Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 12-16 | PREP TIME: 10 min | TOTAL TIME: 2 hours

FOR THE BARS

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar or a gluten-free brown sugar alternative
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar or a gluten-free granulated sugar alternative
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups Health Enhanced Foods Buckwheat Baking Mix (gluten-free)
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (make sure it’s gluten-free)
• 1 tsp baking powder (gluten-free)
• 3/4 tsp baking soda (gluten-free)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Gluten-free baking spray

FOR THE SPICED CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

• 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (gluten-free)
• 5 cups powdered sugar (make sure it’s gluten-free)
  
  

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, oil, gluten-free light brown sugar or brown sugar alternative, gluten-free granulated sugar or sugar alternative, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Add the Health Enhanced Foods Buckwheat Baking Mix (gluten-free), gluten-free pumpkin pie spice, gluten-free baking powder, gluten-free baking soda, and salt, stirring until just combined.
4. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with gluten-free baking spray. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth it with a spatula.
5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan.
6. For the spiced cream cheese frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese over medium speed until smooth. Add the butter, vanilla, and gluten-free pumpkin pie spice, and beat until well combined and creamy. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.
7. To assemble: Spread the spiced cream cheese frosting on top of the cake. Cut into squares and serve. Keep leftovers in the fridge, as the frosting will get soft.