Follow these simple steps to create your Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cake Bars:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly blended.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Extras: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
6. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Cut into Bars: Once cooled, cut the cake into squares or bars of your desired size.