Pumpkin Pie Bars

Adapted from celebratingsweets.com

6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
1/3 cup cane sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cold water

Filling:
3/4 cup cane sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 15-oz can pumpkin puree
3 eggs
1 cup half and half
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 9 pan with cooking spray. 
2. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until combined. Add flour, salt and water and beat until combined.
3. Dump the mixture into the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake crust for 12 minutes. 
4. Whisk the sugar, spices and salt together. Add the pumpkin, eggs, half-and-half, and vanilla and whisk until combined and smooth. Pour the filling over the crust and return to the oven.
5. Bake about 55 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool on a wire rack to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.