Get ready to cozy up with this irresistible Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares Recipe that delivers the perfect balance of autumn warmth and sweet indulgence. These pumpkin squares are wonderfully moist and tender, packed with seasonal spices and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re gluten-free or simply craving a fresh take on pumpkin treats, this recipe promises a delightful experience that everyone will adore. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating those soft, flavorful squares. From the creamy pumpkin puree to the aromatic spices, and the gluten-free flour blend that gives the perfect texture, every component is essential to bring this dish to life.
- Pumpkin puree: Provides moisture, natural sweetness, and that classic pumpkin flavor we love.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Work together for balanced sweetness and a hint of caramel richness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the batter.
- Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: Keeps the squares tender and moist with a subtle richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds depth.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend: Provides the perfect foundation for this gluten-free treat without compromising texture.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Give the squares a delightful rise and lightness.
- Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon: These warm spices infuse every bite with comforting autumn vibes.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (for frosting): Combine to create a dreamy, smooth frosting that complements the pumpkin squares perfectly.
How to Make Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures your pumpkin squares will come out cleanly without sticking, making the final presentation look just right.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture. This blend sets the foundation for your batter’s moistness and flavor, ensuring the pumpkin shines through in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly when mixed with the wet ingredients, which is key for uniform texture and taste.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here; you want the batter to be smooth but still tender when baked. Overmixing could lead to a denser texture, which we want to steer clear of for this delightful treat.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula so it bakes uniformly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage will be absolutely heavenly!
Step 6: Let It Cool Completely
Once baked, allow the pumpkin squares to cool completely in the pan. This cooling step is crucial as it helps the squares set, making it easier to frost and cut them without crumbling.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your pumpkin squares cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then, add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, continuing to mix until the frosting is creamy and fluffy. This frosting is what truly elevates the pumpkin squares, turning them into an indulgent treat.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin squares, smoothing it out with a spatula. Finally, cut into 12 squares and get ready to enjoy the magic of a well-made Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares Recipe!
How to Serve Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider sprinkling a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting, or even a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. These simple garnishes add a lovely crunch and complement the spiced pumpkin flavor effortlessly.
Side Dishes
These pumpkin squares are fantastic on their own but also pair beautifully with a cup of warm coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider. For a more decadent spread, serve alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to bring contrasts in temperature and texture that delight the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a couple of squares on a dessert plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for a classy look. If you’re feeling festive, add a few edible autumn leaves or pumpkin decorations for a charming centerpiece at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pumpkin squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep wonderfully for up to 4 days, maintaining their soft texture and rich flavor. Keeping the frosting intact means every bite tastes like it was freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze these pumpkin squares for longer storage. Simply freeze them uncut on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap individually or place in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They stay delicious for up to 3 months and ready to thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated squares, warm them gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked feeling without melting the frosting completely. Perfect for an easy, comforting snack anytime.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can! Just steam and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth, then measure out the same amount as the canned puree. Fresh pumpkin offers a more subtle flavor but works beautifully in this recipe.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
The pumpkin squares themselves can be made dairy-free by using coconut oil, but the cream cheese frosting contains dairy. You could substitute a dairy-free cream cheese to keep everything dairy-free if needed.
Can I substitute the gluten-free flour blend with regular flour?
Absolutely! If gluten is not a concern, you can use an equal amount of regular all-purpose flour. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How long do these pumpkin squares stay fresh?
When stored properly in the fridge, these squares stay fresh and moist for about 4 days. Beyond that, freezing is the best option to maintain quality.
Can I make these pumpkin squares vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like flax eggs for regular eggs and dairy-free butter and cream cheese, you can definitely make this recipe vegan-friendly while keeping its delicious charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares Recipe that makes it a staple for any season, especially fall. It brings together the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices in a tender, gluten-free treat topped with irresistible frosting. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy every time you take a bite.
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Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Delicious Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares are a moist, spiced treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting dessert. Made with gluten-free flour and a blend of warm spices, they boast a tender crumb and are topped with a creamy cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting. Easy to prepare and baked in a single pan, these pumpkin squares make an ideal dessert or snack for anyone avoiding gluten.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Squares
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the pumpkin squares.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the squares tender.
- Prepare to bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the edges for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the pumpkin squares to cool completely in the pan to set and prevent the frosting from melting.
- Make frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and serve: Once the pumpkin squares have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into 12 squares and serve as a delicious dessert or snack.
Notes
- Ensure pumpkin puree is well drained if homemade to avoid excess moisture.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor variation.
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best texture or add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend does not include it.
- Allow pumpkin squares to cool completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives in the frosting.
