Making Pumpkin Bars is a simple and enjoyable process. Follow these steps to ensure success:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Sugars and Oil: In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add Eggs and Pumpkin: Beat in the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract into the sugar oil mixture until fully blended.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
6. Add Nuts: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
7. Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
10. Frost (Optional): If you’re adding frosting, let the bars cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.

With these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious batch of Pumpkin Bars ready to enjoy.