Jen's Famous Pumpkin Pie Bars

Eric does not bake. Lets review that one, Eric, the husband half of this blog grills, cooks on the stove top, prepares sandwiches, slices, dices, chops and stirs. He does not put things in the oven and expect them to come out any way except burned on the outside and raw on the inside. Its no wonder then that Charisse was more than a little concerned when he decided he would handle making Jen's Famous Pumpkin Pie Bars for the family that came out from Arkansas over New Years. Thats right, a house full of family and friends and ERIC is going to bake something. There were some quivering boots around wondering just how toxic this would be. Fortunately after an hour and a half, once everyone had scarfed down the taco bar we made and Eric chased Charisse and Jen out of the kitchen with a wooden spoon at least twice the pumpkin pie bars were served. Thankfully nobody died. Not only did nobody die they didn't leave any left, which is always a good sign. This is actually always the case with  these things. We've mentioned them before but haven't had the chance to show them to you all. This is most certainly one of the best tasting fall / winter desserts ever. The base is just basic yellow cake, the middle is a delicious pumpkin pie filling and its topped with a crispy sugar and cinnamon crunch. This really is an amazing dessert, it tastes great and its easy to make so its perfect for pot lucks, large get togethers or just you.

Pumpkin Pie Bars 
What you will need: 

1 yellow cake mix
1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs
3 cups pumpkin pie filling (not canned pumpkin)
1/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup butter, melted  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove 1 cup cake mix, reserve. Grease and flour a 13x9 inch pan. In large bowl, combine remaining cake mix, 1 egg, and the melter butter . Mix well and press into pan. Combine remaining eggs, pumpkin, and milk, and mix well.  Pour evenly into pan.  Add sugar and cinnamon to remaining cake mix.  Cut butter into mixture until crumb-like.  Sprinkle over pie filling.  Bake 45-50 minutes until knofe comes out clean.  Let cool before cutting.  350 for 50-60 minutes.