Photo from BHG.
I’ve decided to stop posting to Menu Plan Monday’s because frankly those posts are boring and this isn’t a food planning blog where I link to tons of good recipes. I’m going to use this slot to put some OTHER cooking related stuff. Like this awesome recipe I found last week for Pumpkin Bars. I found the original at Better Homes and Gardens. They were awesome. I did modify them to make them healthier though. Here are my modifications:
- 1 c all-purpose flour (unbleached or white whole-wheat would be even better)
- 1 c whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1-1/3 c sugar
- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin
- 4 eggs
- 1 /2 c cooking oil (probably could be completely replaced w/applesauce)
- 1/2 c applesauce (unsweetened — you could probably reduce sugar further if your applesauce was sweetened)
- 3/4 cup toasted chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting (see recipe below)
Preheat oven to 350 degree F. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. In the mixer, beat together sugar, pumpkin, eggs, and oil at a medium speed. Beat in the flour mixture until well mixed. If desired, stir in pecans.
Spread batter in an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting; spread over top Cut into bars. Top with desired toppings. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 24 bars.
Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, combine two 3-ounce packages cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup butter, softened; and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
They really are good cold and they stay together well that way too.
This post is linked to: Mouthwatering Mondays at A Southern Fairytale, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed With Grace, Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, Tuesdays at the Table at All the Small Stuff , Ultimate Recipe Swap – Pumpkin @ Life As Mom, and Ultimate Recipe Swap – Fall Favorites @ Life as Mom.