Pumpkin Dessert Squares With Shortbread Crust

Total Time: 50 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces (no subs!)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 1/2-2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 1/4 teaspoons allspice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, melted
• 1 cup whipping cream (whipped, to taste)

Recipe

• 1 set oven to 350°f.
• 2 set oven to second-lowest position.
• 3 butter an 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
• 4 to make the crust: process all crust ingredients on a food processor for about 30 seconds until well blended.
• 5 press the mixture lightly into the prepared baking pan.
• 6 bake crust for 15 minutes, then remove from oven.
• 7 meanwhile prepare the filling.
• 8 with an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar for about 2 minutes.
• 9 add in eggs and beat well until combined.
• 10 add in the pumpkin puree, vanilla and melted butter; mix until combined.
• 11 in a small cup combine flour, cinnamon and allspice, then add to the pumpkin mixture; mix about 1-2 minutes.
• 12 pour over the partially baked crust, and return to oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until just set.
• 13 serve at room temperature or chilled, cut into squares with a dollop of whipped cream on top.