Super Easy Pumpkin Cake Squares
Alright, so listen up, buttercup, because if you’re anything like me, your kitchen is currently a disaster zone held together by caffeine and the faint hope that someone else will eventually do the dishes. But fear not, my messy comrades! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the glorious, fall-flavored chaos of my Super Easy Pumpkin Cake Squares. This isn’t some fussy, Pinterest-perfect masterpiece; this is the kind of treat you whip up when you want to feel like a domestic goddess without actually doing any of the *hard* domestic goddess stuff. It’s moist, it’s spiced, it’s basically autumn in a pan, and it’s so ridiculously simple, even I can’t mess it up… usually. You absolutely need these in your life because sometimes, you just deserve a slice of cake that didn’t involve a meltdown or a trip to a fancy bakery.
Honestly, the last time I made these, my husband, bless his cotton socks, swore I’d “gone pro” because they were “that good.” And then, of course, the kids descended like a plague of locusts, each demanding the “biggest piece” while simultaneously forgetting what a plate was. I walked back into the kitchen five minutes later to find crumbs *everywhere*, one kid with an orange smear across their cheek like war paint, and the youngest trying to feed a piece to the dog (don’t worry, I intercepted). My husband, meanwhile, was strategically hiding his “emergency slice” behind the milk carton. So yeah, it’s a hit. A messy, chaotic, crumb-generating hit. You’re welcome.
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Why You’ll Love This Super Easy Pumpkin Cake Squares
- It tastes like you slaved away all day, but really, you probably just scrolled Instagram for an hour while it baked. Winning!
- Perfect for when you *want* to be that person who bakes for potlucks, but also *don’t* want to sacrifice your sanity.
- Leftovers (if you get any) are fantastic for breakfast. Don’t judge. It’s cake and pumpkin, practically health food.
- Requires minimal “thinking ahead” ingredients. If you have a can of pumpkin, you’re halfway there.
Time-Saving Hacks
- Shortcut that keeps you sane: Honestly, store-bought cream cheese frosting. Don’t even pretend you have time to whip up a batch from scratch unless it’s a full moon and you’re feeling extra.
- Hack that saves dishes but still looks like effort: Mix everything in one big bowl. No need for separate dry and wet. Just dump, stir, and marvel at your efficiency.
- The sneaky “cheat” you always pull when you’re in a rush: Parchment paper sling for the win! It makes lifting the whole cake out and cutting it a breeze, saving you from a potentially sticky, cake-mangled situation in the pan.
Kitchen Confessions
- The disaster story: One time I forgot the baking powder. It was less “cake” and more “dense, orange brick.” My family still brought it up at Thanksgiving. Sigh.
- A silly mistake you or your family made with this recipe: My eldest thought “pumpkin spice” meant adding extra hot sauce. We learned that day.
- Honest admission: the messy part you secretly skip: I rarely, if ever, sift the flour. Just dump it in. A few lumps? Adds character, right? Or at least that’s what I tell myself.
What to Serve It With
Honestly, it’s perfect on its own with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk. But if you’re feeling fancy (or have company coming over that you actually *like*), a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to a whole new level of “I tried.”
Tips & Mistakes
Don’t overmix! Seriously, just mix until everything’s combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes your cake tough, and nobody wants a tough cake. Also, make sure your pumpkin puree is 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling (which has sugar and spices already in it). Trust me, that’s a mistake you only make once. And, for the love of all that is holy, check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If it comes out gooey, give it another 5-10 minutes and try again!
Storage Tips
Keep it in the fridge… assuming there’s anything left. Midnight cold bites? Honestly better than fresh.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap whatever—honey ↔ sugar, tamari ↔ soy sauce—or skip a step and call it rustic. Still edible. If you’re feeling extra, you can fold in some chocolate chips or chopped walnuts for a little textural excitement. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, a combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a tiny pinch of cloves will work wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Super Easy Pumpkin Cake Squares
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon for extra flavor
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, and oil. Mix well.
- Adjust the mixer to low and slowly add the eggs one at a time until fully blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Featured Comments
“This quick dinner recipe was will make again — the juicy really stands out. Thanks!”
“Made this last night and it was absolutely loved. Loved how the quick dinner came together.”
