Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin Pie Bars

1 1/3 c. flour

3/4 c. sugar, divided

1/2 c. brown sugar

3/4 c. cold butter

1 c. old-fashioned or quick oats

1/2 c. pecans, chopped

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

3 eggs

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin

1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice (or 2 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. ginger, 1/2 tsp. cloves)

Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, 1/4 c. sugar, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Cut in butter. Stir in oats and nuts. Reserve 1 cup and press remaining into a foil-lined 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, 1/2 c. sugar, eggs, pumpkin, and pie spice in a medium bowl. Pour over baked crust. Crumble reserved topping over pumpkin mixture. Bake 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes then use foil to transfer bars to cooling rack. Cool completely. Cut into squares. Store in the fridge. 

These are great plain, but I think a dollop of whipped cream on top would make them even better.

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