PUMPKIN DESSERT BARS

Pumpkin Dessert Bars image

Put a twist on traditional pumpkin pie with this recipe. It packs the spicy pumpkin flavor you love, but in a new crowd-sized form. -Tena Huckleby, Greeneville, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1-1/3 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
5 large eggs, room temperature
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
Optional: Whipped topping and ground nutmeg

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/3 cup sugar; stir in butter. Press into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. , In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in 2 eggs just until blended. Pour over crust. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack., Meanwhile, separate remaining eggs and set whites aside. In a large saucepan, combine the yolks, pumpkin, brown sugar, milk, salt and cinnamon. Cook and stir over low heat for 10-12 minutes or until mixture is thickened and reaches 160°. Remove from the heat. , In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand for 1 minute. Cook over low heat, stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir into pumpkin mixture; set aside., In a large heavy saucepan, combine reserved egg whites and remaining sugar. With a portable mixer, beat on low speed for 1 minute. Continue beating over low heat until mixture reaches 160°, about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat; beat until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved., Fold into pumpkin mixture; spread evenly over cream cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until set. Garnish with whipped topping and nutmeg if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 257mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.