Pumpkin Gooey Bars

By srumbel

I can seriously get away with bringing these to Thanksgiving in lieu of pumpkin pie. My brothers usually take the platter out of my hands as I’m walking in and I have to keep an eye on where they go, otherwise there will be no bars for anyone else. I should probably start making them their own batch. My whole family loves them and they’re easy to make. I’m not really a pie baker… still need to spread my wings there. If you’re like me in that department, these are really a great alternative.
from sweetteaandsavinggraceblog.com

Ingredients

• CRUST
• 2 1/4 c flour
• 1 1/2 c sugar
• 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 T vanilla
• 1/4 c milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 c (1 stick) butter, melted
• PUMPKIN FILLING
• 1- 8 oz brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 c (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 3/4 c (8 oz) powdered sugar
• 1- 15 oz can pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

CRUST

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 13 x 9" baking pan.
Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
Using a hand mixer on low, beat in the vanilla, milk, and egg. Lastly, add the melted butter and keep mixing until all the dry mix is incorporated. It will be thick, like a cookie dough.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, set aside and prepare the filling.

PUMPKIN FILLING

In the bowl of a stand mixer beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition then add the vanilla.
With the mixer on low, add the powdered sugar and mix until well incorporated.
Add the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl making sure that everything gets mixed in.
Spread the filling over the crust and bake in a preheated oven for 40 - 50 minutes. The center should be gooey, do not overbake.
Cool completely and slice into squares.
*IF you happen to have leftover bars, they should be stored in the fridge.

Serves: 16-20 bars