FROSTED SPICY SWEET POTATO BARS

Frosted Spicy Sweet Potato Bars image

Provided by Brenda Watts

Categories Cakes

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 15

3/4 c butter or margarine
1 1/2 c brown sugar, firmly packed
3 large eggs
1 can(s) sweet potatoes, drained & mashed (15 oz)
2 Tbsp molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp pumpkin pie spices
1 c raisins
1 1/2 c pecans, chopped
1 can(s) readymade cream cheese frosting (16 oz)
no-stick cooking spray

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom and sides of a jelly roll baking pan, 15 1/2 X 10 1/2 X 1-inch, with no-stick cooking spray; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together butter, sugar, eggs, sweet potatoes, molasses, and vanilla extract for 1 to 2 minutes or until creamy.
3. Gradually add in flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
4. Once all dry ingredients are added, beat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes longer or until blended.
5. Stir in raisins and 1 cup chopped pecans.
6. Spoon and evenly spread the mixture onto prepared greased jelly roll baking pan.
7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
8. Frost top evenly with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle over top of frosting with remaining 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
9. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows, to form 48 bars. Store in an airtight container.