Pumpkin Squares

4.7
(147)

These pumpkin squares are a cakelike version of a pumpkin pie filling. Similar in flavor to a pumpkin pie but made without a crust, these squares are a sweet treat during the holidays or any time of the year. Top with cream cheese frosting or a sweet glaze for a little extra decadence.

close up view of a pumpkin square with icing on a white plate, a pumpkin and a mug in the background
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
24
Yield:
24 squares

Make these pumpkin squares to satisfy your sweet tooth this fall. Full of cozy flavor and autumnal spices, you'll want to make this recipe all season long.

Pumpkin Squares Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to add to your grocery list:

· Pumpkin: Use store-bought or homemade pumpkin puree.
· Sugar: Two cups of white sugar add the perfect amount of sweetness.
· Oil: Vegetable oil ensures melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin squares that are moist and flavorful.
· Eggs: Four whole eggs add moisture, richness, and help hold the cake layer together.
· Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake layer structural integrity and holds the batter together.
· Leaveners: Baking soda and baking powder help the pumpkin squares rise, creating a fluffy texture.
· Spices and seasonings: These pumpkin squares get their warmth and coziness from ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. A pinch of salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.

How to Make Pumpkin Squares

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make these top-rated pumpkin squares:

1. Make the batter: Mix the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry ingredients in another. Stir the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture until well-combined, then pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
2. Bake the squares: Bake in a preheated oven until the top springs back when gently pressed. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Cut in 24 even squares for serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Squares

These pumpkin squares are delicious on their own. However, if you have a little extra time, a dusting of powdered sugar or a layer of homemade cream cheese frosting will take them to the next level.

Can You Make Pumpkin Squares Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make these pumpkin squares a few days ahead of time — just be sure to store them in the fridge.

How to Store Pumpkin Squares

Store pumpkin squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Can You Freeze Pumpkin Squares?

Yes, you can freeze pumpkin squares. Bake them in a foil pan, allow them to cool, and wrap the whole pan in a layer of storage wrap. Follow that up with a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

If you plan to frost the squares, save that step until after the bars have thawed.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"These pumpkin squares are fabulous," raves Libbylou. "I have a similar pumpkin bread recipe that takes over an hour to bake, but I needed something quicker to take to a last-minute party so tried this recipe. These were definitely quick, moist and delicious."

"I love a recipe you can stir up in one bowl," says ltripson, who topped the bars with a buttercream icing spiked with ginger and sprinkled them with crushed ginger snap cookies. "These were delicious and had a lot of flavor."

"Delicious," according to Sylvia C. "This one's a keeper. Nice texture, love the spices. I topped this with a cream cheese frosting. I also used the sheet pan as others suggested to get the thickness I wanted."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings

  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

  • 2 cups white sugar

  • 1 cup vegetable oil

  • 4 large eggs

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves

  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger

  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

    A variety of bowls filled with ingredients to make pumpkin squares.

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  2. Mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs together in a mixing bowl until smooth.

    Pumpkin puree in a glass measuring bowl.

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  3. Sift flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and salt together in a separate bowl.

    Flour mixed with spices in a mixing bowl.

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  4. Stir flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture until well combined. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

    Pumpkin cake batter in a cake pan.

    ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until top until tops spring back when lightly pressed, 25 to 30 minutes.

    Pumpkin cake baking in an oven.

    ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA

  6. Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into 24 squares.

    Pumpkin cake cooking on a counter.

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  7. Top with cream cheese frosting or glaze, if desired.

    A person frosting a cake.

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  8. Serve and enjoy!

    A slice of pumpkin square cake on a plate.

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263 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

203 Calories
10g Fat
27g Carbs
2g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 24
Calories 203
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 2g 8%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 196mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 17g
Protein 2g 5%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 36mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 61mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.