Pumpkin Bars (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour.
02 - 1 ½ tsp baking powder.
03 - 1 tsp baking soda.
04 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
05 - ½ tsp ground ginger.
06 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg.
07 - ¼ tsp ground cloves.
08 - ½ tsp salt.
09 - 1 cup sugar.
10 - ½ cup vegetable oil.
11 - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree.
12 - 2 large eggs.
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract.
14 - Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
15 - ¼ cup butter, softened.
16 - 2 cups powdered sugar.
17 - 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
03 - In a separate large bowl, beat together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
05 - Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
06 - Let the bars cool completely before frosting.
07 - For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
08 - Spread the frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars and cut into squares before serving.

Notes:

01 - Tip: For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting.
02 - Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.