Chocolate Bars With Pumpkin & Coconut

I really like to play around with pumpkin flavors this time of the year. Seeing as how it was still in the 80's the first weekend in November  I can trick my mind into full on fall.  I normally go for the obvious marriage of pumpkin and caramel, but I appreciate how the spice of the pumpkin plays off of the chocolate  My sister in law is a big fan pumpkin and coconut and the idea for this was born out of her love. Even though she never got to taste them, she was definitely my muse. Don't worry, I made up for it and made another version she loves just as much.

One of my favorite bars to play around with is the ooey gooey recipe I first got from Paula Deen. I have been ready to try something new, though and after scouring through pinterest for ideas, I came up with the perfect base by combining 4 different recipes. I guess that means this is a whole new one;)

Either way, simple and easy and yummy! I have multiple creations from this one base for you over the next few weeks. It is pumpkin time and I refuse to back down. Even though I hate pumpkin pie to a whole other level. But this isn't pie... so I am in the clear. 

Ingredients:

1 Box chocolate cake mix
1 Small box instant coconut pudding
1/4 Cup water
1/2 Cup vegetable oil
2 Eggs
1 cup pumpkin spice m & M's

1/2 cup shredded coconut

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Combine cake mix, pudding, water, vegetable oil, eggs and m & m's in a large mixing bowl.

Pour the batter  into a greased 10x13 baking dish. Top with the shredded coconut. I sprayed it with non spray cooking oil and I have also used parchment paper.

Bake your bars for 20-25 minutes (if you want them a little crispier, you could cook for 30 min)

You want it to still be slightly gooey in middle, but if the edges are browning, it is just about right.

I would just recommend watching it, my mom has an electric stove and I have gas and they cooked differently.

Cool for about 20 minutes and cut into squares. And if you are like me, you will steal up the corners. They are just the best part, no arguments allowed. Well, actually, I suppose you can argue, as that leaves the best for me;)

Linking up with Jessica and Ashley