Marvelous Recipes

I had some leftover pumpkin, from a previous recipe, that I needed to use before it went bad. I’m not sure where I got this recipe but I decided to give it a try. It turned out even better than I thought it would.

1 (18.25 ounce) box of yellow cake mix
1/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs, divided
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Reserve 1/2 cup of the dry cake mix.

2. In a large mixer bowl, combine the remaining dry cake mix, oil and 1 egg. Mix together using a spoon until crumbly;  with your fingers,press mixture firmly onto bottom of a 13×9-inch baking pan.

3. In another large mixer bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients; mix well using a spoon. Pour over cake mix layer. Bake for 50 minutes; cool before cutting. Makes 24 bars.

You may eat these just as they are or frost them with Cream Cheese Frosting. Either way they are really good.

Emily

This incredibly easy-to-make dessert treat is perfect for any occasion. These toffee bars travel very well, making them great for picnics, family gatherings, and reunions, to name a few!

BASE:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cubed

TOPPING:
1 egg
1 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar; cut in the butter until mixture is crumbly. Press into an ungreased 13 inch x 9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown; cool slightly.

2. In a small bowl, beat the egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract and baking powder until well blended. Stir in the coconut and chopped nuts; spread over the crust. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack; cut into bars. Makes 24 bars.

Emily

These rich, creamy and delicious dessert bars are perfect for satisfying your family’s sweet tooth!

2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk*
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (16 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce

1. In a large mixer bowl, combine the flour, oats, 3/4 cup of brown sugar and butter or margarine; mix until crumbly. Reserve 1-1/2 cups of crumb mixture; press remainder firmly on bottom of greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

2. In a small mixer bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Stir in lemon juice. Spread mixture evenly over prepared crust.

3. In a small bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar and cornstarch; stir in cranberry sauce. Spoon mixture evenly over cheese layer. Top with the reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until golden. Cool and chill. Store covered in refrigerator. Makes 24 to 36 bars.

* Do Not use evaporated milk!

Emily