Chocolate Chip Pumpkin-Spice Bars

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin-Spice Bars (Adapted from Betty Crocker)

For the batter

1 3/4 cup mashed pumpkin
1 cup canola oil
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

For the frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted - optional

To make the batter

Preheat oven to 350

In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, oil, eggs, and sugars until combined.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger and cloves. Toss in mini chocolate chips and stir to combine. Add dry ingredients to the wet and stir until moistened.

Scoop batter into a 10 x 15" baking pan coated with nonstick spray. Bake until the center springs back when lightly pressed in the center - about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla. Slowly add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix until smooth. Frost bars and sprinkle half with walnuts and grate some chocolate over the other half if desired.

Makes about 42 bars.

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