Pumpkin Spice Bars.

I don't suppose anyone will mind much if I squeeze in one more pumpkin recipe before the autumn is over? ;)

This one comes from an old cookies and squares cookbook my mom had from the early 1970s. I used to love it when my mom would make these, and I love it when I make them now! These are very sweet, so not something you'd want to have all the time, but make a wonderful special treat for fall or winter. The icing tastes like a spicy butterscotch fudge. (Sounds good, doesn't it?)

Pumpkin Spice Bars

Cream together
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar (I usually use brown)

Beat in
1 egg
3/4 cup mashed pumpkin
1 tsp vanilla

In a separate bowl, stir together
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Mix wet and dry ingredients. Pour into greased 9X9 or 8X8 pan (either will work fine). Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until set in middle. Top with Spice Frosting.

Spice Frosting

In saucepan, combine
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp ground cinammon
A pinch each of ginger and cloves

Cook and stir until mixture bubbles; simmer for a few moments, then remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla and 1 cup icing sugar. Pour or spread over pumpkin bars; it will thicken quickly as it cools.

These are always a hit when I make them. Last time, I gave one to Jasper (who is 2), and after finishing it he quickly ran back into the kitchen, took a fork from the drawer, and scooped up a forkful of icing before I knew what he was about. So I figured I'd take a picture of that to go with this post. Okay, I know it doesn't look overly appetizing, but it does show that my children liked it. And these didn't last long, so there are no more pictures anyway. :)

Enjoy!

Comments

[Lise]

Those look delicious! Can't wait to scoop some frosting myself!

[Melanie~Our Ash Grove]

gosh this looks great! I imagine I could use butternut squash.
Great blog!

[Abbie]

Always love a good pumpkin recipe. And these look delicious.

[Citysister]

I have so many squashes and pumpkins I'll have to try this one out.

[Rj]

This sounds awesome (esp icing).
Another version is 1 box spice cake mix + 1 can pumpkin + ~1 TBS cooking oil (e.g., olive) -
Mix.
Bake per cake directions.

[Jules]

Hi there...I love all the pumpkin and squash recipes there are because it is such a staple in our meals right now. I saw Tonya mentioned you and decided to do a little browse, and I'll be back for certain. I'm curious where you live because I lived in Ontario for several years, once upon a time. I love your wooden toys...so beautiful:)
xo Jules

[Leigh]

Sounds yummy! And recipes like these are why I'm determined to get more pumpkins next year.

[Lise]

Oh, my gosh, these were SO good! Thanks for the recipe. I made it with kabocha squash, but otherwise just as written. Mmm.

[Laura Jeanne]

Thanks for letting me know Lise! I'm so glad you liked them. :)