FLUFFY RAISIN PUMPKIN BARS

Fluffy Raisin Pumpkin Bars image

Chocolate-covered raisins are a fun surprise inside these moist pumpkin bars. The traditional cream cheese frosting never fails to please. -Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups canned pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chocolate-covered raisins for baking
FROSTING:
1/3 cup butter, softened
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon whole milk
1 teaspoon orange extract

Steps:

In a large bowl, beat sugar and oil. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices; gradually add to the pumpkin mixture. Stir in walnuts and chocolate-covered raisins. , Pour into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack., For frosting, in a large bowl, cream the butter, cream cheese and confectioners' sugar. Add milk and orange extract; beat until smooth. Frost bars. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 162 calories, Fat 8g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 67mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.