Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

by Kathy Brasier Sikorski

Mmmm! Perfect for fall! These would be delicious as an alternative to pumpkin pie after Thanksgiving dinner. Or with it. We don't judge.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars
1 pkg yellow cake mix
2 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
5 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon water

Filling:
1 can (15 oz) solid pack pumpkin
¼ cup cream cheese
¼ cup milk
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 eggs
¼ cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon butter, melted

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and oats; set aside ½ cup for topping. Add butter, honey and water to
remaining cake mixture. Press onto the bottom of a greased 13x9 baking pan.

For filling, in a large bowl, beat pumpkin, cream cheese, milk, brown sugar, maple syrup and spices until
blended. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust.

In a small bowl, combine walnuts, butter and reserved cake mixtures; sprinkle over filling.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool completely
before cutting into bars. Yield: 2 dozen

Cherry Pear Almond Crock Pot Dessert

by Sheila Merrill

 I made this and took it to one of the Wed. night dinners.  I came home with an empty crock pot.  It was a hit!

 

• 1  28 oz. can cherry pie filling
• 2  15 oz. cans diced pears in syrup
• 1   teaspoon almond extract
• 1   box yellow cake mix
• 1   stick butter, cut into small pieces
• 1   1.9 packet maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal
• Cool whip for topping 

 

Spray crock pot with butter flavored cooking spray, set aside.  In a large bowl, combine pie

filling, pears, (with juice) and almond extract.  Poor into prepared crock pot.  Sprinkle cake

mix over fruit mixture, dot with butter.  Sprinkle oatmeal over cake mixture.  Place a thickness of

 8 paper towels over crock pot and secure lid.  This helps to trap steam.  Cook on LOW 4-6 hours.

Do NOT lift lid for the first 3 hours.  Serve warm with Cool Whip.