Nutty Pumpkin Bars

This recipe was from my elderly neighbor and I loved as a child. She has long since passed away but whenever I make these the happy childhood memories come rushing back.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 153 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• ⅔ cup solid-pack pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Step 2

Beat flour, brown sugar, pumpkin, 1/2 cup butter, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, baking soda, nutmeg, ginger, and baking powder together in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until batter is evenly combined, about 2 minutes. Fold pecans into batter and spread into the prepared baking pan.

Step 3

Bake in the preheated oven until edges are lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

Step 4

Beat 2 tablespoons butter and confectioners' sugar together in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth; beat in orange juice and orange zest until frosting is light and spreadable. Spread frosting onto cooled bars.