Topping:

1 cup yellow cake mix (reserved from the bottom layer)

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1/4 cup chopped nuts

Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

16 ounces (1 1-pound package) confectioner's sugar, sifted

1 stick butter or margarine, melted

1 cup mashed sweet potatoes OR 1 can solid pack pumpkin

1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Make bottom layer by combining cake mix, melted butter and egg until thoroughly mixed. Press into a greased 9-by-13-inch by 2-inch pan. Combine topping ingredients, except nuts, into fine crumbs and keep cold.

Using an electric mixer on low, combine all filling ingredients until fully combined; pour over bottom layer. Sprinkle on topping, then chopped nuts.

If using a metal pan, bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. If using a glass pan, bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then turn down oven to 325 degrees and bake for an additional 35 minutes. Serves 12 to 14.