Harvest-Time Pumpkin Bars

I just love pumpkin and this recipe was on the www.bhg.com website when searching for Thanksgiving recipes.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 24 bars

Ingredients

• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 2  teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 2⁄3 cups sugar
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
• 4  eggs
• 1  cup  cooking oil
• 3⁄4 cup pecans, toasted chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, pumpkin, eggs and oil with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat in the flour mixture until well mixed. If desired, stir in pecans.
4. Spread batter in an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
5. Feel free to top these bars with your favorite cream cheese frosting. Here's a sample one: In a large mixing bowl, combine two 3-ounce packages cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup butter, softened; and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, beating until smooth.