Paula Deen Pumpkin Bars

Adapted from: Paula Deen

These pumpkin bars are a true fall treat. Perfect for a UNC tailgate and a Halloween spent in our night class. Friends at both enjoyed this delicious dessert!

Ingredients:

Bars:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 15 oz can pumpkin
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda

Icing:

• 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bars:

Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Spread batter into 2 greased 13x10-inch baking pans. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting. Cut into bars.

Icing:

Combine cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin bars.

Yield: 48 bars