Ah, the magic of a *Thanksgiving bake sale*! It’s one of those delightful traditions that brings everyone together, filled with laughter, warmth, and a whole lot of deliciousness. I remember growing up, my family would spend the days leading up to Thanksgiving baking up a storm. The aroma of spices and sweets wafting through the house was simply irresistible! This recipe has become a staple for our gatherings, as it’s not just about sharing treats but also about sharing love and joy. Trust me, when you serve these delightful squares, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s grab our aprons and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with the best treats ever!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these scrumptious treats for your *Thanksgiving bake sale*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (or your favorite nuts)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, your choice!)
Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results. Trust me, the right balance makes all the difference in achieving that perfect texture and flavor that everyone will love!
How to Prepare for a Thanksgiving Bake Sale
Preparing for a *Thanksgiving bake sale* is all about creating those warm, mouthwatering treats that make everyone smile. Let’s get started with these easy steps to whip up something truly special!
Step 1: Preheat and Mix
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your treats to bake evenly. While that’s warming up, let’s get to mixing! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do it. This step is essential for getting that rich texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, in another bowl, measure out your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure you’re leveling off those measuring cups for accuracy—trust me, those tiny details make a big difference! Once combined, give it a little whisk to mix everything evenly. This will help ensure that your baked goods rise beautifully and have a consistent flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Next, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together! Slowly add the dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—this is the key to a tender texture. You want to see a few flour streaks before moving on!
Step 4: Add Walnuts and Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips. I like to use a spatula for this—just keep folding until you see those delicious bits evenly distributed throughout the batter. Remember, you want to keep that batter light and fluffy, so go easy on the mixing!
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour your batter into a greased baking pan and smooth the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important; it helps set the texture and makes cutting into squares so much easier!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *Thanksgiving bake sale* recipe is sure to be a hit, and here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for those busy holiday prep days!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With a delightful mix of walnuts and chocolate, it’s a treat that everyone will love—trust me, they won’t be able to resist!
- Comforting Flavors: The warm spices and rich textures remind you of cozy family gatherings and holiday cheer.
- Flexible Recipe: Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or even throw in some dried fruits for a twist!
- Great for Sharing: Makes 24 generous squares, so there’s plenty to share at your bake sale or holiday gathering!
- Perfect for Leftovers: If there are any left (which I doubt!), they store beautifully and taste just as good for days!
Get ready to see smiles all around when you present these scrumptious squares at your next event!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Thanksgiving bake sale* treats turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips that I swear by:
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be sneaky! I always recommend using an oven thermometer to make sure yours is accurate. Baking is all about precision, and an oven that’s too hot or too cold can really affect your results.
- Use Quality Ingredients: When it comes to baking, the better the ingredients, the better the outcome! Choose high-quality butter, fresh eggs, and good chocolate. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together more smoothly, resulting in a better batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Remember, once you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough squares. Keep it light and fluffy!
- Cool Completely: Let your treats cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner cuts. Plus, warm treats can be a bit crumbly!
- Experiment and Have Fun: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Add in some spices, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel on top. Make this recipe your own, and enjoy the process!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up something truly special for your next *Thanksgiving bake sale*! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these delightful squares for your *Thanksgiving bake sale*, it’s always good to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (1 square):
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. If you decide to swap in different nuts or chocolate types, just a heads up that the nutritional profile might shift a bit. Enjoy your baking, and remember, a little indulgence is part of the joy of the season!
FAQ Section
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! You can get creative with the nuts you use in this *Thanksgiving bake sale* recipe. If walnuts aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts. Each type of nut brings its own unique flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that some nuts might be softer or have a different oil content, which can slightly change the final texture of your squares. But don’t worry, they’ll still be delicious!
How should I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just place your cut squares in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re not planning to enjoy them right away, I recommend refrigerating them to keep them fresh for about a week. You could also pop them in the freezer for longer storage—just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn!
Can I freeze these treats?
You bet! Freezing is a fantastic way to save these delicious squares for later. Just let them cool completely, then wrap each square individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—these treats are just as good when chilled!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover squares from the *Thanksgiving bake sale* is a breeze, and I want to make sure you enjoy every last crumb! Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the squares within a few days, just place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, and you can easily grab one whenever you need a sweet treat!
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, pop them in the fridge! They can last about a week when stored in an airtight container. This method keeps them nice and fresh, so you can enjoy them throughout the week without worrying about them going stale.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for a future craving, freezing is the way to go! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and they can stay frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
As for reheating, I recommend just enjoying them at room temperature, as they taste just as delightful chilled. If you prefer a warm square (who wouldn’t?), you can pop one in the microwave for just about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as you don’t want them to become dry. Just enough to take the chill off and bring back that cozy, fresh-baked feeling!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Bake Sale: 5 Irresistible Treats to Enjoy
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A festive bake sale featuring seasonal treats perfect for Thanksgiving.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugars together.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in walnuts and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to substitute nuts or chocolate as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 square
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 18g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: thanksgiving bake sale
