PUMPKIN SPICE BARS

I recently received a packet of recipe cards in the mail from Gold Medal Flour and found this Pumpkin Spice Bar recipe to be a keeper! I adore pumpkin, so I've tried many, many pumpkin treat recipes, but was surprised at how easily this all came together and how delicious they were. I served them at a large family function recently and got rave reviews! These will go in my permanent recipe binder for sure!

Pumpkin Spice Bars

4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 can {15 oz} pure pumpkin
2 cups flour {I used whole wheat}
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease bottom and sides of a jelly-roll pan {15x10x1} with non-stick spray.

In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread in pan and lightly shake pan to even out the batter. Bake 25-30 minutes, until light brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow to full cool before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 package softened cream cheese
• 1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Beat all ingredients with an electric hand or stand mixer until smooth.
or...

Browned Butter Frosting {my favorite!}

• 2/3 cup butter {do not use margarine!}
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 4 TBSP milk

In a small saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook until butter turns a nice golden brown. It took mine about 5 minutes and when it turned, it turned very suddenly. {I would even have it turn a bit darker than the photo above.} Remove from heat. Add in remaining ingredients, stirring until frosting is smooth and spreadable. Spread on cake immediately.