The Lean Green Bean

Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Lindsay — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Make these Baked Pumpkin Donuts for a weekend breakfast treat or a fun dessert. Enjoy them plain or with simple glaze. Ready in 20 minutes!

*Originally published 9/2010. Updated 9/2025*

Hi friends!

I originally shared this recipe for baked pumpkin donuts way back in 2010 and they’re still a household favorite. I just made my first Fall batch this week!

Why You’ll Love These Baked Pumpkin Donuts

I love these donuts because they are quick, easy and they allow me to use my mini donut pan, which is totally adorable.

They have a great flavor and texture but don’t require any frying – just one bowl and an oven!

If you’re looking for more pumpkin recipes, try:

Healthy Pumpkin Donuts

While I would still consider these more of a treat than a snack, they are certainly healthier than most store-bought donut options.

How Do I Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts Healthier?

To make them even healthier you could play around with the ingredients – try reducing the sugar to 1/3 cup, using white whole wheat flour, or skipping the glaze.

You could also experiment with swapping the brown sugar for coconut sugar, replacing milk with almond milk, etc.

Can I Freeze Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes! To freeze these donuts, bake and cool completely. Then freeze in a freezer-safe bag until ready to eat. Do not glaze before freezing. Glad is best added just before serving as they don’t store well once they’re glazed.

How Do You Reheat Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

It’s easy to reheat these donuts! Just pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm them up and they’ll taste like they’re fresh out of the oven!

Common Mistakes When Making Pumpkin Donuts

A few common mistakes to avoid:

Over-mixing: Mixing too much will result in dense, not fluffy, donuts. When you add the dry ingredients, use a whisk and mix until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as the flour blends into the batter.
Over-baking: Don’t bake the donuts too long. Mini donuts typically only require 6-8 minutes. Check them with a toothpick starting on the low end of the time range and take them out as soon as it comes out clean when inserted.
Glazing too soon: If you want the glaze to stay on the top of the donuts, let them cool completely before glazing. If the donuts are still warm, the glaze will be absorbed into the donuts.

Pumpkin Donut Glaze Options

I use the most basic glaze option for these donuts because it’s the easiest – just mix powdered sugar with a tiny bit of milk until the glaze reaches your desired consistency and then either drizzle on top or dip the tops of the donuts. If you want a little more flavor, try adding some cinnamon to the glaze mixture.

If you’re looking for other glaze options, you could try:

Maple Glaze for Donuts
Easy Cream Cheese Glaze
Cinnamon and Sugar coating – dip the top of each donut in melted butter and then dip in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, or place the donuts in a ziploc bag with cinnamon and sugar while still warm and toss to coat

When To Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts

While these donuts can definitely be enjoyed all year long, Fall is one of the best times to enjoy them. You could add them to a snack tray with some of these 10+ Easy Halloween Snacks.

They’d also be a great treat for tailgating at your next football game! Or try serving them at Thanksgiving brunch along with my Overnight French Toast Bake or a Breakfast Enchilada Casserole.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Tips

Can I make gluten-free baked pumpkin donuts?

To make these gluten-free, simply swap the wheat flour for an all-purpose gluten-free baking mix. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

How To Make Pumpkin Donuts without A Donut Pan

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can make these as mini muffins! Or bake in mini loaf pans and cut into slices.

Are baked pumpkin donuts healthier than fried donuts?

Yes, baking the donuts is a healthier alternative. While frying gives the doughnuts a unique flavor, it can be intimidating and messy to make at home. Baking allows for a hands-off approach and still yields a donut that tastes great!

How Do I Make Vegan Pumpkin Donuts?

To make these donuts vegan, you could try replacing the melted butter with oil, using flax eggs and replacing the milk with almond or soy milk. Keep in mind that alterations to the original recipe may change the texture.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Ready to give them a try? Here’s the recipe:

Baked Pumpkin Donuts

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Make these Pumpkin Mini Donuts for a weekend breakfast treat or a fun dessert Enjoy them plain or with an easy cinnamon glaze.

Author: Lindsay L
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 15 min
Yield: 18 -24 small donuts

Ingredients

4 Tbsp melted butter
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1.75 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1.5 tsp cinnamon
Optional glaze – 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 Tbsp milk + cinnamon if desired

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Instructions

Combine the melted butter, pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla extract in a bowl and stir until well combined.
Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon and stir with a whisk until just mixed. Do not over-mix.
Spoon mixture into ziploc bag, cut off the corner and pipe into greased mini donut pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until the exterior springs back when touched**

Notes

**Baking time will vary depending on the size of your donuts. For full-sized donuts, cook time may be longer. Mine are medium-sized and I got about 18 donuts from this recipe. If you have a true mini donut pan, you may get more like 2.5 dozen donuts.

For the glaze, mix 1/2 c powdered sugar, 1 Tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional) in a small bowl. You may need additional milk or powdered sugar to get your desired consistency. Let donuts cool, then drizzle glaze over donuts or dip tops in just prior to serving.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree in donuts?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices and may make the donuts overly sweet.

What glaze goes best with baked pumpkin donuts?

This will depend on your personal preference! I like a simple powdered sugar glaze but a maple glaze or cinnamon cream cheese glaze would also pair well!

Can I make gluten-free baked pumpkin donuts?

Yes! These donuts are super easy to make gluten-free by swapping the flour with an all-purpose gluten-free baking mix.

How long do baked pumpkin donuts last?

You can store these donuts at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days unglazed. Or freeze any extras and pull them out as needed.

What flour works best for pumpkin donuts? Can I make baked pumpkin donuts with whole wheat flour.

I use white whole wheat flour when making these donuts but all purpose wheat flour or a gluten-free baking mix also work great! I wouldn’t recommend regular whole wheat flour as i’ve found it makes baked goods very dense.

What spices are best in pumpkin donuts?

I typically use just cinnamon but you could add any of your favorite Fall spices like ginger, nutmeg, allspice or even pumpkin pie spice.

How do I make pumpkin spice donuts extra moist?

You could try replacing the butter with oil or replacing the milk with sour cream to add extra moisture!

Can I bake pumpkin donuts in an air fryer?

Yes! Most recipes for air fryer donuts will cook at about 350 degrees F. You can look specifically for a recipe with thicker dough that you can need and form into donut shapes, or you can drop the batter with a cookie scoop onto parchment paper on the bottom of the air fryer and they will turn out more like donut holes!

If you’re looking to specifically use your air fryer, here’s a recipe for Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes!

What’s the best topping for baked pumpkin donuts?

I think a simple glaze is best. You can jazz it up by adding sprinkles or change things up and toss in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar instead!

Can I double this recipe to make even more donuts for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled.

I definitely wouldn’t skip the glaze! It’s the best part!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Whole Wheat Pancakes

Lindsay — Thu, 08 May 2025 14:16:00 +0000

This easy homemade whole wheat pancakes recipe will quickly become your favorite. Perfect for breakfast and freezer-friendly!

*Originally published 5/2023. Updated 5/2025*

Hi friends!

It’s been a while since I shared a pancake recipe and this is one I’m really excited to share. For a while now we’ve been using Kodiak Cakes pancake mix and it’s been great. My kids like it. I can get it at Costco for a reasonable price.

Recently, however, our Costco was out of the mix so I challenged myself to create a simple, homemade pancake recipe that all my kids would eat. Easier said than done of course, but I finally nailed it.

How do I keep whole wheat pancakes from being too dense?

Use white whole wheat flour

This recipe uses white whole wheat flour, as do most of my muffins and bars. I prefer it to whole wheat flour because it’s just a bit less dense and hearty. It bakes very similar to all-purpose flour but with the benefit of being whole grain. You can learn more about whole grains here, but they’re such an important part of our diet and are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber.

The fiber in white whole wheat flour will help these pancakes be more filling and can help avoid blood sugar spikes.

Healthy Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe

Pancakes are pretty simple by nature but it’s all about getting the right combination of the simple ingredients so you end up with something that tastes good and that you also feel good about serving. You probably have all the ingredients you need on hand already:

White whole wheat flour – this is my preferred flour for most things. It’s whole grain but lighter than regular whole wheat flour.
Baking soda
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Sugar – just a tablespoon for a bit of sweetness
Egg
Butter – a few tablespoons of melted butter add richness and flavor
Vanilla – a key ingredient. Don’t leave it out and don’t skimp!
Buttermilk – make your own by just adding a splash of vinegar to regular milk

Can I make whole wheat pancakes without milk?

If you’re looking for a whole wheat pancakes recipe that’s dairy-free, you can easily substitute the cow’s milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond, soy or oat milk. Here’s how to make vegan buttermilk.

Whole Wheat Pancakes with Applesauce

If you’d like to replace the 1 Tablespoon of sugar in this recipe, you can try using 2-3 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce.

Protein Whole Wheat Pancakes

You also have the option to add extra protein. I use Promix Unflavored Whey Isolate (referral link). It’s just powdered whey protein, no other ingredients or sweeteners and it mixes so well into pancakes, smoothies etc. I just add a couple of scoops to bump up the protein by a couple of grams, nothing major. You can leave it out or add some hemp seeds instead!

Want to see how easy this recipe is? Watch my 4 year old make these whole wheat pancakes!

https://youtu.be/YwFz-8AsfK0

PS. Did you know we have an entire separate website called Let The Kids Cook full of quick and easy recipes kids can make all by themselves?! Check it out! We show you how to make Oven Baked Bacon and Scrambled Eggs which would go great with these pancakes.

Just combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl, add the wet ingredients, then whisk until smooth and cook on a griddle!

Easy Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Whole Wheat Pancakes

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These easy homemade whole wheat pancakes will quickly become your go-to pancake recipe. Perfect for breakfast and freezer-friendly!

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

2 cups white whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 Tablespoon sugar
pinch of salt
1.75 cups buttermilk
3 Tablespoons melted butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
optional – 2 scoops protein (approx 1/2 cup)*

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Instructions

In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and protein if using.
Add buttermilk, melted butter, egg and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
Pour onto a buttered griddle and cook over medium heat.

Notes

Make your own buttermilk by adding a splash of vinegar to regular milk.

I use unflavored whey protein isolate with no added sugar/stevia/etc

Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe FAQs

Are these whole wheat buttermilk pancakes?

Yes because this recipe calls for buttermilk! Why do we use buttermilk in this recipe? The buttermilk activates the baking soda and helps make the pancakes nice and fluffy! If you don’t have buttermilk or the vinegar or lemon juice to make your own you can use plain kefir, or try sour cream or yogurt thinned slightly with a little water or milk.

Can you freeze whole wheat pancakes?

Yes! To freeze, let the pancakes cool completely, then freeze flat on a baking sheet or plate for a couple of hours. Then transfer to a freezer safe bag. To reheat, transfer to the fridge overnight or microwave straight from frozen.

Are these whole wheat pancakes healthier than regular pancakes?

This recipe is made with white whole wheat flour which adds some fiber and milk and egg which adds protein. You can also add additional protein to this recipe with protein powder or hemp seeds. It’s also low in added sugar.

How long do these pancakes last in the fridge?

Let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in a glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I make this a whole wheat pancake mix?

You could easily portion the dry ingredients of this recipe into a large mason jar ahead of time. It would be perfect to give as a gift! Just attach a tag that says “When ready to make, pour into a bowl and add 1.75 cups buttermilk, 3 Tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla and an egg! Whisk and cook on a griddle.”

Can I add Greek yogurt to pancake batter?

If you’re looking for a pancake recipe that specifically uses Greek yogurt, try these Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes.

Can I make these pancakes egg-free?

Yes, simply replace the egg with a flax egg. Learn how to make a flax egg here.

Whole Wheat Pancake Variations

There are tons of add-ins for whole wheat pancakes that you can use to personalize this recipe – try things like bananas, berries, pumpkin and chocolate chips!

Whole wheat pancakes banana

If you’re a banana-lover, this is a great recipe to add bananas to. You can mash up some ripe bananas and mix them right into the batter or add sliced bananas to the tops of the pancake once you pour them onto the griddle. My favorite is actually adding sliced bananas as well as a sprinkle of granola to make banana crunch pancakes!

Whole wheat blueberry pancakes

This recipe would be great for adding fresh blueberries! Stock up on fresh blueberries during the summer when they’re on sale and freeze them. Then just add a scoop to your pancake batter when making them!

Whole wheat pumpkin pancakes

To add a Fall spin to this recipe, add 1/2 cup pumpkin and some cinnamon.

What toppings go well with whole wheat pancakes?

Try adding:

sliced fruit
chia jam
syrup
yogurt
peanut butte
chopped nuts and seeds

Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Looking for more healthy breakfast recipes? Try these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Lindsay — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

This Fresh Green Bean Casserole is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Made with homemade cream of mushroom soup and pancetta, it’s full of flavor and easy to make!

*Originally published 11/2013. Updated 10/2024*

Hi friend!
It’s hard to believe it’s almost Thanksgiving time again! I’m excited to share this Fresh Green Bean Casserole recipe with you guys because it’s the one that actually converted me into a green bean casserole eater!

Despite the vegetable being in the name of my blog, I’m very picky about my green beans I can’t stand canned green beans and often I actually like eating them better cold than warm. But my husband is a fan of green bean casserole so this year I set out to make a version we both would enjoy and I think I hit the nail on the head with this recipe.

Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Is this a healthy green bean casserole? I think so! It’s packed with fresh green beans and mushrooms and the cream of mushroom soup is homemade so you can easily control the amount of sodium, unlike in the canned version.

The pancetta adds great flavor and there’s just a few breadcrumbs and crispy onions on top to balance everything out! Most importantly it tastes good! And food is meant to be enjoyed

Dairy and Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole Recipe

It’s super easy to make this a dairy and/or gluten-free green bean casserole recipe. To make the casserole gluten-free just use a gluten-free flour mix in the cream of mushroom sauce. I like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure. And use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and french fried onions. You can find them at the store or try making your own with a recipe like these Easy Gluten-free Fried Onions. Or skip the fried onions and try crispy shallots instead like this Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole.

To make the recipe dairy-free, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk in the cream of mushroom soup.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Soup Ingredients

This recipe has two parts. First you make the cream of mushroom soup and then you make the casserole. For the soup you need:

Garlic
Mushrooms – i like mini portabello mushrooms but you can use whatever kind you like
Pancetta – takes the flavor to the next level
Roux ingredients- butter, flour, broth and milk – the flour and butter combine with the liquids to help thicken the soup.

For the casserole you need:

Fresh green beans
Butter, garlic and salt – for flavor
Mushrooms – more of whatever kind you used in the cream of mushroom soup. You can adjust the amount depending how many you want in your casserole.
Panko and crispy onions – to add a little crunch to the top.

How To Make Fresh Green Bean Casserole

You can make this casserole in two parts – one right after the other, or if you need to make the cream of mushroom soup ahead of time, that’s fine too.

To make the cream of mushroom soup:

Saute the mushrooms, garlic and pancetta and set aside.
Melt the butter, add the flour and whisk in the broth and milk, simmering until it thickens.
Add the mushroom mixture back in and voila!

To make the casserole:

Blanche the green beans.
Saute more mushrooms and garlic.
Mix the beans, mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup together, top with breadcrumbs and bake.
Add the crispy fried onions just before serving.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

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This Fresh Green Bean Casserole is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Made with homemade cream of mushroom soup and pancetta, it’s full of flavor and easy to make!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: 9×9 pan

Ingredients

For the cream of mushroom soup:

1 Tbsp oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 oz mushrooms, finely diced
4 oz pancetta, finely cubed
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup milk (I use 2%)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

For the casserole:

2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed, cut into roughly 1 inch pieces
2 Tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 to 8 oz mushrooms sliced (amount depending on your preference)
1/4 tsp salt
1 batch of cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
French fried onions, to taste

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Instructions

To make the Cream of Mushroom Soup:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic, mushrooms and pancetta and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Remove from pan and set aside.
Melt 2 Tbsp butter in the skillet.
Add flour and whisk to combine.
Slowly add broth and then milk and salt, whisking constantly to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
Add mushroom mixture back in, stir to combine, then remove from pan and set aside.

For the casserole:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add green beans and boil for 5 minutes.
Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbsp butter in a skillet.
Add sliced mushrooms, garlic and salt and saute for 5 minutes.
In a 9×9 pan, combine green beans, sauteed mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup.
Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake 20 minutes F.
Sprinkle with French fried onions just before serving.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole FAQs

Can I use canned green beans?

If you prefer to use canned green beans, I would skip the blanching the beans and just combine 2 (drained) cans of beans with the sauteed mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup mixture!

Can I use frozen green beans?

I wouldn’t recommend putting the green beans in frozen because it will be too watery. If you need to use frozen, you could try cooking them first and draining the water before mixing them with the mushrooms and soup.

Can I make this fresh green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Feel free to assemble this casserole ahead of time. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking and then add the French fried onions right after baking!

You can also make the cream of mushroom soup ahead of time and/or blanch the green beans ahead of time so assembly goes more quickly when you’re ready to make the casserole.

How to store fresh green bean casserole?

Store this container in an airtight container in the fridge. Add fresh crispy onions after reheating!

Can I make fresh green bean casserole without mushrooms?

Yes! You’re more than welcome to leave the mushrooms out of this recipe. I add about 4 oz of sliced mushrooms to the casserole. You can add up to 8 oz or none at all!

Can I make fresh green bean casserole with store-bought cream of mushroom soup?

Yes. In a pinch you could sub one can of store-bought cream of mushroom soup but i highly recommend giving the homemade version a try!

Can I leave out the pancetta?

Yes! If you can’t find it or don’t want to use it you can leave out the pancetta. But I really love the flavor it adds. You could also substitute a few pieces of diced up bacon for the pancetta.

Can you make fresh green bean casserole in the slow cooker?

Yes! Here are a couple of recipes to try:

These would be a great option if you really need to free up some oven space for the holidays!

Other healthy green bean casserole recipes

Here are a few more recipes to try:

Need more Thanksgiving recipes to pair with this Fresh Green Bean Casserole? Try:

Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble

This Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble is the perfect addition to your holiday dinner. Make it for a quick and easy Thanksgiving side dish or pop it in the oven while eating and serve it with ice cream for dessert!

Grab the recipe!

Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup

This Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup is perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a new meal. Or make it with chicken any time of year!

Grab the recipe!

Easy Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip

This Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip is the perfect kid-friendly side dish for your next holiday gathering or weeknight dinner!

Grab the recipe!

Bisquick Cornbread

A non-traditional sweet cornbread that the whole family will love! Makes enough to feed a crowd and pairs well with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to chili!

Grab the recipe!

Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing

This Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing makes the perfect holiday side dish but is also hearty enough to enjoy as a meal on its own.

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy 5 Ingredient Christmas Crack

Lindsay — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:15:00 +0000

This easy 5 ingredient Christmas crack is so easy to make and it’s the perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray!

*Originally published 11/2023. Updated 10/2024*

Hi friends!

This Easy 5 Ingredient Christmas Crack is an absolute must-try this holiday season. This is always a throwback to Christmas growing up for me because my mom made something similar when I was growing up.

She topped hers with slivered almonds but I prefer mine with chopped pecans and something to make it a little more festive, like holiday sprinkles or red and green m&ms.

Graham Cracker Christmas Crack Recipe

If you prefer graham crackers as the base, you could substitute them for the saltines in this recipe.

Christmas Crack Toffee

This recipe is also similar to another favorite of mine: Graham Cracker Toffee Bars. In that recipe, I use graham crackers as the base and top them with butter, bits of store-bought toffee and chocolate. It’s definitely a must-try for the holidays.

Christmas Crack Candy with Saltines

This recipe uses the more traditional base of saltine crackers and you make your own toffee layer by combining butter and brown sugar.

What is Christmas Crack?

A delicious treat made with just a few simple ingredients: saltine crackers, butter, brown sugar, chocolate chips and chopped pecans. If you’re feeling festive, add some holiday sprinkles as well!

If you’re looking to make these gluten-free you can try Glutino Table Crackers. (aff link)

Why is it called Christmas crack?

The name Christmas crack comes because once this treat is fully hardened, you can crack it into pieces and then hear a satisfying crack when you bite into it!

How To Make Christmas Crack

This recipe is so easy anyone can make it!

Line a baking tray with foil and lay out 30 saltines in 5 rows of 6.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips.
Stir constantly for 5 minutes over low heat so it’s well mixed and slightly thickened.
Pour the mixture over the saltines, using a pastry brush to make sure all the crackers are covered.
Bake for a few minutes.
Top with chocolate chips and return to the oven for 1 minute.
Spread the chocolate chips into a layer of chocolate.
Top with chopped nuts and sprinkles.
Let harden completely then break into pieces.

What are the best Christmas Crack toppings?

You can really top this with whatever you’d like! Chopped nuts are one of the most traditional toppings – slivered almonds, pecans, walnuts or even peanuts would be good.

Holiday sprinkles help make it festive if it’s that time of the year.

You could also drizzle with melted white chocolate or make a s’mores version with mini marshmallows.

Easy Christmas Crack Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Easy 5 Ingredient Christmas Crack

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5 from 1 review

This easy 5 ingredient Christmas crack is so easy to make and it’s the perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray!

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

30 saltine crackers
8 Tbsp butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
sprinkles if desired

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Instructions

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place saltines in 5 rows of 6 so the edges are touching.
In a small pan over medium heat, combine butter and sugar, stirring until the butter is melted.
Let it bubble lightly while stirring for 3-4 minutes.
Pour over saltine crackers and use a pastry brush to make sure all crackers are covered.
Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips all over the top.
Return to the oven for 1 minute.
Spread melty chocolate chips all over the top to make a layer of chocolate.
Top with chopped nuts and sprinkles.
Let cool completely until the chocolate hardens (I put mine in the fridge for an hour), then break into pieces and serve.
Store in the fridge.

Best Christmas Crack Recipe FAQs

Can you freeze Christmas crack?

Yes! Break into pieces and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

How to store Christmas crack?

I store mine in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you live somewhere cold, you can also put it in a tin and store it in your garage (that’s what my mom used to do).

How long does Christmas crack last?

It should be fine in the fridge or somewhere cold for a week or two!

Can you freeze Christmas crack?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then place between layers of parchment paper in freezer-safe container or bag. Remove and let thaw on the counter when you’re ready to eat it.

Does Christmas crack need to be refrigerated?

Technically no, but I think it’s best to store somewhere cold. It will keep the layers cold, keeps the chocolate from melting and give you that nice crack when you bite into it.

Can I use parchment paper for Christmas crack?

Yes. I typically use aluminum foil but parchment paper will also work. If you crinkle it into a ball before spreading it out it will lay better for you in the pan.

Christmas Crack Variations

Can you make Christmas crack with Ritz crackers?

Yes! Those have a more butter taste so it will make the Christmas crack even richer-tasting. You can also use graham crackers. Totally up to you.

Can you make Christmas crack with pretzel thins?

I haven’t tried this but think it would be delicious! Definitely put down to line the pan since the preztel thins have holes in them so some of the butter mixture is going to go through those holes but it will be fine once it hardens.

Can you make Christmas crack with white sugar?

You can. It will change the recipe slightly but it’s worth trying. You may prefer it one way over the other.

How do you make gluten-free Christmas crack?

Just look for gluten-free crackers. Several brands make gluten-free graham crackers ( I like Pamela’s Gluten-Free Honey Grahams) or try a gluten-free cracker that’s more similar to saltines like these from Glutino.

Or make your own! Try these homemade Gluten-Free Crackers.

Can you make Christmas Crack with peanut butter?

After you take the crackers out of the oven and add the chocolate chips, add a few drizzles of natural peanut butter as well. Once the chocolate chips are melty, spread everything out evenly over the crackers.

Can you make a Christmas crack no chocolate version?

Sure! Just leave the chocolate off. Add some chopped nuts right after you pour the butter and sugar mixture over the crackers and bake! Here’s a no chocolate Christmas crack recipe using graham crackers for Praline Crack.

Holiday Cookie Recipes

Need more ideas for your cookie tray? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Lindsay — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:59:00 +0000

These soft and chewy gingerbread cookies are a must-make addition to your holiday cookie trays! Fun to make and oh so delicious!

*Originally published 11/2023. Updated 10/2024*

Hi friends!

If you love the flavor of gingerbread but crunchy cutout gingerbread men are not for you, this recipe is a must-try! These soft and chewy gingerbread cookies are perfectly spiced, slightly crisp around the edges and soft & chewy in the middle.

Rolling them in sugar adds the perfect hint of sweetness to the outside and pulling them out of your oven is sure to make it feel like the holidays.

When I was growing up, my mom would make dozens and dozens of different types of Christmas cookies and then assemble cookie plates for all of our friends. These would be the perfect addition to holiday cookie trays. They’re not delicate, they add that traditional holiday flavor without all the work of cutting out and decorating gingerbread men and they’re super easy to whip up!

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies Recipe Variations

Before we dive into the actual recipe, here are a few variations and modifications that people have asked about:

How To Make Chewy Ginger Cookies Gluten Free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, just substitute the regular flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure.

How To Make These Soft Gingerbread Cookies Vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, use a flax egg for the egg in the recipe. Here’s how to make a flax egg.

How To Make White Chocolate Dipped Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies would be great dipped in white chocolate. I love Ghirardelli Melting Wafers. To make things extra festive around the holidays, you can dip part of the cookie in white chocolate, then add holiday sprinkles.

How To Make Soft Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches

These cookies would be perfect for making gingerbread cookie sandwiches and there are lots of options for the cream filling in the middle. You can make marshmallow buttercream like in these Ginger Sandwich Cookies or browned butter cream cheese frosting like in these Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies. Or try a cinnamon buttercream like in these Soft Gingerdoodle Cookies.

Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Molasses Ingredients

Here are some of the key ingredients you’ll need to make these cookies:

Butter – Softened and unsalted
Brown sugar- this helps make the cookies chewy versus crunchy
Molasses – To help achieve that classic gingerbread flavor
Cornstarch – A secret ingredient to help make these soft and chewy!

How To Make Gingerbread Cookie Dough

To make this dough, all you need is an electric mixer and one bowl!

Cream the softened butter and brown sugar for a couple minutes.
Add the egg, molasses and vanilla.
Then add the flour plus baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, salt and ginger and mix until a dough forms.
Use a cookie scoop to scoop balls of dough and roll them in granulated sugar.
Bake for 12-14 minutes and enjoy!

Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe!

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

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5 from 1 review

A soft and chewy gingerbread cookie recipe that gives you that delicious gingerbread flavor without all the work of cutting out and decorating gingerbread men!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

½ cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla
2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
granulated sugar for rolling

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine softened butter and brown sugar and cream with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
Add an egg, molasses and vanilla and beat to combine.
Add flour, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch and salt and mix until just combined.
Scoop and roll into balls, then roll in granulated sugar.
Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes.

Chewy Gingerbread Cookies FAQs

How to store chewy gingerbread cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container for 5-7 days on the counter. Or in a cookie tin in the garage or on the porch if it’s cold.

Can you freeze gingerbread cookie dough?

Yes you can. Make the dough and roll into balls. When ready to eat, roll in sugar and and bake. You may need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes.

Can you freeze chewy gingerbread cookies?

Yes! Bake the cookies, let them cool completely and then store in a ziploc or freezer-safe bag!

Are these no chill gingerbread cookies?

Yep! No chilling is required. Just make and bake.

Can you make this a chewy chocolate gingerbread cookie recipe?

Yes! I would start by adding 1/4 cup cocoa powder and increase from there until you reach your desired level of chocolate flavor. You could also throw in some chocolate chips or pieces of chopped dark chocolate if you wanted to.

How to make soft gingerbread cookies?

Using brown sugar instead of white sugar helps because it has more moisture. This recipe also uses a mix of baking soda and baking powder which helps. And I add a teaspoon of cornstarch which can also make the cookies soft.

What’s the trick for making gooey gingerbread cookies?

If you want the cookies to be a little bit gooey, under-bake them. I would take them out at 9 or 10 minutes.

Soft Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe

Chewy Gingerbread Cutout Cookies

If you’re looking to make soft gingerbread men cookies, here are a few recipes to check out:

These recipes are designed to have the dough rolled out and cut into shapes and then maintain their shape once baked, while also staying soft.

Do you have more gingerbread recipes?

Here are some of my favorites:

What’s the best icing for gingerbread cookies?

Try Royal Icing for an icing that’s easy to make and will set hard so your decorating will stay put. Here’s a video on how to decorate gingerbread cookies with royal icing.

Best Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

Lindsay — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:40:00 +0000

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are bursting with flavor, deliciously moist and they make a great mid-morning snack! They’re the perfect way to transition from fall to winter.

*Originally published 12/2014. Updated 11/2023*

Hi Friends-

You know those few weeks in early November, when Halloween and all things pumpkin is over, but Thanksgiving isn’t quite here and you’re ready for Christmas but it still feels to early?

That’s when you make these muffins. They’re the perfect bridge between Fall and Winter and you absolutely must try them.

Pumpkin and Gingerbread Flavors

I’ve been making these muffins for almost 10 years and they never disappoint. They’re the perfect mix of your favorite pumpkin bread and a delicious gingerbread cookie. All wrapped up in a delicious muffin.

The pumpkin adds a light Fall flavor and the molasses and ginger add the perfect hint of gingerbread with just a couple of simple ingredients.

How To Make Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

To make these muffins, you just need a few simple ingredients.

Many of them can be found at Thrive Market– my favorite place to stock your pantry! I love their large selection and place an order every month or two to stock my staple baking items! (refferal link)

Melted butter
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla
Molasses
Pumpkin puree
Flour – I use white whole wheat flour, or
Baking soda & baking powder
Cinnamon and Ginger – for flavor

To make them just mix all the wet ingredients together, add the dry ingredients and stir to just combine. You can leave them plain or add mix-ins. I like fresh cranberries for a bit of tart, but you could also add chocolate chips or some hemp seeds.

Recipe for Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

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5 from 12 reviews

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are packed with ginger flavor and full of the nutritional benefits of pumpkin and white whole wheat flour.

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 25 min
Yield: 12

Ingredients

4 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup molasses
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
1.5 cups white whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger (more if desired)
optional mixins- fresh cranberries, hemp seeds, ground flax etc

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Instructions

Combine the first six ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well combined.
Add remaining ingredients and stir until just mixed.
Scoop into greased or lined muffin tins.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20-22 minutes.

I make 12 large muffins. Feel free to make yours smaller if you prefer. I like them plain, but if you want to fancy them up a little, mix some powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle it on top for a glaze!

Easy Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins FAQs

Can I freeze pumpkin gingerbread muffins?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw on the counter!

What if I don’t have ground ginger?

You can leave it out and add extra cinnamon to amp up the flavor but the gingerbread flavor will be lacking if you leave it out.

What is molasses and is it healthy?

Molasses is a type of liquid sugar. It’s a thick, dark syrup that is made while refining sugar cane into sugar. Molasses is lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar. It also contains small amounts of nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin B6.

Do you have a regular pumpkin muffin recipe?

Try this Easy Pumpkin Bread recipe. You can also make it as muffins. You might also like my Gluten-free Pumpkin Bean Bread as an easy way to add some extra nutrients. Or try these Pumpkin Yogurt Bars or my Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

Looking for more pumpkin recipes?

Try these:

Pumpkin Pie Bars
Pumpkin Yogurt Dip
30 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes
20 Pumpkin Dessert Recipes That Aren’t Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Apple Lentil Muffins
Pumpkin Energy Balls

And if you want more gingerbread baking recipes, try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Bisquick Cornbread

Lindsay — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:45:05 +0000

A non-traditional sweet cornbread that the whole family will love! Makes enough to feed a crowd and pairs well with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to chili!

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing another family holiday recipe. This Bisquick Cornbread is known as Mimi’s cornbread around our house and it was a staple at our Thanksgiving dinners while I was growing up.

I’ve also shared a few other family holiday recipes including Fresh Cranberry Sauce, Sausage & Wild Rice Stuffing and Strawberry Jello Salad so be sure to check those out as well!

What is Bisquick Cornbread?

As the name implies, this cornbread relies on a Bisquick mix as the base of the recipe. By adding just a few other ingredients, you can whip up a large pan of cornbread that will easily feed the whole family for your next holiday dinner.

Is this Hawaii cornbread?

Although I’d never heard that term until recently, I believe it’s a term that accurately describes this recipe. Northern cornbread tends to be less sweet while southern cornbread is more buttery and cake-like. This Bisquick or Hawaii cornbread is sweet and fluffy, almost like corn cake.

How To Make Bisquick Cornbread recipe

Making this cornbread is super easy. You just need a few basic ingredients:

Bisquick
Yellow cornmeal
Baking soda
Melted butter
Eggs
Baby food prunes – they add sweetness, you don’t taste them I promise!
Sugar
Milk

To make the cornbread just add the dry ingredients to a bowl, stir in the remaining ingredients, pour into a pan and bake!

Bisquick Corn bread Recipe

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A non-traditional sweet cornbread that the whole family will love! Makes enough to feed a crowd and pairs well with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to chili!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serves 12

Ingredients

3 cups Bisquick baking mix
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 tsp baking soda
8 Tbsp melted butter (1 stick)
3 eggs
1 (4 oz) jar baby food prunes
3/4 cup sugar
1.5 cups milk

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Instructions

Place Bisquick, cornmeal and baking soda in a large bowl.
Add remaining ingredients and whisk until just combined.
Pour into a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.

Notes

* if you don’t have baby food prunes, sub an additional 1/4 cup sugar

Bisquick Cornbread FAQs

Can you make this cornbread recipe gluten-free?

Yes! There is a gluten-free Bisquick mix you can find at most grocery stores. Then just make sure you find a gluten-free cornmeal if needed (aff link).

Can you make cornbread without cornmeal?

If you find yourself without cornmeal or don’t want to use it for whatever reason, try this No Cornmeal Cornbread recipe from The Food Network that blends sweet corn with milk and sour cream. Or try this Bisquick Cornbread recipe that uses canned cream-style corn.

How to store Bisquick cornbread?

Store this cornrbead in an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days. After that I would move it to the fridge to prevent spoiling since it is fairly moist.

Can you freeze Bisquick cornbread?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then cut into squares and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw on the counter and enjoy!

Substitute for Bisquick in Bisquick cornbread

If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, here is a recipe for homemade Bisquick.

More cornbread recipes

If you’re looking for more cornbread recipes, try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

Lindsay — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

This Graham Cracker Toffee Bars recipe is a Christmas cookie tray staple! Everyone will love this classic dessert and it’s the perfect quick, easy holiday treat!

*Originally published in 2017. Updated 11/2023*

Hi friends!

I’ve been making these Graham Cracker Toffee Squares for as long as I can remember. They are a staple on every tray of Christmas cookie tray I make and I have a tin of them in my fridge for most of the month of December as I can’t resist making a new batch as soon as I run out.

Christmas Crack Graham Cracker Toffee Bars // Can I make Christmas Crack with Graham Crackers?

This dessert is really nothing new. I’m sure a lot of you have made your own versions but over the years I feel like I’ve perfected mine and it seemed like it was worth sharing!

While I definitely wouldn’t call this healthy, it does use significantly less butter and sugar than most similar recipes and tastes just as good (in my opinion!).

Depending on who you ask, Christmas crack is actually a similar recipe made with Saltine crackers instead of graham crackers so if you think you’d prefer those as a base, you could swap them out in this recipe.

What toffee for graham cracker toffee bars?

I get a lot of questions about what toffee I use in this recipe and here’s what I buy: Heath Bits O’Brickle English Toffee Bits. They have them in the baking aisle at most grocery stores. You can pretty much use the whole bag for this recipe. Use one heaping cup on top of the graham crackers and sprinkle the rest on top once you add the chocolate.

Christmas Cookie Trays

These bars are perfect for adding to holiday cookie trays. If you’re looking for a few other things to add, try:

Graham Cracker Toffee Crack

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars with Almonds

I love topping mine with Christmas m&ms to make it festive but really you could top it with whatever you want. When my mom used to make it she would top it with slivered almonds and extra chocolate chips. I’ve also made with topped with extra toffee and chopped pecans!

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars without nuts

This recipe is super easy to make nut-free. Just choose nut-free toppings like m&m’s, chocolate chips and extra toffee.

If my kids had their way, ours would also have Christmas sprinkles on it!

Speaking of kids….this recipe is so easy even toddlers can make it! So you’ve got no excuse not to try!

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars Recipe

Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

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5 from 2 reviews

This Graham Cracker Toffee Bars recipe is a Christmas cookie tray staple! Everyone will love this classic dessert and it’s the perfect quick, easy holiday treat!

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 10
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12-14 squares

Ingredients

12 – 14 graham cracker squares
8 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup toffee pieces + extra for topping (I use the Heath Bits O’ Brickle Toffee Pieces in the baking aisle)
2 cups dark chocolate chips
m&ms for topping

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Instructions

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add sugar and mix well.
Line a foil-lined large rimmed baking sheet with squares of graham crackers.
Top with butter & sugar mixture and use a brush to coat all of the crackers.
Sprinkle with toffee piece and bake at 350 degrees F for 8 mins.
Remove from oven, sprinkle chocolate chips all over the top and eturn to oven for 2 minutes.
Remove from oven and spread melted chocolate chips into an even layer over top of crackers.
Sprinkle with extra toffee pieces and chopped m&ms.
Let cool completely and break or cut into pieces and store in the fridge.

Notes

Try using different colors of candy to make this a treat for other holidays, too!

See what I mean? So easy!

Graham Cracker Toffee FAQs

Can you make toffee with brown sugar?

Yes! If you can’t find toffee bits in the store or just want to make your own, here’s a super easy Homemade Toffee Bits Recipe. And here’s another recipe for homemade English toffee.

What aisle are graham crackers in?

At my grocery store, they are found in the aisle with cookies like Oreos and crackers like animal crackers.

How to make chocolate-covered graham crackers.

If you’re not a fan of toffee and are just looking to make a no bake treat, try these easy Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers.

Or try making them with homemade graham crackers – The Best Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers.

What to make with graham crackers?

If you’re looking for another snack using graham crackers, try these Easy Apple Graham Cracker Snack Nachos. Or if you need a baking project, try these Peanut Butter S’mores Bars.

I hope you guys enjoy these as much as I do. I’ve been doing a lot of baking this week and I sent a lot of the treats into the office with my hubby…But not these. These I kept all for myself

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing

Lindsay — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

This Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing is hearty enough for a meal but also makes a delicious side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

**Originally published 10/2014. Updated 10/2023**

Hi Friends-

Would you believe me if I told you that this sausage stuffing recipe used to be my least favorite part of Thanksgiving?

I avoided it for years for no good reason other than I wasn’t a very adventurous eater and it wasn’t until I was an adult that I discovered how delicious my mom’s Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing actually is.

Sausage Stuffing Recipe

In the photos for this post and when I make this recipe, I use chicken sausage because it’s what I almost always have on hand.

However, the original recipe calls for regular pork sausage so you can definitely use that. Just sub 1 pound of pork sausage for the chicken sausage and make sure to cook it all the way through.

Wild Rice and Sausage Stuffing

This stuffing is a bit non-traditional and it may seem intimidating if you’re not familiar with wild rice but I promise it’s worth a try. I buy the 4oz packages of Reese Wild Rice and am able to find them in most grocery stores so I try to make sure I always have some in my pantry. I’ve also used this Wild Rice Blend from Lundberg.

If you happen to buy a larger bag of wild rice and need help using the rest of it, here are 15 Healthy Wild Rice Recipes to try!

If you’re not sure how to cook wild rice, you can try:

How To Make Wild Rice Sausage Stuffing

This stuffing recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps:

Cook wild rice according to package directions.
Saute leeks in butter.
Add sausage, apples and dried cranberries.
Add cooked rice, fresh parsley and stale bread cubes.
Slowly add some broth to moisten the bread and voila! Ready to serve.

Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing Recipe

So here’s how you make it:

Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing Recipe

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4 from 1 review

This Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing makes the perfect holiday side dish but is also hearty enough to enjoy as a meal on its own.

Author: Lindsay
Yield: 4

Ingredients

2 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup leeks, thinly sliced
1 medium apple apple, chopped
4 chicken sausages, halved & sliced (or sub 1 pound ground pork sausage)
1 tsp McCormickâs grill seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup Craisins
1/2 cup uncooked wild rice
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced
3–4 cup stale bread, cubed
1/2 – 2/3 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

Cook rice according to package directions.
Saute the leeks in the butter until soft.
Add the apple, sausage, Craisins and seasonings and saute 5 minutes more. (If using ground sausage, cook until sausage is cooked all the way through)
Stir in the cooked rice, parsley and bread cubes until well combined.
Slowly add broth until all of the bread is moistened.
Cook until heated through and serve warm.

Pretty easy and super delicious! Feel free to customize with your favorite kind of sausage. And don’t leave out the leeks! They add a mellow yet unique flavor that pairs well with the rest of the ingredients.

Sausage Stuffing FAQs

Is this sausage and wild rice stuffing for turkey?

I do not cook this stuffing inside the turkey but you could if you want to. Just make sure if you’re using pork sausage that you cook that first before putting it into the turkey so that you’re certain it cooks all the way.

How to make wild rice stuffing with sausage and mushrooms?

This recipe does not call for mushrooms but you could certainly add them. Just slice them up and saute them when you add the sausage, apples and cranberries!

Gluten-free sausage and wild rice stuffing recipe

To make this stuffing recipe gluten-free, you have a few options. Either use gluten-free bread, or sub the bread for something like roasted sweet potatoes. And make sure your sausage is gluten-free if necessary.

Wild rice stuffing vs bread stuffing

This stuffing is unique in that it uses both wild rice and bread. This lends itself to more traditional bread stuffing, but the wild rice adds some added chewiness, which I love.

Other sausage stuffing recipes?

If you’re looking for more sausage stuffing recipes, try:

Thanksgiving recipes

Need more Thanksgiving recipes? Try these:

Cranberry Corn Muffins

These Cranberry Corn Muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with tart fresh cranberries. They make the perfect dinner side dish. Serve them with a hearty chili or make a batch for your holiday dinner.

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble

Grab the recipe!

Fresh Cranberry Sauce

This fresh homemade cranberry sauce is an easy and delicious way to add some fresh fall flavor to your meals! Make it for Thanksgiving and use the leftovers as a topping for waffles, oatmeal and sandwiches.

Grab the recipe!

Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup

This Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup is perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a new meal. Or make it with chicken any time of year!

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Pumpkin Pie Bars

Lindsay — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:17:56 +0000

These pumpkin pie bars use a box of yellow cake mix plus a few simple ingredients to make the most delicious pumpkin pie bar recipe. Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert or any other occasion.

Hi friends!

A few years ago I shared a post called 20 Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes {That Are Not Pumpkin Pie} and today I’ve got a new recipe to add to that list.

My mom has been making these Pumpkin Pie Bars for years and I will take them over pumpkin pie every time. She originally got the recipe from our neighborhood cookbook while I was growing up and I’ve made some tweaks and changes over the years to turn them into what I consider to be the perfect recipe.

The best thing about these pumpkin pie squares is the topping. The reason I don’t like pumpkin pie is because it’s too much pumpkin filling and not enough crust. These bars solve that problem by making a bit of a thicker crust and then adding a delicious top layer that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin pie filling in the middle.

Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe Ingredients

The nice thing about this recipe is that the base of it is a box of yellow cake mix! Beyond that you just need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boxed yellow cake mix – use whatever brand you want. I use King Arthur Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix to make these gluten-free
Eggs
Butter – you’ll need 1.5 sticks
Canned pumpkin – yes this recipe uses the whole can!
Sugar – both brown and white sugar
Evaporated milk – yes evaporated, NOT sweetened condensed milk
Cinnamon
Pecans – buy them chopped or chop them yourself. You could sub walnuts if you prefer

How To Make Pumpkin Pie Bars

There are three layers to these bars but they come together pretty quickly.

To start you’ll put your box of cake mix in a bowl, reserving one cup to set aside for the topping. Add some melted butter and an egg and then press the dough into a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper.

Then, you can use the same bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, evaporated milk and cinnamon. Mix it up and spread it on top of the crust.

Finally, mix the cup of reserved cake mix with sugar, nuts and softened butter and sprinkle on top.

Bake and let cool before cutting! You can serve these room temperature but my favorite way is to make them a day early, put them in an airtight container in the fridge overnight and then eat them cold. So good.

Pumpkin Pie Squares

Have these little squares of deliciousness grabbed your attention yet? Here’s the exact recipe:

Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

These pumpkin pie bars use a box of yellow cake mix plus a few simple ingredients to make the most delicious pumpkin pie bar recipe. Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert or any other occasion.

Author: Lindsay
Yield: 9×13 pan

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (any brand)
3 eggs
1.5 sticks butter
1 (15oz) can pumpkin
1/2 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Reserve one cup of the cake mix and set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine remaining cake mix with one stick of melted butter and one egg.
Stir until well combined, then press into the bottom of a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper.
In a bowl combine pumpkin, 2 eggs, brown sugar, evaporated milk and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
Spread in an even layer over the crust.
In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup softened butter with remaining 1 cup cake mix, 1/3 cup white sugar and chopped pecans. Mix with a fork until crumbly. (It might look a little dry, that’s ok)
Spread the topping evenly over the pumpkin pie filling layer in the pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
Let cool completely before cutting.
Serve room temperature or refrigerate overnight and serve cold.
Store in the fridge.

Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars FAQs

Are these gluten-free pumpkin pie bars?

If you use a gluten-free yellow cake mix, these bars will be gluten-free.

Can I substitute pumpkin pie filling for 100% canned pumpkin?

No, I would not recommend using pumpkin pie filling as it’s sweeter than canned pumpkin and might make this recipe overly sweet.

What’s the difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree?

It’s the same. Canned pumpkin is pumpkin that has been pureed and canned.

Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?

No, I wouldn’t recommend it. Evaporated milk is just milk that has been heated to remove some of the water so it’s more concentrated. Sweetened condensed milk has sugar added to it and again it might make this dessert too sweet.

How to store pumpkin pie bars?

These bars should be stored in the refrigerator when they’re not being eaten.

Pumpkin pie bars warm or cold?

The temperature you eat these is your preference but I would recommend room temperature or cold – straight from the fridge is my favorite!

More Pumpkin Recipes

Need more pumpkin recipes? Try these:

Easy Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

This Easy Pumpkin Bread requires just one bowl and a few simple ingredients. It will quickly become your go-to fall recipe.

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Energy Balls

These Pumpkin Energy Balls are packed with fiber, protein and healthy fats for energy. The perfect addition to a quick lunch or to serve for an afternoon snack.

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are packed with ginger flavor and full of the nutritional benefits of pumpkin and white whole wheat flour.

Grab the recipe!

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars

This recipe for Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars makes a quick, healthy breakfast or snack. They’re kid-friendly and easy to customize

Grab the recipe!

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bean Bread

This Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bean Bread will definitely become your go-to snack. It’s packed with fiber and protein and kid-friendly too. The whole family will love it!

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Yogurt Dip

This Pumpkin Yogurt Dip recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients and is the perfect afternoon snack! Try it paired with cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips or graham crackers.

Grab the recipe!

Or check out these 30 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes for even more ideas!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–