Pumpkin Dream Bars

1 . Stage

Make crust: Preheat oven to 350° and grease a 9”-x-9” square baking pan.

2 . Stage

Add cereal to a large resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush the cereal into fine crumbs. (Alternatively, pulse the cereal into fine crumbs with a food processor.) 

3 . Stage

In a large bowl, combine Cheerios crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt and stir until combined. Press crumb mixture into the bottom of the greased baking pan. 

4 . Stage

Bake until beginning to turn golden, about 7 to 8 minutes. Let cool while you make filling. 

5 . Stage

Turn the oven temperature up to 425°.

6 . Stage

Make filling. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat all filling ingredients together until smooth. (The mixture will be quite loose!)

7 . Stage

Pour filling over baked crust and bake at 425° for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°. 

8 . Stage

Bake at 350° for about 35 minutes longer or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool to room temperature then refrigerate until chilled.

9 . Stage

Sift powdered sugar over sliced squares before serving.