Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars by Ashley Tarrolly

It is that time of year again, filled with pumpkin patches, chilled temperatures, and spooky, full moon nights. There is no better time than Halloween for an excuse to eat pumpkin flavored foods! Everywhere you go, there is a pumpkin flavored something; Dairy Queen has a pumpkin pie blizzard, Caribou Coffee has a pumpkin white mocha, and Panera has endless pumpkin

flavored pastries.

But, if you’d like to be original and try something at home, this recipe is for you! And, if you have a sweet tooth, which, who doesn’t, give these pumpkin cheesecake bars a go!

Ingredients:

1 package (16 ounces) pound cake mix

3 large eggs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped walnuts

Whipped cream, optional

Directions:

1. In small large bowl, combine the cake mix, 1 egg, butter and 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice until crumbly. Press into a 13x9-in. baking dish; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in the pumpkin, milk, cinnamon, salt and remaining pie spice. Pour into crust; sprinkle with nuts. Place pan on a baking sheet.

3. Bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes or until set. Cool. Refrigerate until serving. Cut

into squares; garnish with whipped cream if desired.

I hope you enjoy these delicious bars, and Happy Halloween!