Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares

Why Make This Recipe

Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares are a fantastic dessert that combines the goodness of cottage cheese with the rich flavor of pumpkin. This recipe is perfect for any season, particularly during the fall when pumpkins are in abundance. It offers a guilt-free option for those who want to indulge their sweet cravings without compromising on taste or nutrition. The cake squares are moist and flavorful, making them a delightful treat for kids and adults alike. Plus, the addition of spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg gives them a warm, cozy flavor that feels just right with a cup of tea or coffee.

This recipe is also versatile and easy to make! Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a simple afternoon snack, these cake squares will surely impress your guests. The combination of cottage cheese and pumpkin not only enhances the flavor but also adds moisture to the cake, keeping it soft and delicious. Let’s dive in and see how you can make these delicious Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares!

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares

Making Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares is simple, and it doesn’t take long to prepare. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s follow these straightforward steps to make your cake squares:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This step helps prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

Step 2: In a large bowl, take the cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until the mixture is smooth. You can use a whisk or an electric mixer for this step.

Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars (white and brown), baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This will be your dry mixture.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If you’re using walnuts, fold them in at this point, giving the batter a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake squares are ready!

Step 6: Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool down before cutting it into squares. This cooling step is important, as it allows the cake to set properly.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares

Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares are best enjoyed once they have cooled. You can serve them plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for some added sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cake squares, enhancing their moist texture and rich flavors.

You can also try serving them with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of nuts for some extra flavor. This dessert is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a special treat for yourself.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! These cake squares can hold their own in a variety of serving styles that can cater to your taste.

How to Store Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares

After baking and cutting your Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares, you might not finish them all at once. To store leftovers, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a day or two, you can store them at room temperature. Just place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator. Wrap the squares in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days in the fridge.

3. Freezing: If you want to keep them for even longer, you can freeze the squares. Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy!

Tips to Make Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares

Here are some tips to ensure your Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares turn out perfectly:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh so that your cake rises well.
• Mix Gently: When combining wet and dry ingredients, don’t overmix. Gentle folding keeps the cake tender.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your cottage cheese and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend easily.
• Add Spices Wisely: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. Experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful results!

Variation

There are many ways to make Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares unique and catered to your taste. Here are a few suggestions:

• Different Nuts: You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch. You might even omit them entirely if you prefer nut-free options.
• Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips to the batter can create a deliciously rich contrast to the pumpkin flavor.
• Frosting: For a sweeter treat, consider frosting the squares with cream cheese frosting, which adds a tangy flavor that complements the pumpkin well.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
A1: Yes, you can! Make sure to prepare your fresh pumpkin by roasting and mashing it until smooth.

Q2: How can I tell if my cake is done baking?
A2: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached but not wet batter.

Q3: Can I make this recipe without cottage cheese?
A3: You can substitute cottage cheese with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar texture and taste.

Q4: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake squares. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Q5: Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! You can reduce both sugars by a bit without significantly affecting the texture of the cake.

Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares are a delicious choice for anyone seeking a simple yet delightful dessert. With these guidelines, you can enjoy this sweet treat any time of the year!

Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Squares

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• Author: zoubirlahcen
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Moist and flavorful cake squares made with cottage cheese and pumpkin, perfect for any season, especially fall.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently, being careful not to overmix. Fold in walnuts if using.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool before cutting into squares.

Notes

Best served with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. Can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days, in the fridge for up to 7 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cottage cheese, pumpkin, cake, squares, dessert, fall