Shelly's Recipe

CREAM CHEESE PUMPKIN BARS

Category: Bars

1 14-ounce package gingerbread mix
3 tablespoons melted butter
4 eggs, divided
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 16-ounce can pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine gingerbread mix, melted butter and 1 egg in a large bowl. Press into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish and set aside.

Place the cream cheese in a stand mixer or mixing bowl and beat until fluffy. Add the sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Blend well and pour over the gingerbread crust. Sprinkle with the chopped nuts, if desired, and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until set. Cool bars at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate.

Makes 12 servings.