Decadent Pumpkin-Pecan Bars Crust
and the Streusel Topping
6 cups all-purpose flour
4 cups brown sugar
1 1/4 pounds (5 sticks) butter
3 cups pecans
Filling
3 cups cream cheese, brought to room temperature
4 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups plain pumpkin pure
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon ground clove
1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon salt
10 eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 340 degrees F.
In a small mixer with a paddle attachment, combine all the ingredients for the
crust and streusel topping until crumbly. Reserve four cups for the topping.
Press the remaining mixture into one or more large, greased sheet pans.
To make the filling, cream together the cream cheese and the sugar until smooth.
Add the pumpkin, spices and salt to the cream-cheese mixture; mix until the
ingredients blend into one color, scraping down the sides of the bowl at least
once to make sure everything gets thoroughly combined.
When you are done mixing, or three-fourths the way into the process, blend in
the eggs and vanilla extract. Pour filling onto the crust, spreading it evenly.
With your fingers, crumble the streusel topping over the filling. Bake for 45
minutes to an hour, until the streusel begins to brown.
Makes 35 (2 1/2- to 3-inch) squares. |