Pumpkin Pie Bars

2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
1 (16 ounce) can sold-pack pumpkin
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup light molasses
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons vanilla extract

With mixer, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Stir in flour and walnuts until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 3/4 cup of mixture for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of 15 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, blend pumpkin, condensed milk, molasses, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla; pour over pastry crust.

Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes more until set. Cool on wire rack in pan.

Store covered in the refrigerator.