Cookies, Desserts, Garden Produce, Pie Brenda Drake + Chelsea Kasen Cookies, Desserts, Garden Produce, Pie Brenda Drake + Chelsea Kasen

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Pumpkin pie bars with a sweet oat crust and caramelized nut topping.

Pumpkin pie squares are baked to perfection in a rectangle baking dish, with a sweet oat crust and caramelized nut topping. This is an ideal pumpkin dessert for a crowd . . . and the leftovers are just right to enjoy for breakfast.


Pumpkin Pie Squares

Step 1: Crust

Preheat oven to 350F.

To a medium mixing bowl, add:

1 cup flour

1/2 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp sugar

Sift together. Using a fork, cut in:

1/2 cup butter, softened

Once well combined, dump into a 13”x9” baking pan. Use the fork to press into an even layer for the crust.

Bake at 350F for 10 minutes.

While baking, continue to Steps 2 & 3.

Step 2: Filling

To a bowl of a stand mixer, add:

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin pureé

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp cloves

Turn mixer to low speed until combined. Add:

2 eggs

Mix on low speed until combined, scrape sides. Add:

1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

Turn mixer to low speed, allowing the mixer to stir until evenly incorporated.

Set aside.

Step 3: Topping

To a small mixing bowl, add:

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

2 Tbsp butter, softened

Stir together until combined.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Pour the prepared pumpkin filling (Step 2) over the baked crust.

Spoon the topping (Step 3) over the pumpkin layer, evenly distributing until all the topping is added.

Return the filled 13”x9” pan to the oven.

Bake at 350F for 20-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Allow to cool completely, cut into squares and serve.


Brenda’s tips:

  • Serving size: 12 (3”) squares

  • *Substitute for evaporated milk: 1/2 cup yogurt + 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • Prepare 1.5x the recipe for a sheet pan (15”x10” pan)


Window to B’s kitchen . . .

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Desserts, Fan Favorite, B's Favorite Brenda Drake + Chelsea Kasen Desserts, Fan Favorite, B's Favorite Brenda Drake + Chelsea Kasen

Brenda Brownies (Half Batch)

Use this half-batch Brenda Brownie recipe to make Brenda Brookies.

This recipe takes the standard Brenda Brownies recipe and scales it to fit an 8”x8” baking pan.


Brenda Brownies (Half Batch)

To your favorite mixing bowl add:

1 cups sugar

1/4 cup cocoa

Stir well, then cream in:

1/2 cup butter, softened

Next add:

1/2 tsp vanilla 

1/2 tsp salt 

2 eggs, mixing well after each

Finally, stirring until just incorporated, add:

1 cups flour 

Set oven to 350F. Spoon about half the batter into a greased 13x9 pan, sprinkle with:

1/3 cup miniature marshmallows

2 Tbsp chocolate chips

Spoon and smooth the remaining batter evenly over the top.

Bake for 22-27 minutes. Serve cooled. 


Brenda’s Tips:

  • Serving size: recipe made to fit an 8”x8” pan (~9 brownies)

  • Use this recipe to make Brenda Brookies

  • Stirring the cocoa into the sugar allows the granules to eliminate any lumps of cocoa, enhancing the texture of the finished brownies

  • If baking at sea level, reduce the flour to 3/4 cup

  • Recommended to use a metal pan, using glass will cause the brownies to cook differently

  • These brownies are Brenda’s favorite dessert that she makes


Window to B’s Kitchen…

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