pat's Recipe

Creamy Pumpkin and Pecan Squares

Category: Bars

1 (18.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 (16-ounce) box confectioners sugar
Whipped cream (optional)
Ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degreesF. Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, butter, chopped pecans, and 1 egg. Press mixture evenly into bottom of prepared pan.
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and 3 eggs with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually beat in confectioners sugar until mixture is smooth. Pour over prepared crust. Bake 35 minutes. Cut into squares to serve. Serve with whipped cream and lightly sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.

Makes 2 dozen