Oh my goodness, I can hardly contain my excitement! There’s something so magical about a *thanksgiving bake sale*. It’s not just about the treats; it’s the warm, cozy feeling that fills the air as the aroma of spices wafts through your kitchen. Picture this: golden squares of pumpkin goodness, perfectly spiced, ready to be shared with friends and family. I always look forward to gathering in the kitchen, mixing up the batter, and sneaking in a taste or two (or three!). Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the joy of baking during the holidays, especially when you know all those delicious goodies are destined to bring smiles and joy to your loved ones. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this festive adventure together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important to ensure your treats bake evenly!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I like to use a hand mixer for this part, but a sturdy wooden spoon works too if you’re feeling old-school!
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air and gives your bake that perfect texture.
- Now, stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. The smell will be heavenly, I promise!
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is where all the warm, cozy spices come together!
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender squares, not tough ones!
- Pour the delicious batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick – that’s just how we want it!
- Now, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Yay!
- Once baked, let it cool in the dish for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps to keep the texture nice. After it cools completely, cut it into squares and get ready for the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a festive treat that captures the essence of Thanksgiving in every bite!
- Quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Deliciously moist and flavorful, thanks to the pumpkin and warm spices.
- Perfectly portioned squares that are easy to share at any bake sale or gathering.
- It fills your home with an irresistible aroma that everyone will love!
- Versatile enough to serve as a dessert or a sweet snack throughout the day.
- Great for making ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make sure your *thanksgiving bake sale* treats turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some expert tips that have saved me from a baking disaster or two, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything mix together smoothly and results in a better texture.
- Measure Flour Properly: When measuring your flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t scoop directly from the bag; that can pack it in and lead to dry squares.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make your bake tough, and we definitely want that tender, moist texture!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time but also trust your instincts! Start checking around the 30-minute mark with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden!
- Cool Completely: Let the squares cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes it easier to get perfect squares without crumbling.
- Store Wisely: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or in the fridge if you want them to last longer. They also freeze well if you wrap them tightly!
With these tips in your back pocket, I know you’re going to create something truly special for your *thanksgiving bake sale*. Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about this *thanksgiving bake sale* recipe is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it fresh and exciting. Here are some of my favorite variations that I think you’ll love:
- Spice it Up: If you want to jazz things up a bit, try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice to give your squares an extra kick. You could even toss in some cloves for that warm, holiday flavor!
- Nutty Goodness: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch. They complement the pumpkin beautifully and add a lovely texture!
- Chocolate Delight: For all the chocolate lovers out there, fold in some chocolate chips or chunks. Dark chocolate pairs amazingly with the pumpkin and spices for a rich, indulgent treat.
- Fruity Twist: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for a hint of sweetness and chewiness. This adds a festive touch and makes each bite even more delightful!
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top your squares with a luscious cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of decadence. Just whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla for a dreamy spread!
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’ll have a fantastic treat for everyone to enjoy, no matter their dietary needs!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas, and don’t be afraid to get creative! The joy of baking is all about making it your own, so have fun experimenting with flavors that you and your loved ones will cherish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep those delicious treats from your *thanksgiving bake sale* fresh and tasty! After all your hard work, you want to savor every last bite, right?
To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them moist and flavorful for a few days. If you’re planning to enjoy them later, you can keep them at room temperature for about 2-3 days. But if you want them to last even longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week!
Now, if you’ve got a big batch and want to freeze some, you can totally do that too! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just let them thaw overnight in the fridge. No reheating needed—these treats are delightful served cold, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or you might dry them out!
With these storage tips, you can enjoy your *thanksgiving bake sale* goodies long after the festivities are over. Happy munching!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s take a moment to talk about the nutritional information for our scrumptious *thanksgiving bake sale* treats. It’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving (that’s one square):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used or portion sizes. But hey, a little indulgence during the holidays never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy every delicious bite with a smile, knowing you’re treating yourself!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about our delightful *thanksgiving bake sale* treats? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions I often hear, along with my best answers to help you out!
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, but it might change the flavor and moisture level a bit.
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute it with applesauce or mashed bananas. While the flavor will be different, they’ll still keep your squares moist and delicious!
How do I know when my bake is done?
Great question! Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These treats are perfect for making in advance. You can bake them a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just let them cool completely before covering to avoid sogginess.
What’s the best way to serve these squares?
I love serving them plain, but a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting takes them to the next level! They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea during your *thanksgiving bake sale*.
I hope these tips help you feel more confident in your baking! Enjoy making these festive treats, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Bake Sale: 7 Joyful Treats to Share
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive bake sale featuring delicious treats perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served with whipped cream.
- Suitable for freezing.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving bake sale
