Halloween Pumpkin Bars

With the arrival of the brisk fall air and crunching leaves underfoot, Halloween approaches with its unique charm and mouthwatering treats. Our kitchens come alive with the perfume of spices and the warmth of fall flavors while the streets become an endless array of costumes and laughter. Of all the pumpkin-flavored treats available, Halloween Pumpkin Bars are particularly delicious and simple to prepare, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the season.

The crown gem of October, the pumpkin is more than simply a Halloween symbol; it’s a multipurpose ingredient that gives baked dishes a distinct depth of flavor. A wonderful way to highlight the earthy richness and velvety texture of this beloved vegetable is with pumpkin bars. Showcasing a blend of spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, these bars provide your palate with a symphony of fall tastes.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1-2/3 cups sugar
• 1 cup canola oil
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk

Instructions:

1. Beat the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin together thoroughly in a bowl.
2. Mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt; add to the pumpkin mixture gradually and thoroughly mix.
3. Fill a 15 by 10 by 1-inch ungreased baking pan.
4. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes.
5. Cool completely.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar to make the frosting.
7. Pour in enough milk to make the mixture spreadable.
8. Cover bars with frosting.
9. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts:

1 bar:

275 calories

15g fat (4g saturated fat)

43mg cholesterol

242mg sodium

34g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber)

3g protein