Pumpkin-Walnut Oatmeal Squares with Cinnamon Glaze

Monday, August 29, 2011

Pumpkin-Walnut Oatmeal Squares with Cinnamon Glaze

Posted by Cassie / 64 comments » / Bars/Blondies/Brownies, Dessert

I know it’s premature but I opened a can of pumpkin. Everyone is starting to talk about fall, cooler weather, pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider and trick-or-treats and I just couldn’t wait one more minute.

Also, the Pioneer Woman’s show premiered on the Food Network. I doubt this is news to you. This warranted a foodie gathering complete with breakfast and lots-o-coffee. I met up with Carly and Bev and we shared some mouthwatering breakfast items while we watched Ree show us how chicken fried steak is done on the ranch.

My contribution – pumpkin-walnut oatmeal squares with cinnamon glaze. The pumpkin-walnut oat part is healthy. The cinnamon glaze part, not so much. They are super dense and chewy and although I was actually intending the texture to mimic these, they turned out great in a whole different way. I added the glaze to add a touch of sweetness. If you need a quick, mostly-healthy taste of pumpkin, give these a try!

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Pumpkin-Walnut Oat Squares with Cinnamon Glaze

Yield: 9 squares

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

Squares:
2 cups whole oats
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (I might recommend doubling this, especially if you like walnuts)
1 cup pureed pumpkin
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup applesauce
3 Tbs. honey
1/2 cup brown sugar

Glaze:
3 tsp. milk (I used 2%)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350. Liberally spray an 8×8 baking sheet and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt and walnuts. Set aside. In another bowl, combine pumpkin, vanilla, applesauce, honey and brown sugar. Mix well. Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients. Stir well until combined.

Press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes. The middle will still be springy. Let the pan sit for 20 minutes before cutting.

Make the icing by combining the milk, powdered sugar, cinnamon and vanilla in a small bowl. Mix with a small whisk or a fork until well combined. Drizzle over the squares as you desire.

Slice into squares.