Squash isn’t something I think a lot about. I know it’s a game of some sort, but I don’t think I’ve ever played it. Or, the more common way in which I think of squash is something that I eat. I know my wife has fixed roasted squash before and I ate it and liked it. There isn't much I don't eat and enjoy.
Otherwise, squash doesn’t get a lot of my attention and I suspect many people feel that way. It’s an autumn gourd that seems to have a limited seasonal window. I have had squash soup somewhere, before, and I really enjoy that.
And when I talk about squash, especially for this recipe of Amish Autumn Squash Squares, I am specifically referring to butternut squash or other winter squash, like acorn. It has a sweeter taste than pumpkin. You can read more about the differences here.
But these squash squares I think would make anybody a convert to squash. They just really have a rich taste, but not overpowering. You can get a good squash flavor, complemented by the delicious cream cheese frosting
You’ll find squash on the Thanksgiving table of some Amish homes because there are many gourd growers among the Plain people. Squash can be served as a salad, roasted, or just eaten buttered. But the squash will also be incorporated into some desserts, like these homemade autumn squash squares
🙋 FAQ
Yes, just swap out 2 cups of squash for 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes and you'll have delicious sweet potato squares!
Eggs, flour, squash and a few other ingredients make this an easy, accessible, and budget-friendly recipe!
For the mixing, you can just use a mixing bowl and spoon or, if so inclined, use your stand mixer or electric mixer!
These are amazing! They really go well on the Thanksgiving table along with the pumpkin pie!
🍠 Amish Autumn Squash Squares
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups mashed cooked winter squash
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
📋 Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in eggs, squash and oil; mix well.
- Spread into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
- Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Meanwhile, for frosting, beat together cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and butter.
- Add milk; stir until smooth. Frost cooled cake. Cut into squares. Yield: 4 dozen.
🍠 More Amish Pumpkin and Squash Recipes
🖨️ Full Recipe
Amish Autumn Square Squares
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups mashed cooked winter squash
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
- Stir in eggs, squash and oil; mix well.
- Spread into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
- Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out cle ozen
- Cool on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Beat together cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and butter.
- Add milk; stir until smooth.
- Frost cooled cake.Cut into squares.
Will this freeze well?
Thanks.
Yes, just make sure they are well sealed and they'll last for several months in the freezer.
I just now read your recipe and believe it or not, earlier today I made a batch of Harvest Pumpkin Brownies and the ingredients are almost the same except the brownies only use 3/4 cup oil and a bit more spices than the squash bars use. I would use more. As for the cream cheese frosting everything is the same except mine calls for 1 tsp. milk vs. 1 tbsp. I have been making these for years and they are delicious and moist with just the right amount of spices. Everyone who ever tried them always liked them. If someone is making these bars, they should make sure to use the 15 x 10 x 1" pan. Great for company as it makes a lot and goes a long way.
Thank you, Rosemary, those sound wonderful, and very similar!
What are the storage requirements gor leftovers room temperature or refrigerator
They can be kept at room temperature, but I prefer them chilled in the fridge.
What are the storage requirements for the squash bars can they be kept at room temperature sir