Pumpkin Lush Bars

This Thanksgiving, swap the pumpkin pie for Pumpkin Lush Bars! Pumpkin pudding, plus a thick cream cheese layer on top of a buttery crust, will leave your taste buds happy.
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups whipped topping, plus more for topping
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 package (5.1 oz.) instant vanilla pudding
  • 1 can (15 oz.) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions

  • Combine flour, butter and nuts in a large mixing bowl. Mix until incorporated and resembling a fine powder, being careful not to over mix like a dough. Press into the bottom of a 9”x13” casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
  • While crust is baking, prepare cream cheese layer and pudding. In a large mixing bowl, blend together cream cheese, whipped topping and powdered sugar. Set aside.
  • To make pudding, whisk together vanilla pudding and evaporated milk. Refrigerate for 5 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and stir in pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, until fully incorporated. Return to refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Remove crust from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before spreading the cream cheese layer over the top of the cooled crust. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  • Remove dish from the refrigerator and top the cream cheese layer with the pumpkin pudding. Return to refrigerator for 20 minutes, to set up.
  • Pull the dish out from the refrigerator and cut and serve. Top with additional whipped topping, if desired. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days.