Preheat your oven to 350F. This is an important step to ensure that your bars bake evenly. While the oven is heating, take your 9×13 inch pan and lightly grease it. This will help prevent the bars from sticking later. Set it aside and let’s move on!
Now, let’s make the snickerdoodle layer. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of packed light brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 Tbsp of vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts to happen, as the sugars and butter blend to create a rich base.
Next, add in 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, and 1 tsp of salt. Stir until everything is well blended, and you have a thick, doughy mixture. You’ll want to use a spatula to scrape down the sides and ensure no flour is left unincorporated.
Spread the snickerdoodle mixture evenly into your prepared pan, pressing it down gently to create a nice flat layer. It’s important to get this base right as it will support the pumpkin filling.
Now onto the pumpkin pie filling! In a separate bowl, beat together ½ cup of butter and 1 cup of white sugar until light and fluffy. This will create a rich, buttery filling that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Add in 2 large eggs and 1 ½ cups of canned pumpkin puree to the mix, and stir until everything is well combined. The vibrant orange of the pumpkin will brighten up the mixture!
Now, let’s spice things up with 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice. Stir this in, and you’ll instantly notice that warm, inviting aroma wafting from your bowl. This is the essence of fall!
Pour this creamy pumpkin filling over the snickerdoodle base, evening it out with a spatula. It should cover the whole layer beautifully.
In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of sugar and 2 Tbsp of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter, adding a sweet and spicy crunch to each bite.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The anticipation will be nearly unbearable!
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here; waiting will allow the flavors to develop even more. Once cool, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
