Delicious & Easy Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie Squares: Your Healthy Holiday Dessert Guide

As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, here in Ontario, Canada, Thanksgiving weekend marks the beginning of the festive season. And with it, millions eagerly anticipate the heartwarming aroma and comforting taste of pumpkin pie! However, the joy of holiday indulgence often comes with a significant sugar and calorie count, especially with store-bought versions. Traditional pumpkin pies, while undeniably delicious, can quickly derail your health and wellness goals, easily soaring past 300 calories per slice and packing a heavy sugar punch. This can be particularly challenging for those managing their intake with programs like Weight Watchers or simply tracking calories.

That’s precisely why we set out to create a lightened-up pumpkin pie dessert that allows everyone to participate in the holiday feast without compromise. Introducing our revolutionary Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie Squares! These delightful, perfectly portioned squares are not only incredibly delicious but also designed to keep you on track with your nutritional goals throughout the holidays. You’ll find them so satisfying that you won’t feel like you’re missing out on a single thing. Instead, you’ll enjoy a rich, spiced pumpkin flavor in a convenient, guilt-free format.

To achieve this impressive reduction in points and calories, we’ve smartly incorporated nonfat Greek yogurt and carefully lowered the sugar content without sacrificing flavor. The result? Each delectable square comes in at an incredibly friendly 3 Weight Watchers points! If you’re not following Weight Watchers but are diligent about tracking your caloric intake, these pumpkin pie squares are still an exceptional choice. Each square contains just 93 calories, a stark contrast to a traditional slice of pumpkin pie, which can easily exceed 300 calories. This makes them a smart, satisfying option for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat responsibly. An added bonus: these squares require some time to set in the refrigerator after baking, making them the ultimate make-ahead dessert – perfect for busy holiday preparations!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our dedicated readers and aspiring healthy bakers! We hope these squares bring joy and peace of mind to your holiday gatherings.

Why You Need to Make These Healthy Pumpkin Pie Squares for the Holidays

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe, but here are three compelling arguments for why these Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie Squares should be on your holiday menu this year:

1. It’s a Truly Lightened-Up Pumpkin Pie Experience

As we’ve highlighted, these pumpkin pie squares are remarkably low in calories and Weight Watchers points. This isn’t just a slight reduction; it’s a game-changer! Imagine being able to enjoy not just one, but perhaps even two of these delightful squares without feeling like you’ve completely derailed your daily points or calorie goals. Traditional pumpkin pies often come in generous, irregular slices, making portion control a challenge. Our square format inherently promotes mindful eating, allowing you to savor every bite without overindulging. This means you can fully participate in the dessert course at holiday gatherings, enjoying the festive flavors alongside friends and family, all while confidently adhering to your health and wellness journey. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and responsibility.

2. The Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert for Stress-Free Entertaining

Holiday meal preparation can be a whirlwind of activity, with countless dishes demanding attention right up until serving time. That’s why having a delicious dessert that can be prepared in advance is an absolute lifesaver. These Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie Squares are ideal for busy hosts. They require a minimum of two hours to set in the fridge after baking, but they truly shine when allowed to chill overnight. Preparing them the day before not only deepens and melds the incredible pumpkin and spice flavors but also frees up valuable oven and counter space on the big day. You can wake up on Thanksgiving morning knowing your dessert is already perfected and simply waiting to be served, allowing you to focus on other culinary tasks or simply enjoy the holiday spirit.

3. Enjoy Amazing Flavor with Significantly Less Sugar

Many “lightened-up” desserts often sacrifice taste for health benefits, leaving you feeling unsatisfied. Not these pumpkin pie squares! Each square contains only 9 grams of sugar. This might sound like a moderate amount until you compare it to a regular slice of pumpkin pie, which can contain a staggering 25-30 grams of sugar. That’s more than double, sometimes even triple, the sugar content! Despite this significant reduction, these squares still deliver that quintessential, comforting pumpkin pie taste that everyone craves during the fall and winter months. The balance of warm spices, creamy pumpkin, and a hint of sweetness creates a genuinely amazing flavor profile that will satisfy your dessert cravings without the overwhelming sweetness or the post-sugar crash. It’s proof that you can have a wholesome, delightful treat without the excessive sugar.

Essential Ingredients for Your Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie Squares

Crafting these healthy and delicious pumpkin pie squares requires a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. We’ve carefully selected each component to ensure maximum flavor and optimal nutritional benefits.

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (forms the perfect, sturdy base)
• 2 tablespoons light butter, melted (binds the crust without excess fat)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 large eggs (helps the filling set beautifully)
• ½ cup brown sugar (provides a warm, caramel-like sweetness)
• 1.5 cups canned pumpkin puree (the star ingredient, ensuring authentic pumpkin flavor)
• 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (our secret ingredient for creamy texture and added protein, replacing heavy cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors)
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (a small amount to help thicken the filling)
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (the blend that defines fall flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds extra warmth and aroma)
• Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness and amplifies other flavors)

How to Create Your Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie Squares: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delicious and healthy pumpkin pie squares is straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for a perfect holiday treat every time. The process is divided into two main parts: preparing the crust and then the luscious pumpkin filling.

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly spray the parchment paper and dish with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted light butter, and water. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared 9-inch dish to form an even crust. Pre-bake the crust for 8 minutes. This step helps create a sturdy and slightly crisp base. Remove the crust from the oven, but keep the oven on as you’ll be baking the filling shortly.
3. While the crust is pre-baking, prepare the pumpkin filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This usually takes a couple of minutes with an electric mixer or a bit longer by hand.
4. Next, gently stir in the canned pumpkin puree, plain nonfat Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix the ingredients.
5. Finally, incorporate the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dry ingredients are fully blended into the wet mixture, ensuring no lumps remain. Pour this creamy pumpkin filling evenly over the pre-baked graham cracker crust in the dish.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the center is set. To check for doneness, gently jiggle the dish; the middle should be firm and not visibly liquid, although a slight “wiggle” is acceptable (more on this in our tips section).
7. Once baked, let the pumpkin pie squares cool completely at room temperature. This is a crucial step for proper setting. After cooling, cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. Chilling makes them much easier to cut and enhances the flavors.
8. Before serving, lift the parchment paper to remove the entire block from the dish. Cut into 16 equal squares. For the best taste and texture, store any leftover squares in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy them.

This recipe yields 16 delicious pumpkin pie squares. Each square provides the following nutritional information: Calories 93, Fat 2 g, Saturated fat 0.24 g, Carbs 16 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Sugars 9 g, Sodium 104 mg, Protein 3 g. These figures make them a fantastic choice for a mindful dessert!

Understanding Weight Watchers Points for These Squares

Our goal was to create a dessert that is truly points-friendly across various Weight Watchers plans. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the points for each ingredient, helping you understand how we achieved such a low total for these delightful pumpkin pie squares:

• Graham cracker crumbs: 27 points (for the entire recipe)
• Light butter, melted: 8 points (for the entire recipe)
• Water: 0 points
• Eggs: 0 points (a fantastic zero-point food!)
• Light brown sugar: 31 points (for the entire recipe, a carefully measured amount)
• Canned pumpkin puree: 0 points (another wonderful zero-point ingredient)
• Nonfat Greek yogurt: 0 points (our creamy, protein-packed hero!)
• Vanilla extract: 0 points
• All-purpose flour: 2 points (a small amount for thickening)
• Pumpkin pie spice: 0 points
• Cinnamon: 0 points
• Pinch of salt: 0 points

Based on the Weight Watchers app recipe creator, each pumpkin pie square comes out to 4 points. This calculation reflects the most current WW guidelines.

For those utilizing older versions of Weight Watchers programs, here’s how these squares break down:

Personal Points: 3 PP using the WW recipe builder

Freestyle SmartPoints (Blue & Purple): 3 SP using the WW recipe builder

SmartPoints (Green): 3 SP using a SmartPoints calculator

Points Plus: 2 PP using a Points Plus calculator

As you can see, regardless of the plan you follow, these pumpkin pie squares remain an exceptionally low-point, healthy, and satisfying dessert choice!

Creative Ways to Customize and Enhance Your Pumpkin Pie Squares

While these Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie Squares are fantastic as is, there are always ways to customize them to your preference or add an extra touch for a special presentation. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

• Lower the Sugar Further (Optional): If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content even more, you can experiment with using a brown sugar substitute like Swerve brown sugar. While our recipe already has a significantly reduced sugar amount compared to traditional pies, this option is available for those who prefer an even lower-carb or sugar-free approach. However, given the already low points and calories, most find the natural brown sugar provides the best flavor balance without needing this sacrifice.
• Elegant Topping Ideas: For a beautiful and festive presentation, consider adding a small dollop of Light Cool Whip on top of each square just before serving. A tiny sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice, a dash of ground cinnamon, or even a very fine dusting of cocoa powder can add an appealing visual and aromatic finish. These light toppings add minimal points but elevate the dessert significantly.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Baking Perfect Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie Squares

Achieving perfectly baked and set pumpkin pie squares is easy with a few insider tips. These pointers will help ensure your dessert turns out beautifully every time:

• The “Jiggle Test” for Doneness: When checking if your pumpkin pie squares are fully baked, give the dish a gentle shake. The entire dessert may have a slight “movement back and forth,” but what you absolutely want to avoid seeing are distinct “ripples” or waves in the center. If it still ripples, it needs a little more time. A slight, cohesive jiggle indicates it’s just set, which is perfect! This ensures a creamy, tender filling without overbaking and risking cracks.
• The Magic of Overnight Chilling: While the recipe states a minimum of 2 hours of refrigeration, we highly recommend allowing these squares to sit in the fridge overnight. This extended chilling time isn’t just for setting; it allows the complex flavors of pumpkin, brown sugar, and spices to meld together and deepen beautifully. Plus, it makes cutting clean, precise squares much easier, and you’ll thank yourself for the saved time on a busy holiday morning!
• For Clean Cuts: To get perfectly clean-cut squares, run a sharp, thin knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make each cut. Repeat this process for every cut. This prevents the filling from sticking and creates crisp edges.

Discover More Healthy & Delicious Dessert Recipes You’ll Love!

If you enjoyed these Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie Squares, you’re in luck! We have many other fantastic, health-conscious dessert recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your goals. Here are a few similar recipes that we think you’ll absolutely love:

• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars: Craving something hearty and sweet? These bars are packed with wholesome oats and rich peanut butter flavor, making them a satisfying treat or even a healthy breakfast option.
• Three Point Lemon Bars: If you’re a fan of bright, zesty flavors, these lemon bars are an absolute must-try. Light, tangy, and bursting with citrus, they’re the perfect pick-me-up any day of the week.
• Peanut Butter Cheesecake: For cheesecake lovers, this recipe delivers all the creamy, decadent flavor you expect from a rich peanut butter cheesecake, but in a much lighter, Weight Watchers-friendly package.