count down to thanksgiving #1-pumpkin pie bars...

tiff brought these a year or 2 ago to recipe club & i loved them so much!  i have made them many times since then.  they are creamy & crumbly & delicious!  but you do have to make sure that they are completely cooled or even cold or they don't set up the same.   

 

{Pumpkin Pie Bars}

1 1/3 cup flour

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided

3/4 cup cold butter

1 cup old quick cook oats, uncooked

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1- 8 oz. package cream cheese

3 eggs

1- 15 oz. can pumpkin puree

1 TBSP pumpkin pie spice

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with foil; grease foil lining.  

In a medium bowl mix: flour, brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar.  Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in oats & pecans.  Reserve 1 cup of mixture & press remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.  

In a medium bowl beat cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, pumpkin & spices.  Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.  Pour over crust.  Sprinkle with reserved oatmeal mixture.

Bake for 30-40 minutes.  Lift from pan using foil handles; cool completely.  Cut into bars.  Store left overs in the refrigerator.