Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when we gather together to celebrate gratitude, family, and, of course, delicious food. Now, imagine the joy on kids’ faces when they get to share scrumptious treats designed just for them at daycare. That’s where my *thanksgiving daycare treats* come in! These delightful squares are bursting with holiday flavors and are so easy to make that even the littlest chefs can lend a hand. Trust me, the warm aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting through your kitchen is bound to get everyone in the festive spirit. So, let’s spread some joy with these treats that are as fun to bake as they are to eat!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Instructions
Making these *thanksgiving daycare treats* is a joyful and straightforward process! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delectable dessert ready to share in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Mix
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter. I love using a hand mixer here—it makes everything nice and smooth, but a good old-fashioned whisk works just as well! Make sure you mix until everything is well blended and creamy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step is super important because it ensures that all those lovely spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Trust me, you don’t want any surprise clumps of baking soda in your treats!
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to your pumpkin mixture. I like to do this in batches, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix it—keep that batter light and fluffy! You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth and free of lumps.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25–30 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re golden! Once it’s done, let the treats cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Trust me, letting them cool completely makes cutting them into squares a whole lot easier!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to whip up—perfect for busy days!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Deliciously moist and packed with festive pumpkin flavor.
- Kids absolutely love these sweet squares—great for sharing!
- Versatile enough to adjust spices based on your family’s taste.
- Perfect for a Thanksgiving daycare celebration or a cozy family gathering.
- Easy to store and make ahead of time—no last-minute stress!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your *thanksgiving daycare treats* come out perfectly every time!
- Storage: Once your treats are cool, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll last about 3–4 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long with how tasty they are!
- Make Ahead: You can definitely make these a day in advance. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing them. This way, they’ll be even more flavorful when it’s time to share!
- Spice Adjustments: If you want to switch things up, feel free to adjust the spices to suit your family’s taste. Want more warmth? Add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. Feeling adventurous? A dash of ginger or allspice can add a wonderful twist!
- Texture Boost: For a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. It adds a delightful texture that kids will love!
- Serving Suggestion: These squares are also delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. Wow, what a treat that would be!
Variations
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, here are some fun variations to make your *thanksgiving daycare treats* even more exciting!
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in a cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise in each bite. Kids love the combination of pumpkin and chocolate!
- Nutty Goodness: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delicious crunch. It’s a great way to introduce some healthy fats and extra texture.
- Fruity Twist: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins to give your treats a fruity touch. It adds a pop of color and flavor that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin!
- Spiced Up: Feel free to experiment with different spices! A dash of ginger or a hint of cloves can elevate the flavor profile and make these treats even more festive.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’ll have a deliciously inclusive treat that everyone can enjoy!
With these variations, you can customize your treats to suit any occasion or palate. Have fun mixing and matching, and watch how these delightful squares become a favorite at your Thanksgiving daycare celebration!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what goes into these delightful *thanksgiving daycare treats*? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per square. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on specific ingredients used, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
These treats are not only delicious but also a fun way to add some festive flavors to your day! Enjoy them as a sweet snack, and feel good about what you’re sharing with the kiddos!
FAQ Section
Can I make these *thanksgiving daycare treats* gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. It works beautifully, and everyone can enjoy them together!
How should I store leftover treats?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you have a lot left, you can also refrigerate them, but I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I freeze these treats?
Yes, you can! Just cut them into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight!
What if I don’t have pumpkin puree on hand?
No worries! You can substitute it with applesauce or mashed bananas for a different but equally delicious treat. It’ll change the flavor profile a bit, but still super tasty!
How do I know when the treats are done baking?
Great question! Insert a toothpick into the center of the treats; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven! Let them cool before cutting for the best texture.
Thanksgiving Daycare Treats That Will Delight Kids Everywhere
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive treats perfect for a Thanksgiving daycare celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, and butter until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store treats in an airtight container.
- These can be made a day ahead.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving daycare treats
