Fall Favorites

Pumpkin Bars with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Source: Found on Pinterest

Ingredients

  • 2 c. unbleached white all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 t. baking soda
  • 1/2 t. baking powder
  • 2 t. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 t. ginger
  • 1/2 t. nutmeg
  • 1/4 t. allspice
  • dash of cloves
  • 3/4 c. white sugar
  • 1 c. light brown sugar
  • 1/2 c. olive oil, or you could use canola oil
  • 1/2 c. of applesauce
  • 15 oz. can of pumpkin puree
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 t. pure vanilla extract
  • mini-chocolate chips, chopped pecans or raisins, optional

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz. pkg. low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 c. softened butter
  • 2 c. powdered sugar
  • 2 t. pure vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream

Instructions

For Bars: Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease and flour a 13 x 9 inch pan, set aside.

Sift together flour, baking soda, powder, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.

In a separate bowl combine eggs, sugar, brown sugar, oil, and mix until combined, stir in applesauce and pumpkin.

Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, mix until batter is smooth. Stir in mini-chocolate chips, chopped pecans or raisins, if desired

Pour into prepared pan and bake for 35 - 40 minutes, checking at 35 minutes; test by inserting a toothpick into the center. Cool on wire rack.

Frosting: Using a hand held or stand mixer, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar and mix.

Add heavy whipping cream and vanilla and mix on high for a few minutes until light and fluffy.

Frost, cut and enjoy.