Oh, there’s just something magical about a Thanksgiving bake sale! The air fills with the sweet, warm aromas of spices and baked goods, and it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds. I remember my first bake sale back in school—I was so nervous but excited to see everyone’s faces light up with each bite of my treats. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this delicious assortment of baked goods that’s perfect for any Thanksgiving bake sale. Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about them! Each recipe is crafted with love, making it easy to whip up something special that brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bake Sale
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful treats! You’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour to create a sturdy base. Don’t skimp on the sweetness—grab 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of softened butter for that rich flavor. You’ll also need 2 large eggs to bind everything together and 1 cup of pumpkin puree for that classic fall taste. For a little lift, include 1 teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda, along with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Finally, mix in 1 cup of chopped walnuts and 1 cup of chocolate chips for added texture and decadence!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Bake Sale Treats
Alright, let’s get baking! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want that oven nice and hot when you’re ready to pop in your delicious treats. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the eggs and pumpkin puree, mixing until everything is combined beautifully.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—keep it tender! Now, fold in those delightful walnuts and chocolate chips; they’ll add such a lovely texture.
Next, pour the batter into a greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the wait is worth it! Cut into squares and get ready for the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll whip these up in no time!
- Great for gatherings: Perfect for sharing at Thanksgiving bake sales or family get-togethers.
- Delicious flavors: The warm spices and rich chocolate create a comforting fall treat.
- Appealing presentation: Cut into squares, these treats look as good as they taste—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Bake Sale
To ensure your Thanksgiving bake sale treats turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything blend together smoothly for that wonderful texture. When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife—this avoids packing it down, which can lead to dense squares. Also, don’t be tempted to overmix the batter; gentle folding is key! Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time—ovens can vary, so check for doneness a couple of minutes early. You want that perfect moist center without any risk of overbaking!
Variations for Thanksgiving Bake Sale
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this recipe and make it your own! For a delightful twist, try swapping out the walnuts for pecans or almonds—both will add a nice crunch. Want a little extra spice? Toss in some ginger or allspice to enhance those warm flavors. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness. And if you’re a chocolate lover, how about using white chocolate chips instead of regular ones for a creamy contrast? The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Thanksgiving bake sale treats fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat if you love them chilled, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy every bite!
Estimated Nutritional Information
These delightful treats are not only tasty but also provide a satisfying snack option! Each square contains approximately 180 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 25 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of sugar per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure—these goodies are worth every bite during your Thanksgiving bake sale!
FAQ about Thanksgiving Bake Sale
Can I make these treats ahead of time? Absolutely! These baked goodies actually taste even better the next day, so feel free to bake them a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until it’s smooth. Keep in mind that the moisture content might vary, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
What’s the best way to cut these squares? For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. You can also chill the baked goods for a bit to firm them up, making slicing even easier!
How can I make these treats gluten-free? You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just double-check that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to serve these at a bake sale? Arrange the squares on a pretty platter and label them with ingredients for those with allergies. You can also provide small bags for customers to take them home easily. Trust me, they’ll be a hit!
Print
Thanksgiving Bake Sale: 7 Irresistible Treats to Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious assortment of baked goods perfect for a Thanksgiving bake sale.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and pumpkin puree; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in walnuts and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to substitute nuts with dried fruit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bake sale
