Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Bars are one of the desserts I make every year for Thanksgiving. They can be made a couple of days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Pumpkin Bars
3/4 c unsalted butter
2 c sugar
4 eggs beaten
1 (15oz) can pumpkin purée
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 c all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional-1 cup chopped walnuts. I like to just sprinkle on top of the icing on half of them since some folks don't like them.

Icing
Beat...
3 oz cream cheese
1/3 c unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar

Preheat 350
Butter a 10x15 jellyroll pan
Cream butter & sugar til light & fluffy
Beat in eggs one at a time
Stir in pumpkin
Combine flour, salt, spices, baking soda, & mix into pumpkin mixture
Bake 30-35 minutes or until center is set.

Spread on icing when cooled. Top with nuts if desired on all or half. Cut in squares.