Decadent Shortbread Pumpkin Pie Squares
This delightful recipe transforms the classic pumpkin pie into an easy-to-prepare treat that is perfect for any festive occasion. The buttery shortbread crust adds a rich and crumbly texture that complements the creamy pumpkin filling, making it a crowd favorite at potlucks and holiday gatherings. With its warm spices and fluffy topping options, these squares are sure to impress family and friends alike. Prepare it ahead of time for a stress-free dessert that’s sure to be a hit!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 3/4 cups (divided, use 1/4 cup for the crust and 1 1/2 cups for the filling)
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (for the crust)
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (cold, cut into flour mixture for crust)
eggs
4 (lightly beaten, for the filling)
solid pack pumpkin
1 (29 ounce) can (for the filling)
salt
1 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (for spices in filling)
ground ginger
1 teaspoon (for spices in filling)
ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (for spices in filling)
evaporated milk
2 (12 ounce) cans (for the filling)
whipped topping
optional (for serving, if desired)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of sugar with the all-purpose flour. Cut in the cold butter (or margarine) using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan to form the crust.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, the pumpkin puree, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of sugar until smooth.
5
Slowly stir in the evaporated milk until well combined.
6
Pour the pumpkin mixture over the prepared crust.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
8
After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 50 to 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
10
For best flavor and texture, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. When you're ready to serve, cut into squares.
11
Top each square with whipped topping if desired, and sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon for an extra touch.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
35
Carbs
4
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Shortbread Pumpkin Pie Squares?
They are a delightful dessert that transforms classic pumpkin pie into easy-to-prepare squares with a buttery shortbread crust.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is a rich and crumbly shortbread made from flour, sugar, and cold butter.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) for the initial baking phase.
How do I prepare the shortbread mixture?
Combine 1/4 cup of sugar with all-purpose flour and cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Should the baking pan be greased?
No, the mixture should be pressed into an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
How many eggs are required for the filling?
The recipe requires 4 eggs that are lightly beaten.
What type of pumpkin is used?
The recipe calls for one 29-ounce can of solid pack pumpkin.
What spices are included in the pumpkin filling?
The filling includes 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves.
How much sugar is used in the filling specifically?
The filling uses 1 1/2 cups of sugar, which is the remainder of the 1 3/4 cups total.
What kind of milk is needed for this recipe?
You will need two 12-ounce cans of evaporated milk.
How long do the squares bake at the initial high temperature?
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for the first 15 minutes.
What is the secondary baking temperature?
After the first 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
How long is the second baking period?
Continue baking at the lower temperature for an additional 50 to 55 minutes.
How do I know when the pumpkin squares are done?
They are done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
How should the dish be cooled?
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Is refrigeration necessary?
Yes, for the best flavor and texture, cover and refrigerate the dish overnight before serving.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the crust?
Yes, the recipe allows for either cold butter or margarine.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
What is the fat content of one square?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these squares?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per square?
Each serving provides 4 grams of protein.
Is the whipped topping mandatory?
No, the whipped topping is optional for serving if desired.
How much flour is required for the crust?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much salt is added to the filling?
One teaspoon of salt is added to the pumpkin mixture.
What size pan is used for this recipe?
A 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan is required.
Can these be served at a potluck?
Yes, they are described as a crowd favorite perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is tagged as a Thanksgiving and holiday recipe.
What is the final garnish suggestion?
Top each square with whipped topping and a dash of cinnamon for an extra touch.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed, including optional toppings.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it ahead of time is recommended for a stress-free dessert since it needs to chill overnight.