Taste of Fall...

Pumpkin Pecan Dessert Bars!

Pumpkin + Spices + Pecans = Heaven!
  All you need to do is just try one bite of these yummy Pumpkin Pecan Dessert Bars and you will be hooked!

I'm still swimming in Squash puree as we have been given 2 Hubbard Squash and 4 Banana Squash from family and neighbors!   
So, what better thing to make up and use our abundance than another Pumpkin recipe. 

I have never been able to make a pumpkin pie and have it turn out. I know, it is supposed to be easy, but mine are usually too browned on the top and not completely cooked in the middle.  That is why I was SO excited to have found this yummy recipe. I adjusted the sugar in it as I didn't want it to be too sweet and also adjusted the spices a little as well and added in a little more flour.

It is the perfect blend of an oatmeal/pecan crust,
a custard like pumpkin filling and
topped with savory pecan nuts on the top
and is definitely at WINNER at our house!
 
The perfect accompaniment to any Thanksgiving Feast, 

or, when you're craving pie, 

but don't feel like making and rolling out a crust. 

Pumpkin Pecan Dessert Bars 

(topping...mix together and set aside)
1-1/2 cups pecan  pieces 

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp. corn syrup

(crust)

1 cube melted butter

1-1/4 cups unbleached flour 

1/2 cup rolled oats 

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

1/2 tsp. baking powder

Mix all ingredients together well and put into greased 9x13 pan and  

bake for 15 minutes.

While crust is baking make filling:
(filling)

2-1/4 cups pumpkin/squash puree

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup white sugar 

1/3 cup unbleached flour 

3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Beat together pumpkin puree and sweetened condensed milk.

Add in rest of ingredients and beat until smooth. 

Pour over crust and bake 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and top with Pecan topping

Put back in oven and bake another 25-30 minutes until set

Remove and cool completely.  (keep chilled until serving)

Delicious, decadent, yummy, easy to make and 

definitely a great replacement for traditional Pumpkin Pie 

Enjoy a slice of Heaven today!