Ah, fall! It’s that magical time of year when the air gets crisp, and the leaves turn into a tapestry of reds and golds. I absolutely adore the cozy flavors that come with this season—think pumpkin spice, warm cinnamon, and the crunch of nuts! One of my fondest memories is making these delicious pumpkin oat squares with my kids after a day of apple picking. The smell of those spices wafting through the kitchen is just heavenly! These pumpkin treats quickly became our go-to for everything from school lunches to afternoon snacks. I mean, who wouldn’t want a warm slice of fall goodness? Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked on the best fall snacks that are not only tasty but also so easy to whip up. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup oats (I prefer old-fashioned for better texture!)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (the packing helps to keep it moist)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work beautifully)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (this is where the magic begins!)
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (a little goes a long way for that warm flavor)
- 1/4 cup honey (feel free to adjust if you like it sweeter!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step because a hot oven is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown finish on your pumpkin oat squares!
Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of honey. I love to use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a nice, thick mixture that looks inviting! Don’t rush this step; take your time to ensure all those flavors meld beautifully.
Add Flavorings and Nuts
Now comes the fun part! Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts—whether you go for walnuts or pecans is totally up to you. Then, add in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. The aroma will be incredible! Mix everything until the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Trust me, the spices will infuse every bite with that cozy fall flavor.
Spread and Bake
Grab a baking sheet and spread your mixture evenly across it. I like to line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup, but you can also lightly grease it if you prefer. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown and the center feels set to the touch. Keep an eye on it—nobody wants burnt edges!
Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, let your delicious creation cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. This step is super important; if you cut them too soon, they might crumble! After they’ve cooled a bit, transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares. You’ll want to savor that first bite of warm, spiced goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy fall days!
- Full of healthy ingredients like pumpkin and oats that nourish your body.
- Deliciously spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for that cozy autumn vibe.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent!
- Great for meal prep; these squares make perfect snacks for school lunches or afternoon cravings.
- Wholesome enough to enjoy guilt-free while still satisfying your sweet tooth.
- They fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of fall—an instant mood booster!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your pumpkin oat squares turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips that I swear by:
- Use fresh pumpkin puree: If you can, try using homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned. It’ll give you a richer flavor! Just roast the pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth.
- Don’t overmix: When you’re combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, and we want these squares to be soft and chewy!
- Experiment with spices: If you’re a spice lover like me, feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra flavor kick. It’ll make your kitchen smell divine!
- Adjust sweetness to taste: The amount of honey can be adjusted based on your preference. If you like your snacks sweeter, add a bit more, but keep in mind that the natural sweetness of the pumpkin shines through!
- Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your squares! If they’re still jiggly in the center after 25 minutes, give them a few more minutes. They should have a slight bounce when pressed.
- Let them cool completely: I know it’s hard to resist the warm squares, but waiting until they cool completely will help them hold their shape better. Plus, they’re just as delicious at room temperature!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a batch of the best fall snacks that your friends and family will rave about. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about keeping those delicious pumpkin oat squares fresh and tasty! First off, once your squares have completely cooled, grab an airtight container. This is crucial for keeping them moist and flavorful. I usually stack them with a layer of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, but you can also line the bottom of the container with parchment if you prefer.
Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Trust me, they make a fantastic snack when you need a little pick-me-up! If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
Now, for reheating—if you want to enjoy that warm, cozy flavor again, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just enough to take the chill off and bring back that delightful softness! You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes if you prefer a little crispness on the edges. Either way, these squares are sure to bring the essence of fall back into your kitchen!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s break down the goodness packed into each of these delightful pumpkin oat squares! While I love to indulge in these treats, I also like to keep an eye on what I’m eating. Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving (that’s one square):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredient brands, so they might vary a bit depending on what you use. But overall, you can feel good about enjoying these as a wholesome snack that’s perfect for fall! Happy snacking!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time. Just make sure to choose 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
How do I know when the pumpkin oat squares are done?
You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown, and the center feels set when you gently press it. If they jiggle too much, give them a few more minutes in the oven!
Can I substitute the oats for a gluten-free option?
Yes! You can use gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to check the packaging to confirm they’re certified gluten-free.
What can I use instead of honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, maple syrup is a fantastic alternative! It will add a lovely flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Oh, definitely! Chocolate chips can be a delicious addition if you want to satisfy that sweet tooth. Just fold them in with the nuts for a delightful twist!
Best Fall Snacks: 7 Irresistible Pumpkin Treats to Enjoy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious snacks perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, oats, brown sugar, and honey.
- Add chopped nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the mixture.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: best fall snacks
