I just love the month of October…the cool evenings, the changes in the leaves, football season, and of course, National Pizza Month.  Other changes that occur during this month are our choices in food.  We are now thinking more comfort foods, crockpot recipes, stews and chili, as well as pumpkin pie, apple pie and of course the true southern favorite, pecan pie!

Yesterday I brought my version of pecan pie bars to my spin class (I just love tempting my students with yummy treats to work a little harder).  My members loved them and asked for the recipe.  Well, here you go, and I know you will all enjoy this easy sweet dessert.

Pumpkin Pie Pecan Bars

Crust:
2 ½  cups all purpose flour
1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), softened
⅓ cup powdered sugar

Filling:
4 eggs
1 ⅓ cups sugar
1 ½ cups Karo® Light Corn Syrup
1 ½ teaspoons Spice Islands® Pumpkin Pie Spice
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 ½ teaspoons Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract
2 ½ cups coarsely chopped pecan

Preheat oven to 350°F.  In a large bowl mix flour, butter and powered sugar with a fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Press firmly and evenly into a greased baking sheet (15 x 10-inch).

Bake crust 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

While crust is baking beat eggs, sugar, corn syrup, pumpkin pie spice, butter and vanilla in a large bowl until well combined.  Stir in pecans.  Pour over hot crust spreading evenly.

Bake 25 minutes (at 350°F).  Cool completely on wire rack before cutting into pieces.

Pumpkin Pie Pecan Bars

Buon Appetito!