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- 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 cup peeled and diced Granny Smith apples - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 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 finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting, optional) - Nuts (walnuts or pecans) - Powdered sugar for dusting For the best results, measure ingredients carefully. Use a measuring cup for liquids. Scoop flour lightly and level it off for accuracy. Weighing ingredients can help if you have a kitchen scale. This ensures each square turns out perfect. Getting the measurements right helps balance flavors and texture. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking. 2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish well. You can also use parchment paper for easy removal. 3. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, diced Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth. 1. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This helps to combine the dry ingredients evenly. 2. Make sure there are no lumps in the flour. This step is key to a nice texture. 1. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Fold gently; don’t over-mix to keep the squares tender. 2. Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. 3. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. 4. After baking, let the squares cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. 5. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep them from getting soggy. To get perfect pumpkin apple cinnamon squares, you must avoid over-mixing the batter. When you mix too much, the squares can become tough and dense. Mix just until you see no dry flour. This helps keep them soft and light. Even baking is key. Bake your squares at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready! If the edges start browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning. For a lovely presentation, cut your squares into even pieces. Arrange them on a nice platter. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch. You can also dust the squares with ground cinnamon for extra flavor. Garnish with thin apple slices around the edges. This not only looks great but adds a fresh crunch. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best experience. To keep your pumpkin apple cinnamon squares fresh, store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. They should stay good for about a week. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge when you're ready to enjoy! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree and apples for the best flavor. If using canned pumpkin, ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not a pie filling. Consistent Size: Cut the apples into uniform pieces to ensure even baking. This will help the apples cook through and blend well with the pumpkin batter. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the squares light and fluffy. Overmixing can result in a dense texture. Cooling Time: Allow the squares to cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges. This will help them hold their shape and make them easier to serve. {{image_4}} You can swap out regular sugar for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. These options add flavor and cut down on refined sugar. For oils, use applesauce instead of vegetable oil. This change keeps the squares moist and lowers fat. To boost flavor, try adding spices like ginger or cloves. They give a warm kick to your squares. You can also mix in dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins. These fruits add sweetness and chewiness, making every bite exciting. If you need gluten-free squares, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. This keeps the texture light and fluffy. For a vegan option, use flax eggs in place of regular eggs. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. This keeps your treats tasty and inclusive for everyone. Each pumpkin apple cinnamon square has about 180 calories. This number can change based on any optional ingredients you add. If you sprinkle powdered sugar on top, add a few extra calories. These squares bring many health benefits. The pumpkin puree is high in vitamin A and fiber. Granny Smith apples add vitamin C and antioxidants. Eggs provide protein, while nuts offer healthy fats. Together, these ingredients create a tasty treat packed with good nutrients. I recommend cutting the squares into 12 equal pieces. This way, you can enjoy a sweet bite without going overboard. Stick to one square for a perfect treat at snack time or dessert. Yes, you can use canned pumpkin. It saves time and offers good flavor. Look for pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. If you use canned pumpkin, the recipe stays the same. Just open the can and measure out one cup. This makes it easy to enjoy this tasty treat any time! To check if the squares are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes. The edges should look golden brown. Trust your eyes and the toothpick test to avoid undercooking. These squares pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream balances the warm squares. You can also serve them with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a fresh touch, add some sliced apples on the side. Enjoy these options for a delightful dessert experience! We covered the key ingredients, instructions, and tips for making pumpkin apple cinnamon squares. Remember, the right mix of pumpkin and apple adds great flavor. You can also switch ingredients to fit your taste. Don't forget about storage to keep them fresh! Enjoy your baking and share your results. Cooking is fun, and these squares are sure to impress everyone.

Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Squares

Delicious squares made with pumpkin puree, tart apples, and warm spices, perfect for fall.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup peeled and diced Granny Smith apples
  • 1 2 granulated sugar
  • 1 4 packed brown sugar
  • 1 2 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 finely chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish well, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, diced apples, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
  • Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure an even incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly distributed.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to ensure a tender texture. If desired, gently incorporate the optional chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
  • Once baked, let the squares cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • After cooling, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch, if using.

Notes

For a festive serving, cut the squares into uniform pieces and arrange them on a beautiful platter. Garnish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon and thinly sliced fresh apple rounds.
Keyword apple, cinnamon, dessert, pumpkin, squares