Thanksgiving is such a magical time of year, and what better way to celebrate than with some joyful baking? I remember the first time I invited my little niece into the kitchen to help me make pumpkin treats. We giggled as we mixed, splattered flour everywhere, and tasted the batter (which is the best part, right?). This recipe for a delightful pumpkin bake is not just easy and fun; it’s a perfect way to create lasting memories and bond with the kiddos. You’ll love seeing their eyes light up as they mix ingredients, and trust me, the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the house is pure bliss! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking together—this Thanksgiving will be one to remember!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is one of the most exciting parts of baking! For this scrumptious pumpkin bake, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Make sure your butter is softened before you start mixing—it makes a world of difference! And if you can, use fresh pumpkin puree; the flavor is just out of this world. Now, let’s get ready to whisk up some deliciousness together!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get those little hands busy in the kitchen! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and toasty when we’re ready to bake. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp salt. Give it a good stir to mix all those lovely spices together!
Now, in a separate bowl, we’re going to cream together the 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this is where the kiddos can really get in there and mix! Next, add in the 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 2 large eggs, mixing everything until it’s smooth and well combined.
Once you’ve got your wet ingredients ready, it’s time to gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Don’t rush this part; let the kids take turns stirring until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overmix! Now, pour that glorious batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Woohoo! Let it cool before diving in. You’re going to love this delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a fun and interactive way to get kids involved in the kitchen!
- Simple steps make it easy for little hands to follow along.
- Creates wonderful family bonding moments filled with laughter.
- Deliciously moist and packed with festive pumpkin flavor.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings and sharing with friends!
Tips for Success
To make this Thanksgiving baking experience a hit, here are some handy tips! First, use fresh pumpkin puree if you can—it really amps up the flavor and gives a lovely, rich texture to the bake. Don’t hesitate to let the kids get involved; they can help with mixing, pouring, and even decorating! And speaking of decorating, consider adding a bit of icing or sprinkles on top once it’s cool—kids love making things colorful. Finally, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a bit different, so check for that toothpick test around the 25-minute mark. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch things up with this pumpkin bake! Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet surprise, or toss in some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. Want a flavor twist? A pinch of ginger or allspice can really elevate the taste! Encourage your little bakers to get creative and make this recipe their very own masterpiece. The possibilities are endless, and that’s the best part!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious pumpkin bake, you might have some leftovers (though I doubt it!). To store them, simply place the pieces in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, or you can warm it up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This way, it’s soft and ready to delight your taste buds once more! Yum!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to baking, it’s always nice to have a rough idea of the nutritional content! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. Here’s a typical breakdown for one piece of this delightful pumpkin bake:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy this treat knowing it’s not just delicious, but also gives you a little boost of energy for all those holiday festivities ahead!
FAQ Section
Can kids help with the mixing?
Absolutely! Involving kids in the mixing process not only makes it more fun, but it also helps them learn about baking. Just make sure to supervise them to avoid any messy spills!
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can use applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute. They’ll add a lovely sweetness and moistness to your bake!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You can check if your pumpkin bake is ready by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s baked to perfection! Keep an eye on it starting around the 25-minute mark.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with chocolate chips, nuts, or even a dash of your favorite spices like ginger or allspice. It’s a great way to make the recipe your own!
What should I do if it turns out too dry?
If you find that your pumpkin bake is a bit dry, it could be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on the time and remember that it continues to cook a little even after you take it out. Adding a bit of icing or whipped cream can also help keep things moist and delicious!
Thanksgiving Baking for Kids: 5 Joyful Recipes to Cherish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and easy Thanksgiving baking recipe for kids.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree and eggs, mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin for better flavor.
- Kids can help with mixing.
- Decorate with icing if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: thanksgiving baking for kids
