# What You'll Need:
→ Pumpkin Bars
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
11 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
→ Brown Sugar Frosting
12 - 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
13 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 3 cups powdered sugar
15 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - 2 to 4 tablespoons milk or cream
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
04 - Stir pumpkin puree into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
06 - Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
07 - Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack before applying frosting.
09 - Beat softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
10 - Gradually beat in powdered sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and fully combined.
11 - Mix in vanilla extract thoroughly.
12 - Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until frosting reaches smooth, spreadable consistency.
13 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve.
