My Favorite Pumpkin Bars

This is hands-down my favorite recipe of the pumpkin baking season. I thought of saving it for last, you know like my finale. But then I decided what a waste. I'll put it in early to enjoy it all season long.

The back story is I don't know the source of this recipe. I got it about 15 years ago. From my Dad. I think he clipped it from some magazine or newspaper or something. And I only remember him making it one time. And I absolutely loved it. So much that it was one of the first recipes I ever collected.

And a little back story on my dad. His work schedule mixed with my mom's work schedule put him in charge of dinner 5 nights a week (Monday-Friday). And he took it upon himself to add in dessert night one or two nights a week. He was adventurous and tried many recipes and inventions (his secret chocolate cake has the best chocolate frosting I've had. Ever.). Praise to him for creating in the kitchen.

I am going to type the recipe as I have it.

Pumpkin Bars

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cloves
1 cup oil
4 eggs
1 15oz can (2 cups) pumpkin
1/2 cup chopped nuts and 1/2 cup raisins (I omit these every year)

Beat at low speed until moistened, then beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.

Stir in nuts and raisins (if you want them but I leave it plain). Pour into a greased 15x10x1" pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Cool completely, 40-50 minutes. (And if you'd like a little while it's hot, I say cut yourself a square or two. You'll end up with a bit more icing on the other bars, but I find that quite delicious with this recipe).

Combine until smooth:

1/3 cup softened butter or margarine (I have recently switched back to butter in my baking and this was  the first time I used it in these bars. Still delicious. And I put it out to soften with the cream cheese).
3 oz. softened cream cheese
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tbspn milk
1 tsp vanilla

 See what I meant when I said I would type it as is? I can't confirm or deny that the original recipe said just dump everything together and mix. However, I have done that as I have also taken the time to mix them in the ways those ingredients are usually mixed in recipes. I really don't think it does matter if you dump it all together and mix. These really are delicious.

Thanks Dad!