There’s something truly special about baking for a community event, and a *Thanksgiving bake sale* is one of my absolute favorites! The air is filled with the warm scent of spices and sweet treats, and it brings everyone together in such a delightful way. I remember the first time I baked for a Thanksgiving bake sale at my local school; I was so nervous, but the joy on everyone’s faces as they tasted my pumpkin squares made it all worth it! It’s a chance to share not just delicious goodies, but also a piece of your heart with friends and neighbors. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of helping out a good cause while indulging in some homemade treats? Trust me, once you whip up these scrumptious pumpkin squares, you’ll be the star of the bake sale!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bake Sale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Bake Sale Treats
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—baking these delicious pumpkin squares! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want our treats to bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.
While the oven is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything’s mixed well. Now, in another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This part is my favorite because the texture gets so creamy—trust me, it’s worth it!
Next, add in the pumpkin puree and eggs to your butter mixture. Mix until everything is beautifully blended. Slowly, start incorporating your dry ingredients into this mixture. I like to do this in three parts, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it! Overmixing can lead to dense squares, and we want them to be soft and dreamy.
Once your batter is ready, pour it into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into delightful squares. And there you have it—simple, delicious, and perfect for your Thanksgiving bake sale!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously spiced pumpkin flavor that screams fall!
- Easy-to-follow instructions, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Quick prep time of just 15 minutes—perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile and adaptable for a variety of taste preferences.
- Moist and fluffy texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Beautifully festive, making them a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving bake sale.
- Great for sharing; they cut into neat squares for easy serving.
- They store well, so you can bake ahead of time and still enjoy them fresh!
Tips for Success
To make sure your pumpkin squares turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips that I’ve learned over the years. First off, don’t skip on the creaming process when mixing the butter and sugar. It really helps create that light and fluffy texture we all love! If you want to make these squares even richer, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.
If you’re looking to change things up a bit, feel free to add in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips! They add a delightful crunch and a bit of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin. Just remember, if you add too many extras, it might alter the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Speaking of baking, make sure to check your squares a few minutes before the timer goes off. Oven temperatures can vary, and you want to catch them right as they’re perfectly set—no one likes a dry treat! And when it comes to cutting them, I find it helps to let them cool completely. A sharp knife makes for cleaner slices, and you get those nice, neat squares that look great on a platter.
Lastly, presentation is key at a bake sale! Dusting the tops with a little powdered sugar or drizzling a simple icing can make your treats look extra special and festive. Trust me, a little effort in presentation goes a long way in attracting customers—and who doesn’t want to buy a square that looks as good as it tastes?
Variations on Thanksgiving Bake Sale Treats
Now, let’s talk about the fun part—getting creative with your pumpkin squares! There are so many delightful variations you can try that will make your treats stand out even more at the *Thanksgiving bake sale*.
- Nuts Galore: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch! They pair beautifully with the pumpkin flavor and add a nice texture contrast.
- Chocolate Lovers: If you’re a chocolate fan like me, try adding chocolate chips to the batter. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate complements the spices perfectly and adds a rich touch.
- Spice It Up: Want to switch up the flavor profile? Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra warm spice kick!
- Maple Twist: Substitute some of the sugar with maple syrup for a delightful twist. It’ll give your squares a lovely caramel-like flavor that screams fall.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you or someone you know is gluten-free, just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works like a charm!
- Frosted Delight: For a little extra indulgence, top your cooled squares with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze. Just whip together some cream cheese with powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla for a heavenly topping!
These variations not only enhance the flavor but also make your pumpkin squares unique. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and make them your own! You’ll impress everyone at the bake sale with your creativity and deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Let’s take a quick peek at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of these delightful pumpkin squares. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients or portion sizes.
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
These pumpkin squares are not only a tasty treat but also a great way to indulge a little without going overboard. Plus, with the pumpkin in there, you’re sneaking in some nutrients—what’s not to love? Enjoy them at your *Thanksgiving bake sale* with a smile, knowing they’re a delightful balance of flavor and fun!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your delicious pumpkin squares are all baked and cooled, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that lovely flavor and texture intact! To store leftovers, simply place the squares in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and keeps them fresh for about 3 to 5 days on your countertop or in the fridge. If you’re like me and love to bake in advance, these squares actually freeze beautifully!
To freeze, cut the squares into portions, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just take out the desired number of squares and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up, which brings back that fresh-baked taste. Yum!
Remember, if you like your pumpkin squares a little warm, they’re delightful served that way, especially with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top! Enjoy those tasty treats at your leisure, knowing you’ve got them perfectly stored for whenever the craving strikes!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Bake Sale
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid extra moisture in your batter, which can affect the texture.
What can I do if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
No worries! You can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend or even whole wheat flour if you want a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How should I serve these pumpkin squares?
I love serving them on a festive platter, maybe dusted with powdered sugar for that extra touch! They’re wonderful on their own or topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! These squares actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Just store them in an airtight container, and you’ll be all set for your bake sale!
What if I want to make them dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based milk in place of any dairy products if you’re adding frosting. They’ll still be delicious!
Thanksgiving Bake Sale Joy: 7 Irresistible Pumpkin Squares
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious assortment of baked goods perfect for a Thanksgiving bake sale.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the pumpkin puree and eggs to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store baked goods in an airtight container.
- Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for variation.
- Decorate with icing for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bake sale
