[aishah]

pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting

ingredients

for the bars:
4 eggs
1 2/3 c. sugar (i used raw, but white or brown would work fine too)
1 c. vegetable oil or applesauce
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
15 oz. pumpkin puree
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. cardamom

for the icing:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 c. confectioner’s sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla extract

directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, oil or applesauce, vanilla, and pumpkin puree. I used an electric mixer. Feel free to use a spoon. Or whatever tickles you. Slowly mix in the rest of the dry ingredients and spices until the batter is smooth. Pour into a greased 13×9 in. baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

In a smaller bowl, combine cream cheese and vanilla, and slowly mix in confectioner’s sugar until smooth.

Let the bars cool completely before slicing and icing.