Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares (Bars)

Embracing the flavors of fall brings a sense of warmth and comfort, especially when it comes to baking. Gluten-free pumpkin squares capture that essence perfectly with their tender, moist texture and luscious cream cheese frosting. These delightful treats not only celebrate the season but also honor inclusive cooking, allowing everyone to indulge in the joy of sweet desserts.

As the days grow cooler, the desire for cozy desserts rises too. Memories of cozy gatherings with family and friends inspired this recipe. Imagine the aroma filling your house, creating an inviting atmosphere. Each bite of these warm pumpkin squares evokes blissful moments spent enjoying treats alongside loved ones, where laughter and connection reign.

The beauty of these gluten-free pumpkin squares lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delightful dessert that pleases palates of all ages. The rich flavors harmonize perfectly, offering a satisfying taste that’s both festive and comforting. This recipe truly embodies the spirit of home cooking.

Gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a baking adventure that fills your home with delicious aromas and sweet memories. These gluten-free pumpkin squares become an instant favorite, making them the perfect addition to any gathering or celebration.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares

Fundamentals

Understanding the core elements of gluten-free pumpkin squares sets the stage for a successful baking experience. These squares feature wholesome ingredients that create a moist and flavorful dessert. By focusing on the essential components, you ensure that each bite bursts with deliciousness.

A gluten-free flour blend acts as the backbone of this recipe, providing structure without sacrificing texture. Pile on the pumpkin for a vibrant flavor that balances sweetness and warmth. Including baking powder and baking soda ensures that these squares rise beautifully and develop a light, fluffy texture during baking.

Cinnamon adds a warm spice that awakens the senses and complements the pumpkin, making every square feel like a cozy embrace. With essential components like eggs, sugar, and oil, you achieve that perfect blend of rich flavor and moisture.

Preparation/setup

Setting up your kitchen for gluten-free pumpkin squares is simple. Begin by gathering and measuring all the ingredients. Preheating your oven to 350° F ensures a perfectly baked treat, while greasing two 9×13” baking pans with cooking spray lays the foundation for easy removal later.

Next, you’ll create two distinct mixtures: a dry blend and a wet blend. In one bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step incorporates air and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, oil, and canned pumpkin. Whisk these ingredients until they achieve a cohesive mixture, showcasing the beautiful color and texture of pumpkin.

Once these mixtures are prepared, the next step involves uniting them into a batter. Pour the dry blend into the wet blend and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be liquidy, perfect for creating moist squares.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your gluten-free pumpkin squares:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 2/3 cups sugar
• 1 cup avocado oil
• 15 oz canned pumpkin
• 2 cups 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt

For the frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup butter (softened at room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

To create these delightful squares, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease two 9×13” baking pans with Pam cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
3. In another bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, avocado oil, and pumpkin. Whisk until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until you achieve a smooth, liquidy batter.
5. Evenly pour the batter into the greased baking pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely before adding the frosting.

To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Spread this irresistible frosting evenly atop the cooled pumpkin cakes.

After frosting, cut into 12 squares per pan. These gluten-free pumpkin squares are now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Baking Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares

Technique

Achieving the ideal gluten-free pumpkin squares requires a few thoughtful techniques. Be precise in measuring ingredients, especially when dealing with gluten-free flour. Using a kitchen scale can enhance accuracy, particularly for the flour blend.

In addition, consider whisking the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even combination. This helps achieve uniform flavor and texture throughout the squares. Avoid overmixing the batter once combining the wet and dry components; doing so can lead to denser squares, which is not the desired outcome.

Tips/tricks

Here are some handy tips to elevate your gluten-free pumpkin squares experience:

• Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth frosting. Cold ingredients can result in lumps, affecting the final texture of your frosting.
• Feel free to customize your squares by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• For a twist, incorporate a dash of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon to deepen the spiced flavor profile.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These pumpkin squares offer up to a week of deliciousness when stored properly.

Elevating Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares

Perfecting results

To perfect your gluten-free pumpkin squares, focus on the baking time. Overbaking may result in dry squares, while underbaking can lead to a gooey texture. Monitor the baking process and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center.

If some squares come out denser, consider revisiting the mixing process. A gentle touch when blending the wet and dry ingredients can greatly enhance the outcome.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you encounter challenges, don’t be discouraged. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:

• For squares that don’t rise as expected, double-check your leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) for freshness. Expired ingredients may hinder the rise.
• If you desire more sweetness, adjust the sugar levels. A spoonful or two extra can enhance the overall flavor profile, especially if using less sweet pumpkin puree.
• If you run out of gluten-free flour blend, a combination of almond flour and tapioca flour can work in a pinch, yielding a different but enjoyable texture.

Serving and Enjoying Gluten-Free Pumpkin Squares

Serving/presentation

Present your gluten-free pumpkin squares in a visually appealing manner. Arrange them on a festive platter, drizzling extra frosting on top for an eye-catching finish. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts for added flair.

These squares are best served at room temperature, allowing the frosting to retain its creamy consistency. For seasonal gatherings, frame them with autumnal decorations like mini pumpkins or colorful leaves for a festive touch.

Pairings/storage

While these pumpkin squares stand beautifully on their own, consider pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They work wonderfully alongside a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the cozy experience.

Store any remaining squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They maintain freshness for up to one week, allowing you to savor the deliciousness long after your initial baking adventure.

Gluten-free pumpkin squares resonate with warmth and comfort, inviting everyone to celebrate fall flavors in every delightful bite.

Print