Pumpkin Treats! Let’s Eat!~

Gail LaggesUncategorized

This time of year brings the most fabulous “smells” from the kitchen!  From Pumpkin “scents” to Cinnamon “whiffs”…..HOLIDAY is in spelled in the air! Here is a great simple recipe and a terrific “crowd pleaser” every time.  It’s time to dish up, whip up and show up with PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE BARS!

  • 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, cubed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Directions
  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar and brown sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in oats and pecans. Reserve 1 cup for topping.
  • Press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of a greased 13×9 glass pan.  Bake for 15 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, spices and remaining sugar until smooth. Beat in pumpkin and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour over warm crust; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
  • Bake 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and filling is set. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Serve within 2 hours or refrigerate, covered.