Recipe: Pumpkin Mousse Bars (using pudding mix)

PUMPKIN MOUSSE BARS

FOR THE CRUST:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup quick oats, uncooked
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
FOR THE MOUSSE:
2 packages (4 serving size each) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling
2 1/2 cups milk
2 cups canned pumpkin
1 tsp grated orange rind (optional)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
2 cup whipped topping (plus additional for serving)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

TO MAKE THE CRUST:
Mix flour, oats, brown sugar and butter until crumbly. Press in 9x13-inch pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cool.

WHILE CRUST IS BAKING, PREPARE MOUSSE:
Combine (dry) pudding mix, milk, pumpkin, orange rind, and spices in a bowl. Beat until well blended.

Fold in whipped topping and pecans, if using. Spread over cooled crust. Refrigerate to chill.

Cut into 3x3-inch squares and serve cold with additional whipped topping.