Pumpkin Bars

Fall is my favorite season, that's why I live in Hawai'i! This lastest batch is so good, I didn't even bother to make the frosting. I added 2 of my own variations on the flour and butter.

                                                                   

INGREDIENTS:

·       3/4 cup butter

·       2 cups white sugar

·       4 eggs, beaten

·       1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree

·       2 cups all-purpose flour (I use Whole Wheat Pastry Flour for more nutrition – no one notices!)

·       2 teaspoons baking powder

·       1/2 teaspoon baking soda

·       1/2 teaspoon salt

·       1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·       1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

·       1 cup chopped walnuts

·       Frosting 

·       1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

·       1/3 cup butter, softened (I use coconut oil)

·       1 teaspoon vanilla extract

·       3 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

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DIRECTIONS:

1.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan.

2.   In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; stir into the pumpkin mixture. Mix in walnuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.

3.   Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

4.   In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 1/3 cup butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually blend in sugar, beat until smooth. Spread over cooled pumpkin bars. Cut into squares.