Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Butter a 9x12 inch pan and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter will be slightly thick. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 C) for 26-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. Begin adding the powdered sugar one cup at a time, stopping the mixer to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add 1-3 tablespoons of milk until the frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.

Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, frost the top evenly with the cream cheese frosting.