Pumpkin Bars II

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla, pumpkin puree, and egg until well blended.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Fold in the walnuts and raisins, if desired.
4. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven. The bars are done when the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. To make the glaze, mix together the confectioners’ sugar and enough water or milk to make a thick glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars.

Interesting Facts

• Pumpkin puree is a great way to add antioxidants and fiber to recipes.
• Pumpkin is a nutrient-rich vegetable, high in fiber, Vitamins A, C, and E.
• Pumpkin bars are a great way to use up leftover canned pumpkin puree.