Traditions are fun, aren’t they? It’s interesting to me that the older kids are the ones that want to carry on our traditions. My younger grandkids are happy to experiment with new recipes, games and decorations. The teens (and even my adult “kids”) are quite sure we need to make the same food, play the same games, and gather the same people.
“Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.” 1 Corinthians 11:2
This is my tried-and-true pumpkin bar recipe. I try to make it every year. It’s easy and it rises up like a dream. And why is cream cheese frosting just so GOOD? These bars have the perfect ratio of cake to frosting. They’re not too sweet but still taste decadent. Also, a pet peeve of mine is when recipes call for a partial can of pumpkin. What am I supposed to do with a little bit of leftover pumpkin in the bottom of a can? These bars call for an entire can of pumpkin, no measuring needed and nothing leftover. I love that.
In short, this recipe is a keeper. It might even become a tradition for your family too!
PC: Ann Kirsten
PUMPKIN BARS
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp ginger (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 – 15 oz. can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup add ins: raisins, nuts or chocolate chips
FROSTING:
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 1 tsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup powdered sugar
DIRECTIONS:
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease or spray a 9 x 9” square pan.
• Mix the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl (from the flour through the baking soda). Set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, cream together: pumpkin, eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla.
• Add the dry ingredients and mix until blended.
• Stir in the add-ins.
• Spread the dough in your prepared pan and bake for 30 – 40 minutes. (It took 40 minutes in my oven). Use the toothpick test to check the center for doneness.
• While your bars are baking, rinse and dry your mixing bowl and put the frosting cream cheese and butter in it. Cream them together well.
• Add in the milk and vanilla and beat well. Sift in the powdered sugar and mix on low until the sugar is incorporated. Beat on high until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
• When your bars are baked and cooled, spread your frosting over the top.
These bars are the perfect end to a turkey dinner. Serve them with a hot beverage and listen to a few Christmas carols while you relax and unwind.
Notes:
Get creative with your add-ins. How about mini M&M’s, white chocolate chips or dried cranberries added to the dough?
Change up the frosting. Instead of vanilla extract, add pure maple syrup to the mixture or sprinkle some cinnamon in there.
Decorate the bars with candy corn or colored sprinkles.
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15
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Read more of Ann’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
