Date and Pecan Pumpkin Squares (Recipe Courtesy of Whole Foods – Win a Gift Card Too!)

by La Jolla Mom on November 21, 2009

If you’re looking for a dessert to take to a holiday party or just love pumpkin, these squares are a healthier alternative that don’t taste healthy. I saw this recipe on the Whole Foods website on a day I had time to bake, but did not feel like going to the stores. Oddly enough, I happened to have all of these ingredients in my house except for whole wheat pastry flour. A quick search on Google told me that an acceptable substitution would be 1/2 cake flour and 1/2 whole wheat flour. Bingo – I quickly made them. The next day I took them to a party at a friend’s house where most of the attendees were in the fitness business. They were a hit. Don’t get me wrong, these have butter and you won’t get skinny eating them.

I used all organic ingredients aside from the nuts and cake flour. I would definitely make sure that your dates haven’t gotten hard. I used large organic, soft dates and they made all the difference in the world. They are tough to keep separated when you cut them up as they glob together, but it’s ok, just try to manually spread them out in the pan when it’s time.

Recipe:

Serves 24
For a fragrant treat, add 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom to the batter when you add the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. These autumn and winter sweets are perfect for packing in lunches.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (can use 1 1/4 cups cake flour and 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup water
1 pound pitted dates(about 3 cups), roughly chopped
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Method:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. In a second bowl, cream butter and sugar together with an electric mixer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin, vanilla and water and beat again until combined.

In a small bowl toss dates with 1/4 cup of flour mixture until coated well. Gradually add remaining flour mixture to pumpkin mixture, beating slowly. Stir in dates and pecans then transfer batter to a
greased 13×9x2-inch baking pan and spread out evenly.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 1 hour. Let cool on a rack, then cut into squares and serve. (Do not overcook. Toward the end I watched it like a hawk so that it was just barely done – I like things moist.)

Whole Foods Gift Card Giveaway!

I am fortunate that through this website I can work with awesome companies that I have already been supporting for years. Whole Foods is going to giveaway a $10 gift card to one lucky La Jolla Mom reader. All you need to do to enter is tell me what your favorite holiday dessert is. After this entry, you’ll qualify for bonus entries which are listed below. Leave a separate comment for each bonus entry. If you’ve already done these things, it counts, so leave comments anyway.

1. Follow @WholeFoods on Twitter or your local Whole Foods Store (in my case that’s @WFMLaJolla).
2. Follow me on Twitter: @lajollamom
3. Subscribe to La Jolla Mom via RSS or Google Friend Connect
4. Subscribe to the Whole Foods blog here

Comments will be closed at 1pm on Monday, November 30. The winner is chosen by Random.org so the more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning are. Thank you Whole Foods! By the way, I love their iPhone app – try it.

I have a ticket to Disney’s Princess and the Frog Movie that I’m giving away to La Jolla Mom subscribers here. Also, don’t forget to enter the The Tote Buddy Reusable Bag Organizer giveaway. It makes eco friendly shopping easier!

sig Date and Pecan Pumpkin Squares (Recipe Courtesy of Whole Foods Win a Gift Card Too!)

Share and Enjoy:

Tagged as: Food, Giveaways, Halloween, Recipes, Thanksgiving, Whole Foods

Print This Post

{ 1 trackback }

Winner: Whole Foods Gift Card Giveaway: November 30, 2009 at 11:05 pm

{ 145 comments… read them below or add one }

1 John Ferris November 21, 2009 at 10:12 am: This is a great contest.
2 Carol November 21, 2009 at 11:13 am: I love Fruitcake!
3 Carol November 21, 2009 at 11:14 am: Follow @WholeFoods on Twitter cdziuba
4 Carol November 21, 2009 at 11:16 am: Follow on Twitter: @lajollamom cdziuba
5 Carol November 21, 2009 at 11:16 am: subscriber
6 Amber G November 21, 2009 at 11:31 am: My favorite holiday dessert is either eggnog or my aunt’s famous apple pie!
7 Amber G November 21, 2009 at 11:31 am: I follow your blog with Google Friend Connect!
8 Amber G November 21, 2009 at 11:35 am: I follow @WFMEvanston on Twitter. I’m @Hurdler4eva
9 Rebecca Graham November 21, 2009 at 12:33 pm: I am a fruitcake lover!
10 Rebecca Graham November 21, 2009 at 12:38 pm: Following Whole Foods on Twitter: rhoneygee
11 Rebecca Graham November 21, 2009 at 12:39 pm: Following lajollamom on Twitter: rhoneygee
12 lamamama November 21, 2009 at 2:52 pm: That recipe sounds DEE-licious! And a gift card to Whole Foods would really be useful to buy the ingredients!
13 lamamama November 21, 2009 at 2:54 pm: My favorite holiday dessert is pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Add pecans and dates and you really have something!
14 Stephanie V November 21, 2009 at 4:54 pm: chocolate pecan pie
tvollowitz at aol dot com
15 Maven Twitter: Maven November 21, 2009 at 5:00 pm: Do those ever sound good! I’m looking for healthier things to bake for Christmas and have saved this recipe. Thanks!
Maven´s last blog ..What’s Your Favourite Book?
16 cherice November 21, 2009 at 5:47 pm: Pumpkin pie! Thanks for the chance.
17 Maureen November 21, 2009 at 7:41 pm: I make pumpkin crisp which is different than pie but oh so much better in my opinion . It is usually the first dessert gone.
18 christopher h November 21, 2009 at 7:53 pm: pumpkin pie
19 Jessie C. November 21, 2009 at 8:49 pm: My favorite holiday dessert is pumpkin pecan pie!
20 Jessie C. November 21, 2009 at 8:50 pm: Follow @WholeFoods on Twitter@tcarolinep
21 Jessie C. November 21, 2009 at 8:50 pm: Follow you on Twitter: @lajollamom@tcarolinep
22 Jessie C. November 21, 2009 at 8:51 pm: I’m a subscriber.
23 Jessie C. November 21, 2009 at 8:52 pm: Subscriber to the Whole Foods blog :tcarolinep at gmail dot com
24 jen November 21, 2009 at 11:52 pm: I love cheesecake!
25 Mike c November 22, 2009 at 12:38 am: I love a good apple crisp this time of year.
26 Dina Twitter: aitmama November 22, 2009 at 8:13 am: My favorite dessert is creme brulee!
Dina´s last blog ..Audiobook Giveaway: Cheating Death by Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Ends 12/6)
27 Dina Twitter: aitmama November 22, 2009 at 8:14 am: Follow @WholeFoods on Twitter
28 Dina Twitter: aitmama November 22, 2009 at 8:14 am: Follow U on Twitter: @lajollamom
29 Dina Twitter: aitmama November 22, 2009 at 8:15 am: Subscribe to La Jolla Mom via Google Friend Connect
Dina´s last blog ..Audiobook Giveaway: Cheating Death by Dr. Sanjay Gupta (Ends 12/6)
30 Mellissa C November 22, 2009 at 9:51 am: My favorite is Sweet Potatoe Pie!
31 Mellissa C November 22, 2009 at 9:52 am: follow you on twitter as Missybeez80
32 Mellissa C November 22, 2009 at 9:53 am: follow whole foods on twitter as Missybeez80
33 Suzanne K November 22, 2009 at 11:40 am: My favorite holiday dessert is a piece of Marzipan candy. My grandmother (when she was alive) used to send me some every year for the holidays and it always brings back such wonderful memories of her – a very special lady!
34 Meredith Rowe November 22, 2009 at 11:49 am: I’m a subscriber (and a local!)!
35 Meredith Rowe November 22, 2009 at 11:51 am: My favorite holiday dessert is always pumpkin pie. I LOVE LOVE LOVE pumpkin flavors!!
36 Meredith Rowe November 22, 2009 at 11:52 am: I follow Whole Foods and you on twitter!
37 allyson ayala November 22, 2009 at 2:40 pm: great recipe and whole foods is the best…..love the organic selection
38 Pat November 22, 2009 at 4:47 pm: My favorite holiday dessert is pumpkin pie.
39 Cathy B Twitter: projecthope7 November 22, 2009 at 6:05 pm: my fave holiday dessert is pumpkin custard with vanilla whipped cream, with a dash of chai spices onver the whipped cream! yummm!

cathy b
projecthope7 at gmail dot com
40 Julie Moe November 22, 2009 at 6:55 pm: Apple pie
41 Julie Moe November 22, 2009 at 6:55 pm: Follow whole foods on twitter @juliemeagan
42 Julie Moe November 22, 2009 at 6:55 pm: Follow you on twitter @juliemeagan
43 Julie Moe November 22, 2009 at 6:56 pm: Subscribe via rss
44 Cathy B Twitter: projecthope7 November 22, 2009 at 7:05 pm: following Wholefoods on twitter.
@projecthope7

cathy b
projecthope7 at gmaild ot com
Cathy B´s last blog ..Casting Crowns..Praise You in the Storms
45 Cathy B Twitter: projecthope7 November 22, 2009 at 7:07 pm: i follow @lajollamom on twitter.
@projecthope7

cathy b
projecthope7 at gmail dot com
Cathy B´s last blog ..Casting Crowns..Praise You in the Storms
46 Cathy B Twitter: projecthope7 November 22, 2009 at 7:08 pm: i follow you on google connect.

cathy b
projecthope7 at gmail dot com
Cathy B´s last blog ..Casting Crowns..Praise You in the Storms
47 Cathy B Twitter: projecthope7 November 22, 2009 at 7:10 pm: I subscribe to the WF blog. and newsletters.

cathy b
projecthope7 at gmail dot com
Cathy B´s last blog ..Casting Crowns..Praise You in the Storms
48 Sylvie W. November 22, 2009 at 8:04 pm: My mother’s apple pies.
49 Katie November 22, 2009 at 8:57 pm: I absolutely love all Christmas cookies! We make tons every year.
Katie´s last blog ..Can I get a re-do?
50 Stephanie Reed November 22, 2009 at 9:17 pm: My favorite holiday dessert is United Dairy Farmers’ Peppermint Ice Cream. They only sell it in November and December, so it really is a holiday treat. Shh, don’t tell anyone, but I don’t like pie.
Stephanie Reed´s last blog ..A Recipe for Writing
51 Monique Rizzo November 23, 2009 at 1:47 am: Pumpkin custard with Vanilla whipped cream! OMG… Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
52 Cynthia C November 23, 2009 at 6:49 am: My favorite is my mom’s Pumpkin Pecan Pie. Thank you!
53 Juliet Grossman November 23, 2009 at 10:37 am: Oooh, I think my fave would have to be a sliver of pecan pie with a dollop of real whipped cream. I normally am not a pie eater at other times of the year but there’s something about fall that really brings out the pie in me:-)

If I win this gift card I just might use it at the LA JOLLA Whole Foods! It is my fave WF around. I love the people watching and the friendly folks who work there.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Juliet Grossman´s last blog ..Get Inspired by Safeway/Vons This Thanksgiving
54 Kelly November 23, 2009 at 1:05 pm: My favorite holiday dessert is eggnog creme brulee. A local restaurant has it, and it’s such a treat!!
55 Kelly November 23, 2009 at 1:05 pm: I follow Whole Foods on Twitter (I am @krtrumpet).
56 Tina J November 23, 2009 at 3:55 pm: gooseberry pie!!!
57 lisa p November 23, 2009 at 6:12 pm: umm probably cheese cake wee make them for christmas
58 colleen November 23, 2009 at 10:22 pm: hmm. For me it’s a tie between pumpkin pie and sweet potato pie. thanks for the giveaway.
cthompson1477@gmail.com
59 jengd November 24, 2009 at 10:18 pm: I follow you through Google Connect
60 jengd November 24, 2009 at 10:19 pm: Favorite holiday dessert? You’re going to make me pick one? Nuh uh. Ain’t gonna happen! Coconut cake, cookies, stained glass window candy, toffee (getting the impression I have a WICKED sweet tooth?!)…
61 jengd November 24, 2009 at 10:21 pm: I subscribed to Whole Foods’ blog via Google Reader
62 Melissa November 25, 2009 at 10:56 am: My favorite holiday dessert is Gingerbread cookies!
63 Victoria November 25, 2009 at 6:55 pm: Favorite holiday dessert is sugar cookies!
64 Victoria November 25, 2009 at 6:56 pm: Following on google friend connect
65 Carolsue November 26, 2009 at 1:59 pm: My favorite Holiday Dessert is Pumpkin pie with whipped cream!
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
66 Carolsue November 26, 2009 at 2:03 pm: I follow Whole Foods on Twitter @cezovski
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
67 Carolsue November 26, 2009 at 2:03 pm: I follow you on Twitter @cezovski
digicat{at}sbcglobal{dot}net
68 Carolsue November 26, 2009 at 2:03 pm: I follow you on Google Friends Connect – Carolsue
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
69 Carolsue November 26, 2009 at 2:04 pm: I subscribe to Whole Foods via RSS feed
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
70 Tamara November 26, 2009 at 6:46 pm: I love pecan pie!
71 sarah November 27, 2009 at 8:56 am: i like blackbottoms!
72 Janna Johnson November 27, 2009 at 10:51 pm: I love cheesecake!

Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!

Janna Johnson
janna@FeedYourPigBlog.com
jannajanna@hotmail.com
http://www.FeedYourPigBlog.com
73 Janna Johnson November 27, 2009 at 10:52 pm: following whole foods on twitter as feedyourpig
74 julieh November 28, 2009 at 10:43 am: My favorite holiday dessert is sugar cookies decorated with icing!
75 Pamela November 28, 2009 at 9:20 pm: My all-time favorite are my mom’s poppy seed filled Kolacky, which she still makes with lard…
I’ve tried to replicate the recipe without lard with no luck, mom’s always taste better!
76 Pamela November 28, 2009 at 9:25 pm: Following you on Twitter!
77 Lisa November 28, 2009 at 9:32 pm: Pumpkin Pie
78 Lisa November 28, 2009 at 9:33 pm: I follow your blog.
79 Lisa November 28, 2009 at 9:33 pm: I follow WholeFoods.
80 Lisa November 28, 2009 at 9:34 pm: I follow lajollamom.
81 Danielle November 29, 2009 at 3:26 am: i love these peppermint pinwheel cookies my grandma used to make!
82 Danielle November 29, 2009 at 3:26 am: i follow them on twitter! @ferriza2
83 Danielle November 29, 2009 at 3:26 am: i follow you on twitter @ferriza2

ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
84 Danielle November 29, 2009 at 3:27 am: google follower: ferriz
85 Christie Twitter: heaventrees November 29, 2009 at 3:33 am: My favorite holiday dessert is actually the cookies we make every year for Christmas.
86 Erma November 29, 2009 at 8:15 am: My fav Holiday dessert is all the cookies.
87 dorothy l November 29, 2009 at 9:53 am: poppy seed rolls
88 Diane Baum November 29, 2009 at 12:07 pm: Love pecan pie….mmmm
89 Claire November 29, 2009 at 2:58 pm: Pumpkin Pie!
90 karen November 29, 2009 at 6:39 pm: I love buttermilk pie.
91 Annemarie November 29, 2009 at 7:10 pm: Pumpkin Pie!!
92 Karen Gonyea November 29, 2009 at 7:32 pm: Homemade donuts
93 Pamela S November 29, 2009 at 7:51 pm: My favorite is red velvet cake!! Thanks.
94 Pamela S November 29, 2009 at 7:52 pm: Follower on GFC. Thanks
95 Joseph November 29, 2009 at 8:31 pm: My favorite holiday desert is “Pecan Pie”. We only have it on Thanksgiving day as a special treat.
96 Derk Thomas November 29, 2009 at 9:34 pm: Pumpkin pie is my favorite
97 theodore esteghamat November 29, 2009 at 10:12 pm: We love apple pie for the holidays.
98 Darcy B November 29, 2009 at 10:24 pm: My double almond cookies that I make every Christmas.
99 Chrysa Twitter: http://thriftyjinxy.blogspot.com/ November 29, 2009 at 10:27 pm: I love frosted sugar cookies.
100 Chrysa Twitter: http://thriftyjinxy.blogspot.com/ November 29, 2009 at 10:28 pm: I’m following you on Twitter. (My Twitter name is @ThriftyJinxy)
101 Erica C. November 29, 2009 at 10:28 pm: I can’t get enough of Pumpkin Pie
102 Becca Twitter: sbshortie November 29, 2009 at 11:02 pm: I love anything with peppermint…and pumpkin pie Thanks!
Becca´s last blog ..Sick again
103 Becca Twitter: sbshortie November 29, 2009 at 11:05 pm: I am following WholeFoods and WFMSanta Barbara on twitter (I am sbshortie)
Becca´s last blog ..Sick again
104 Becca Twitter: sbshortie November 29, 2009 at 11:05 pm: I am following you on twitter (I am sbshortie)
Becca´s last blog ..Sick again
105 Vicki Andrew November 29, 2009 at 11:05 pm: Big fan of whole foods, I get the freshist fruit and Vegies there, Love their salad and hot food bar/ My fav pie is a sweet potato pie, better than pumpkin

singermagic1(at)yahoo(dot)com
106 Becca Twitter: sbshortie November 29, 2009 at 11:06 pm: I joined your blog with Google Friend Connect
Becca´s last blog ..Sick again
107 Becca Twitter: sbshortie November 29, 2009 at 11:06 pm: I subscribed to the Whole Foods blog
Becca´s last blog ..Sick again
108 Sarah L November 29, 2009 at 11:49 pm: My new favorite is a Pumpkin roll that I had at my friend’s house at Thanksgiving. It had a cream cheese filling and was delicious. Thanks for the contest.
109 chastidy November 30, 2009 at 1:55 am: I love Pecan Pie
110 Kathy S November 30, 2009 at 2:28 am: My favorite is pumpkin pie (with a little slice of mince pie on the side…and don’t forget the whipped cream!)
111 Amy L Twitter: no November 30, 2009 at 6:12 am: My favorite is pumpkin pie!
112 Amy L Twitter: no November 30, 2009 at 6:14 am: I follow you on Twitter @amylou61
113 Amy L Twitter: no November 30, 2009 at 6:17 am: I’m subscribed to the Whole Foods blog in Google Reader
114 Amy L Twitter: no November 30, 2009 at 6:20 am: I tried to follow Whole Foods on Twitter, but it said I’m blocked??? (I sent a message to Whole Foods to see why)
Also, my prior comments show the word “no” next to Twitter. Sorry about that, my computer’s form filler put that in & I didn’t see it.
115 barbara wright November 30, 2009 at 6:48 am: My favorite holiday (and non-holiday) pie is apple!
116 barbara wright November 30, 2009 at 6:48 am: I follow Whole Foods on twitter – bsw529
117 barbara wright November 30, 2009 at 6:49 am: I follow you on twitter – bsw529
118 barbara wright November 30, 2009 at 6:49 am: I subscribe with google friends connect
119 barbara wright November 30, 2009 at 6:50 am: I subscribed to Whole Foods Blog with google reader
120 Dddiva Twitter: dddiva November 30, 2009 at 8:00 am: There are so many- from pumpkin roll to homemade fudge to snowball cookies I love them all.
Dddiva´s last blog ..New look for the holidays – what do you think?
121 Dddiva Twitter: dddiva November 30, 2009 at 8:01 am: I follow Whole Foods on Twitter- dddiva
Dddiva´s last blog ..New look for the holidays – what do you think?
122 Dddiva Twitter: dddiva November 30, 2009 at 8:02 am: I follow you on Twitter- dddiva
Dddiva´s last blog ..New look for the holidays – what do you think?
123 Dddiva Twitter: dddiva November 30, 2009 at 8:02 am: Google friends
Dddiva´s last blog ..New look for the holidays – what do you think?
124 Dddiva Twitter: dddiva November 30, 2009 at 8:04 am: I subscriber to Whole Foods via Google Reader
Dddiva´s last blog ..New look for the holidays – what do you think?
125 Joanne Schultz November 30, 2009 at 8:53 am: warm apple pie with peppermint ice cream is my favorite holiday dessert!

Thanks for the giveaway!
126 roseh2o19 November 30, 2009 at 9:02 am: oldskool fruitcake is my fav
127 Joanne Schultz November 30, 2009 at 9:04 am: i follow @lajollamom on twitter – js22222222 .
128 Joanne Schultz November 30, 2009 at 9:05 am: i follow @WholeFoods on twitter – js22222222 .
129 Joanne Schultz November 30, 2009 at 9:05 am: I subscribe to your blog’s feed via google reader.
130 Joanne Schultz November 30, 2009 at 9:06 am: I subscribe to Whole Foods blog’s feed via google reader.
131 Betty C November 30, 2009 at 10:40 am: My favorite holiday treat isn’t really a dessert. It’s divinity candy. It is so rich I never make it the rest of the year.
132 katie November 30, 2009 at 10:43 am: My favorite holiday dessert is pumpkin pie!
133 Betty C November 30, 2009 at 10:44 am: I follow Whole Foods on Twitter as willitara.
134 Betty C November 30, 2009 at 10:44 am: I follow LaJolla Mom on Twitter as willitara.
135 Betty C November 30, 2009 at 10:45 am: I subscribe in Google reader.
136 Betty C November 30, 2009 at 10:47 am: I subscribe to the Whole Foods blog in Google reader.
137 Gianna November 30, 2009 at 10:56 am: I love pumpkin cake roll sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with whipped cream
138 DanV November 30, 2009 at 11:22 am: My favorite holiday dessert is apple pie
139 Charity S. November 30, 2009 at 12:38 pm: I love Pumpkin Pie. Thanks
140 Charity S. November 30, 2009 at 12:39 pm: following Whole Foods on twitter.

@ccboobooy
141 Charity S. November 30, 2009 at 12:40 pm: Subscribed via Google Friend Connect.

charity/ccboobooy
142 Lily Kwan November 30, 2009 at 12:50 pm: My favorite holiday dessert is pumpkin pie.
143 Lily Kwan November 30, 2009 at 12:52 pm: I follow you on Twitter.
144 Lily Kwan November 30, 2009 at 12:53 pm: I follow Whole Foods Market on Twitter.
145 Lily Kwan November 30, 2009 at 12:54 pm: I subscribed to your blog.