Published: November 4, 2010

The arrival of fall is marked by cool autumn air, crisp apples, vibrant colored leaves, the comforting aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg and, of course, that classical orange gourd: the pumpkin. From pumpkin picking to pumpkin carving, roasting pumpkin seeds and baking pumpkin pie, by the time the Thanksgiving season has come to a close, most likely everyone has had their overindulgence of pumpkin treats. While one can never go wrong with pumpkin pie, the list of delicious pumpkin concoctions does not end there.

For brownie fanatics that populate Fordham College at Lincoln Center, myself included, the minute you sink your teeth into pumpkin spice bars you’ll wish the pumpkin season lasted past November. With the texture of a brownie and the perfect blend of pumpkin spice, they offer a sweet alternative to the monotony of pumpkin pie.

These bars may look difficult to make, but in fact are super easy. They only take 30 minutes to make, which is a good thing because they won’t last long!

Top the bars with a thick layer of irresistible cream cheese frosting and indulge in the sweet taste of fall!

Pumpkin Spice Bars

Materials:

• 2 Mixing Bowls
• 5”x10” Pan

Ingredients:

Pumpkin Spice Bars

• 1 cup of vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 2 cups of canned pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of walnuts
• 1/2 cup of raisins

Frosting

• 3 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 6 tablespoons of margarine, softened
• 1 teaspoon of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar

Directions:

1. Mix vegetable oil, eggs and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Mix in canned pumpkin, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and flour. (Optional: Add in walnuts and raisins.)
3. Pour batter into an ungreased 15”x10” pan.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
5. In a seperate bowl, mix cream cheese, margarine, milk, vanilla extract and confectioner’s suger.
6. Allow bars to cool, then frost with cream cheese frosting.
7. Cut, eat and enjoy!
8. (Optional) Share with friends.