Pumpkin Squares

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather and the vibrant red, orange, and yellow colors of the changing leaves. Fall foods – warm soups and casseroles – are comforting and hearty. And desserts take no thought – just make something with pumpkin. This year I planned for fall, starting in the spring. I filled one of my flower beds with pumpkin plants instead of flowers. Well at least the intent was a flower bed full of pumpkin plants, but nature had its own plan. Marigold and 

cosmos seeds from previous years started to sprout. At first it was cute – a few flowers here and there. But then it turned into a jungle of pumpkins, cosmos, and marigolds.

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The flowers and the pumpkins spilled out of the bed and onto the sidewalk. The vines had to be pushed back for mowing, but I couldn’t bring myself to pull the flowers out. I was having too much fun watching the plants grow, weaving in and out around each other. The strength of a small seed is amazing.​

In all that jungle there really were pumpkins to use for fall decorating.

Even though these weren’t sugar pumpkins for baking. They did inspire the baking of some Pumpkin Squares. I don’t know the origination of this recipe. I’ve had it in my recipe collection for years. I’ve tasted versions of it at neighborhood parties and church socials. The yellow cake mix in the recipe makes quick work of the crust and topping.

Pumpkin Squares
Crust
1 pkg Yellow cake mix (reserve 1 cup for topping)
1 Egg, beaten
1/3 cup Butter, softened
 
Mix cake mix, egg, and butter together. Press into bottom of a 9 X 13 cake pan.
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Filling
1 large can (29 oz) Pumpkin (about 3 cups)
1 cup Sugar
2 Eggs, beaten
1 tsp Salt
2 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp. Ginger
½ tsp. Cloves
1 can (12 oz) Evaporated milk
 
Mix all ingredients together. Pour into pan over crust layer.
 
Topping
1 cup Cake mix (reserved)
3 Tbs butter
 
Mix cake mix and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over filling.
 
Bake assembled squares for 60 minutes. Cool. Cut into squares. Great served with a dollop of whipped cream.