Every decent cook needs a good pumpkin square recipe, and this quick autumn favorite does not disappoint.
Originally cultivated by Native Americans, pumpkins and are an exceptionally tasty source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. If you prefer to bake ahead, you can bake these squares in a 9×13″ pan, and freeze them unfrosted. If you prefer a glaze over the texture of an icing, simply reduce the icing recipe in half and pour it over the warm cake.
You’ll Need:
1- 15oz can pumpkin
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Icing:
4 ounces (half an 8-inch block) cream cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350F degrees
Lightly mist a 9″x13″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray, and set the pan aside.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil and mix until the eggs are incorporated and the mixture has thickened slightly and is smooth.
Add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt on top of the pumpkin mixture, then mix again until smooth.
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, and place the pan in the oven. Bake until the cake springs back when lightly pressed and has turned lightly browned around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven to cool.
While the cake is baking, prepare the icing. Combine the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium-size mixing bowl. Using a hand-mixer on low speed, beat until smooth. Add the sugar and vanilla, and beat again until smooth, about 1 minute.
Allow the pumpkin cake to cool to the touch, then spread the icing generously over the top of the cake.
Let the cake rest for 1 hour before slicing into squares or bars.
Try these other delicious Pumpkin Recipes too:
- Pumpkin Fluff Dip– perfect with gingersnap cookies, graham crackers or fresh cut up fruit
- Pumpkin Donut Drops– when you want donuts, but not the hassle of rolling and cutting!
- Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Swirls– a bit fancy looking, but still easy to make
- 4-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake – the busy baker’s version!
