Toffee-Pumpkin Pie Bars

 I have found another great pumpkin recipe, LAAAA!  Ginger cookie crust, pumpkin filling, hello toffee-and-pecan topping, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.  I quote Billy Ocean: "She's simply...awesome." 

 

(That's right, this one's a short post!)

Toffee-Pumpkin Pie Bars (print recipe)
Ginger Crumb Crust:
2 cups crushed gingersnaps (about 35 cookies)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling:
1 15-ounce can pumpkin
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups half-and-half or light cream

Topping:
1/2 cup toffee pieces
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Caramel-flavor ice cream topping

1.  Make the crust: in a medium bowl, combine crushed gingersnaps, sugar and flour.  Add melted butter; stir until combined.

2.  Preheat oven to 375F.  Line a 9 x 13 pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan.  Lightly grease foil.  Press the Ginger Crumb Crust evenly and firmly onto the bottom of prepared pan; set aside.

3.  For filling, in a large bowl, combine pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt and cloves.  Add eggs; beat lightly with a fork until combined.  Gradually add half-and-half; stir just until combined.  Pour filling over crust.

4.  Using the edges of the foil, life the baked mixture out of the pan.  Cut into bars.  Cover and chill within 2 hours.  If desired, drizzle with caramel topping just before serving.  Makes 32 bars.

Recipe from Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Cookies magazine, December 2010