There’s something about snowy days that inspires me to bake. Maybe, I just want to turn the oven on to add some extra warmth to the house? Maybe, it is easier to eat desserts in the winter because one can wear a sweater instead of a bathing suit?
I keep a file of “desserts to try” next to my mixer. Most of the recipes are clipped by my mom, flavorista Mimi. It seems prudent to keep a very loving and supportive grandmother well stocked with sweets. In my mind, it ensures future babysitting.
The recipe was originally printed in American Profile, a newspaper supplement that runs in my parents’ Sunday paper. I’ve made a few desserts from this publication and they have all been quite good. These pumpkin pie squares were totally yummy. The topping was superb! Honestly, I had a hard time handing them over to Mimi.
Pumpkin Pie Squares, from American Profile
Submitted by reader Martha Zeleniak of Taylor, PA
Ingredients
Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
½ cup butter, softened
Filling:
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin or squash
1 (12-ounce) can low-fat evaporated milk
2 eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Topping:
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
Whipped cream, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat oven 350F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
2. To prepare crust, combine flour, oats, brown sugar and butter. Using a pastry blender or fork, stir until crumbly. Press into prepared pan and bake 15 minutes, or until partially set.
3. To prepare filling, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, granulated sugar, salt and spices. Pour over crust and bake 30 minutes.
4. To prepare topping, combine pecans, brown sugar and butter. Remove pan from oven and sprinkle topping evenly over filling. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until filling is set. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.
Makes 30 squares.
Nutritional facts per serving: 120 calories, 6g fat, 2g protein, 16g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 85mg sodium.
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