Pumpkin Bars

As fall takes center stage, the pumpkin fever kicks in, and irresistible recipes beg to be devoured. Pumpkin Bars, a yummy treat, manage to win over even those who aren't gaga for pumpkin. This family recipe, passed down by my Mom years ago, remains a family tradition. The best part? They're topped with a heavenly cream cheese frosting, making them a crowd-pleaser for all palates.

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These bars are pretty simple to make, starting with mixing the dry ingredients in the medium size bowl.

This version uses cinnamon and nutmeg to add to the pumpkin flavor. Pumpkin pie spice can also be used.

For the wet ingredients the stand mixer is an option to use. As hand mixer works just fine too. Start by whisking the eggs in the mixture.

Add the canned pumpkin and mix a bit more. After that, add the sugar, and oil. The mixture should be very liquidity and ready for the dry ingredients.

If using the stand mixer, add the dry ingredients a bit at a time to avoid flour flying all over your kitchen. Mix until well incorporated.

Place in a 9x13 glass dish, sprayed with cooking oil. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or so. Check with a toothpick in the center to ensure the bars are fully cooked through.

While the bars are cooling make the frosting. This is a simple cream cheese, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar frosting. This same frosting also works very well on carrot cake or even cinnamon rolls.

Be sure to cool the bars fully! If not the frosting will melt right into the bars. Spread evenly over the bars.

Sprinkle It On

Top with sprinkles or a bit of candy. If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate. Bring to a slight room temperature before serving.

Yield: About 20 Bars

Author: Jennifer Hipskind

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Pumpkin Bars

Fall Delight: Irresistible Pumpkin Bars with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 30 MinInactive time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 50 M

Ingredients

Pumpkin Bars

• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 16 oz can pumpkin

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 3 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and baking soda.
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer, slowly beat together eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin until light and fluffy.
4. With the stand mixer running, carefully add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
5. Pour the mixture into an 9x13 pan sprayed with a bit of cooking oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let fully cool.
6. While the bars are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. Using a hand mixer, cream together cream cheese and 1/ butter. Add the vanilla then the powdered sugar a bit at a time. Mix well.
7. Once the bars are completely cool, frost with the cream cheese icing. Serve at once. Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy!