Perfect Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

It's Too Yummy Tuesday!

On select Tuesdays I share delicious recipes either inspired by my books or that are just plain delicious!

Today I bring you a fall-themed treat inspired by my new Sons of Herne romance, Anduron: God of Mabon. A harvest sabbat considered to be the pagan thanksgiving, Mabon is a time for autumn yumminess. In the book, two large pumpkins feature in the final scene, so what better time to kick off my annual tradition to embrace all things pumpkin?

These pumpkin bars are delish, guys, and the frosting puts them over the top. Although it isn't necessary, you can toss a handful of raisins, walnuts, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

Perfect Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

 Ingredients

4 eggs
1 c. vegetable oil
1 2/3 c. sugar
1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In medium bowl, beat eggs, oil, sugar and pumpkin. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Pour into an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1 baking pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely. 

Meanwhile, prepare frosting as follows:

Frosting:
1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 c. confectioners sugar
1/4 c. butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1 to 2 tbsp. milk

Beat cream cheese, sugar, butter and vanilla in a small mixing bowl. Add enough milk to achieve desired spreading consistency. Spread over bars.
Yield: 2 dozen.

Enjoy!

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J. Rose Allister is the author of more than thirty books, primarily romance and erotic romance. A former editor and submissions director, she now works as a mild-mannered hospital secretary by day, naughty writer by night. Connect with her on Twitter or Goodreads. She loves talking to people!