Walnuts, raisins, cinnamon spice and creamy frosting make these delightful pumpkin bars the perfect dessert for any occasion!

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (15 ounce) can solid-pack pumpkin
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

FROSTING:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioner’s sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in the pumpkin, oil and eggs. Stir in the raisins and walnuts. Spread in a greased 10×15-inch baking pan.

3. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the edges pull from the sides of the pan. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.

4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla; beat at medium-high speed of mixer until smooth, scraping the bowl occasionally. Add the confectioner’s sugar, beating constantly until of spreading consistency. Spread over the baked layer. Chill, covered until ready to serve; cut into bars. Makes 24 servings.

Note: I like to freeze these bars in individual servings to enjoy whenever I am in the mood for something sweet. Simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap and put into a resealable plastic freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw them at room temperature or put them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Emily