Pumpkin Pie Bars

I love the crackly top on these bars.  Another yummy pumpkin dessert.  Best served with some whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top. Mmmm...

(By the way...the cake mix I used in this photo had black and orange sprinkles in it in case you were wondering what those spots were or why yours doesn't have spots when you make it =)

Pumpkin Pie Bars

Crust:

1 yellow cake mix (reserve 1 cup dry cake mix and set aside)

1 egg

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted

Combine dry cake mix, egg, and melted butter.  Press into a 9x13 baking dish.

Filling:

1-1/2 cups canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cloves

1/2 tsp. ginger

12 oz. can evaporated milk

2 eggs

Beat together until smooth.  Pour over crust layer.

Topping:

1 cup reserved cake mix

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

3 Tbsp. butter, room temp

chopped nuts, optional

Mix dry ingredients.  Work in butter with fork until crumbly.  Sprinkle over filling layer.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour.  (Check around 45 minutes as oven temperatures vary.)  Cool.  Serve with whipped cream and sprinkled cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.