Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting & Organic Honey Drizzle {Recipe}

This recipe has been simmering around waiting to be shared for about a week now and it was killing me! I've made it twice already and everything about these pumpkin bars blows my mind. Honestly, I'm not a huge pumpkin fan but I find myself always being drawn to it during the fall season.

I found this scrumptious recipe on Taste of Home. The entire recipe is almost the same with a few tweaks. I also didn't have the size pan they stated so I had to use my 15x11 glass pan. Every person gushed as they scarfed delighted in each moist bite. I also changed the flavor by drizzling some organic honey on top of the cream cheese frosting. Can you say yum?!

What you'll need:

4 eggs
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 cup olive oil
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Frosting:
1 package of softened cream cheese
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup softened butter (or half a stick of butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Preheat the over to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix until well blended the eggs, oil, pumpkin and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Slowly add to the pumpkin mixture until blended well. Spray a 15x11 inch pan with baking spray and pour mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for about 28-30 minutes, inserting a toothpick into the center to check if done. Cool completely.

For the frosting, combine the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and milk into a bowl and beat on low to medium speed. Spread over the bars, then with a spoon, lightly drizzle honey (preferably organic or homemade) over the frosting. Store in the refrigerator. 

Seriously. I had to run and grab one just because I was putting this together and have no self-control.

What is your favorite pumpkin treat during the fall season?

Dear David...{Your 2013 Fall Bucket List: Letter 11}

Dear David...

Baby boy, momma is kind of emotional. As I was searching for a proper photo for this letter, I stumbled across a bunch of fall photos of you last year. You were so small...and round! We loved it!

I was thinking about how you touched leaves for the first time. It was a very strange experience for you but it was thrilling for Daddy and I. To watch your facial expressions, wondering what you were holding, slowing putting it to your lips...then realizing it didn't taste as good as you thought.

Now that you are 16 months, walking and talking your cute lil' face off, I am even more excited about fall this year! We can actually do things together that you might remember, or at the very least, enjoy. You are definitely our explorer. That is another nickname we have for you. You get giddy when there's cabinets to open, doors to close, baskets to sift through, furniture to climb on or under...all with a bright, big smile :)

So, here is a bucket list for this autumn season that will hopefully enhance those senses and the natural adventure inside of you:

Visit a pumpkin patch (pick your own pumpkin!)

Go on a hayride (you adore car rides so this will be special)

Play in a corn maze (being chased is one of your favorite games)

Make a painting with leaves (creativity is in your blood so let's involve nature)

Crunch leaves between fingers (I want to video your reaction this time!)

Jump in a leaf pile (we laid you in a tiny one last year. time to go bigger.)

Build a scarecrow (this would be a great activity in grandma & grandpa's yard)

Make homemade apple recipe with momma (you love food and helping me.)

Make first seasonal craft (We kinda did this already so let's check it off!)

Try apple cider (Another reaction I'd love on video.)

I cannot wait for you to really experience the beauty of a New England fall season! Leaves changing, crisp air, the smell of homemade baked goods, warm hot cocoa, spicy apple cider, pumpkin everything under the sun...you are going to have the time of your life, we will make sure of that!

Love,
Mom

Fabric Fun Friday: Autumn Explosion

I am always torn this time of year.
Summer is my time but I live in New England and nothing beats the beautiful changing landscape around here! This week, I chose to highlight Autumn for Fabric Fun Friday
{thinking of shortening it to "FFF" or F3"? Thoughts?}
Enjoy the stimulating imagery, soaked in Autumn-awesomeness!!
{As always, photos are linked as best as possible to the original source :)}