# The Ingredients 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 (not pumpkin pie filling)
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
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth.
04 - Stir pumpkin puree into wet mixture until fully combined.
05 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined.
06 - Fold in walnuts or pecans if using.
07 - Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and spread smooth.
08 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
09 - Allow bars to cool completely in pan on a wire rack before frosting.
10 - Beat softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until creamy and smooth.
11 - Gradually mix in powdered sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
12 - Stir in vanilla extract.
13 - Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until frosting reaches spreadable consistency.
14 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars before slicing into squares.
