Pumpkin Bars With Hazelnut Cream
I heard there is a Pumpkin shortage. A couple of weeks ago, there was no pumpkin to be found anywhere (believe me I looked) but now the stores are fully stocked. So do we have a shortage or did we just get off to a slow start? In any case, I am very happy to see pumpkin on the shelves again and now I can finally get started with my fall baking.
To me, Pumpkin is one of those types of food that is an acquired taste. I really didn’t care for it when I first came to the States but as time have gone by, not only do I like it, I completely love it. Not that pumpkin itself has much flavor but when seasoned correctly it become very delicious.
These pumpkin bars are light and moist all at the same time, and extremely tasty. I like them plain with no topping at all, but if you like a little topping with it, then the hazelnut/cinnamon cream compliments it very nicely. I hope you enjoy these Pumpkin Bars.
Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin Bars With Hazelnut Cream
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bars:
4 large eggs
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
15 ounce can pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
Ingredients for Hazelnut Cream:
1 1/2 cup whipping cream
3 – 3 1/2 tablespoon Hazelnut Liqueur
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan and set aside.
In a large bowl combine eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin. Mix on medium speed until blended well. Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix on low-speed until batter is smooth. Spread batter into greased pan and bake for 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into center of cake, toothpick should come out clean if cake is done. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
To make Hazelnut Cream: Add Hazelnut liqueur in increments and taste as you go to see how mild or strong you like the mixture. In a small bowl combine whipping cream, Hazelnut liqueur and cinnamon. Beat until mixture starts to thicken and beaters leave tracks in cream. Serve on top of Pumpkin Bars, if you like. Enjoy!
Source: adapted from Paula Deen, originally by Patty Ronning
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