth.

3. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.

Combining Ingredients

1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to over-mix.

2. If you like, gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.

3. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Baking Process

1. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.

2. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean.

Cooling and Serving

1. Let the squares cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

2. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your tasty treat!

Tips & Tricks

Baking Techniques

To make the best Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares, avoid over-mixing the batter. When you mix too much, the squares can become tough. Stir until just combined. This keeps them soft and moist.

Ensure even baking by spreading the batter evenly in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready!

Presentation Tips

Cutting squares evenly helps with presentation. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat edges.

Garnishing adds a festive touch. Dust the tops with powdered sugar. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or add thin apple slices. These little details make your squares look even more inviting.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the pumpkin and sugars, enhancing the overall flavor of the squares.
  2. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough squares.
  3. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg. They will elevate the taste and aroma of your pumpkin apple squares.
  4. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch up the apples in this recipe. Granny Smith apples work great, but you can try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. Each type of apple brings a unique taste and texture.

If you want to avoid nuts, you can use seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds add crunch and flavor without the allergens nuts bring.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to kick up the taste? Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter. Both options add a fun twist. Chocolate gives a rich flavor, while cranberries add a tart pop.

You can also mix in other spices. Ground ginger or allspice can offer warmth and depth. Just a bit can elevate the whole dish. Feel free to experiment with these ideas. They can make your Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares even more special!

Storage Info

Refrigerating

To store your Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares in the fridge, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and moist. You can also cover them tightly with plastic wrap. They will stay good for about 5 days in the fridge. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these squares later, freezing is a great option. First, let the squares cool down completely. Then, cut them into pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

For thawing, take out the squares and let them sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes the squares soft and tasty again. Enjoy your fall treat anytime!

FAQs

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares are moist?

To keep your squares moist, use fresh pumpkin puree. You can also mix in a bit of applesauce. This adds moisture without changing the flavor. Use ripe apples too; they help create a juicy texture. Don’t over-bake your squares. Check for doneness around 30 minutes. If a toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready!

Can I make these squares gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour. Many brands work well, so choose one that you like. You might also try almond flour for a nutty taste, or oat flour for a wholesome touch. Just make sure it has a binding agent, like xanthan gum, for the best results.

What can I serve with Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares?

These squares pair well with many drinks. Try hot cider or a warm chai latte. For toppings, a dollop of whipped cream works great. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice touch too!

This article covered how to make delicious Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares. You learned about the key ingredients like pumpkin puree, apples, and spices. We went over step-by-step instructions to mix, bake, and cool your treats perfectly. We also shared handy tips for baking and presentation, plus ways to customize your squares. Remember to store them well for lasting flavor. Making these squares is simple, fun, and rewarding. Enjoy your baking adventure and share the smiles with other

- 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 cup peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional) These ingredients bring together the best flavors of fall. The pumpkin puree gives a rich texture and the apples add a nice crunch. Mixing granulated and brown sugar gives a perfect sweetness. Vegetable oil keeps the squares moist. The eggs help bind everything, while the vanilla adds warmth. The baking powder and baking soda make the squares rise, giving them a light texture. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide that signature fall spice. If you like, add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Dusting with powdered sugar makes the squares look lovely when serving. Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes cooking easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. You can also use parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of diced apples, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth. 3. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 1. In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well. 1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to over-mix. 2. If you like, gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. 3. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. 1. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. 2. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. 1. Let the squares cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. 2. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your tasty treat! To make the best Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares, avoid over-mixing the batter. When you mix too much, the squares can become tough. Stir until just combined. This keeps them soft and moist. Ensure even baking by spreading the batter evenly in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready! Cutting squares evenly helps with presentation. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat edges. Garnishing adds a festive touch. Dust the tops with powdered sugar. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or add thin apple slices. These little details make your squares look even more inviting. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the pumpkin and sugars, enhancing the overall flavor of the squares. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough squares. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg. They will elevate the taste and aroma of your pumpkin apple squares. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the apples in this recipe. Granny Smith apples work great, but you can try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. Each type of apple brings a unique taste and texture. If you want to avoid nuts, you can use seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds add crunch and flavor without the allergens nuts bring. Want to kick up the taste? Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter. Both options add a fun twist. Chocolate gives a rich flavor, while cranberries add a tart pop. You can also mix in other spices. Ground ginger or allspice can offer warmth and depth. Just a bit can elevate the whole dish. Feel free to experiment with these ideas. They can make your Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares even more special! To store your Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares in the fridge, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and moist. You can also cover them tightly with plastic wrap. They will stay good for about 5 days in the fridge. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing. If you want to enjoy these squares later, freezing is a great option. First, let the squares cool down completely. Then, cut them into pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. For thawing, take out the squares and let them sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes the squares soft and tasty again. Enjoy your fall treat anytime! To keep your squares moist, use fresh pumpkin puree. You can also mix in a bit of applesauce. This adds moisture without changing the flavor. Use ripe apples too; they help create a juicy texture. Don't over-bake your squares. Check for doneness around 30 minutes. If a toothpick comes out clean, it's ready! Yes, you can! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour. Many brands work well, so choose one that you like. You might also try almond flour for a nutty taste, or oat flour for a wholesome touch. Just make sure it has a binding agent, like xanthan gum, for the best results. These squares pair well with many drinks. Try hot cider or a warm chai latte. For toppings, a dollop of whipped cream works great. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice touch too! This article covered how to make delicious Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares. You learned about the key ingredients like pumpkin puree, apples, and spices. We went over step-by-step instructions to mix, bake, and cool your treats perfectly. We also shared handy tips for baking and presentation, plus ways to customize your squares. Remember to store them well for lasting flavor. Making these squares is simple, fun, and rewarding. Enjoy your baking adventure and share the smiles with others!

Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares

Delicious squares made with pumpkin puree, diced apples, and warm spices, perfect for fall.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Use a whisk to mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
  • Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
  • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the squares to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, you can dust the squares with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish, if desired.

Notes

Cut the squares into even pieces and serve them on a festive platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few thin slices of fresh apple for an appealing look.
Keyword apple, cinnamon, dessert, pumpkin, squares

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