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SWEET POTATO CHEESECAKE BARS

Your whole house will be filled with the aroma of pumpkin spice when you bake these wonderful bars. They look complicated but are so simple you can whip up a batch anytime.

—NANCY WHITFORD EDWARDS, NY


PREP: 20 MIN. • BAKE: 25 MIN. + CHILLING • MAKES: 2 DOZEN


    1package yellow cake mix (regular size)

1/2cup butter, softened

    1egg

FILLING

    1can (15 ounces) sweet potatoes, drained

    1package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed

1/2cup plus 1/4 cup sugar, divided

    1egg

1/2   teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

    1cup (8 ounces) sour cream

1/4teaspoon vanilla extract

TOPPING

1/4   cups granola without raisins

1/2cup white baking chips

1/4teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1. In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, butter and egg until crumbly. Press onto the bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.

2. Place the sweet potatoes, cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, egg and pie spice in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Spread over crust.

3. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until center is almost set. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the sour cream, vanilla and remaining sugar. Spread over the filling. Combine the topping ingredients; sprinkle over top. Bake 5-8 minutes longer or just until set. Cool on a wire rack.

4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.