Hello fall! We're looking forward to changing colors, cooler temperatures and pumpkin-inspired desserts like these heavenly, cream-cheese-frosted bars.
Super easy to prepare, they're loaded with four, fragrant spices (cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg) that'll leave your kitchen smelling almost as good as these moist, melt-in-your-mouth creations taste. Ahhhh!
I've been making these little goodies for so long I can't remember where I got the original recipe. And over the years, I've tweaked it to our tastes. Of course, that means I added pecans because Bob says a little crunch makes everything better!
This sure-hit recipe makes a large, sheet cake that serves 20 or more depending on how big you cut the bars. So, besides being one of our fall and holiday favorites, it's great for sharing. Bonus! Making it is the perfect way to bring a smile to the faces of your family as well as several friends. And you can freeze any leftovers.
Pumpkin Spice Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serves 20 or more
Bars:
Frosting:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix eggs, oil, sugar and pumpkin in a large bowl. Sift flour, baking powder, soda and spices together. Add to pumpkin mixture, and beat with a mixer until well blended. Pour into greased sheet pan.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Place pan on a wire rack or in the fridge (much faster) to cool. Set out cream cheese and butter so they can come to room temperature.
Once bars are cool, sift powdered sugar. Combine it and all other frosting ingredients except pecans. Beat until easy to spread. Put on cooled bars. Sprinkle with pecans.
Place the dessert in the fridge for several hours or overnight to make it easy to slice. Cut into bars.
Enjoy!
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Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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