Pumpkin cookie bars with a bright twist on classic cream cheese frosting (1987)

A classic Libby's pumpkin cookie bars recipe

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Pumpkin cookie bars are a handy way to bring the flavor of spiced pumpkin pie into a snackable format. With a soft filling, crumbly oat crust, and a simple cream cheese topping, they strike the right balance between cozy and convenient. This classic version from 1987 is sort of like a denser version of pumpkin bread, and it pairs perfectly with a tasty orange-y cream cheese frosting.

The real charm is in the layers. The base holds up well without being too firm, the spiced pumpkin center bakes into a smooth, almost custard-like texture, and the orange-swirled frosting on top adds just enough brightness. They’re easy to slice, easy to serve and easy to love.

The classic Libby’s pumpkin cookie bar recipe from 1987

A classic Libby's pumpkin cookie bars recipe 1987

A classic Libby's pumpkin cookie bars recipe

Pumpkin cookie bars

Yield: 32 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup quick oats
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
  • 1-3/4 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup Libby's Solid Pack Pumpkin
  • 3/4 cup undiluted Carnation Evaporated Milk
  • 1 slightly beaten egg
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the topping

  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup orange marmalade

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, nuts, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
  3. Add butter, mix until crumbly.
  4. Press into the bottom of 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
  5. Bake in moderate oven (350 F) 20 to 25 minutes.
  6. Remove from oven.
  7. Reduce oven temperature to 325 F.
  8. Combine remaining ingredients EXCEPT the cream cheese and marmalade (which are for the topping). Pour over crust.
  9. Bake in slow oven (325 F) 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  10. Cool completely
  11. To make cream cheese topping, beat together until fluffy one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup orange marmalade. Spread over cooled bars to frost.
  12. If desired, garnish with crushed granola, chopped nuts, or orange peel.
  13. Cut into 32 bars and serve.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 32 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 112Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 78mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 2g

Click Americana offers approximate nutrition information as a general reference only, and we make no warranties regarding its accuracy. Please make any necessary calculations based on the actual ingredients used in your recipe, and consult with a qualified healthcare professional if you have dietary concerns.

ALSO SEE  Delicious & different: 5 vintage Libby's pumpkin recipes that go beyond the pie!

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