Rich Pumpkin Cheesecake With Cake Mix Crust

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

For crust, combine cake mix and melted butter in a large bowl. Press into bottom of an ungreased 10-inch springform pan.

For filling, combine cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in large bowl. Beat with electric mixer at high speed for 2 minutes. Add pumpkin, eggs and pumpkin pie spice. Beat at high speed for 1 minute.

Pour over prepared crust in pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 65 to 70 minutes or until set. Cool completely on rack.

Refrigerate for 2 hours. Loosen cake from sides of pan and remove sides of pan.

For topping, preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Toast nuts on baking sheet at 300 degrees F for 4 to 5 minutes or until fragrant and light golden brown. Cool completely.

Beat cream in medium bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over top of chilled cake. Garnish with toasted almonds. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

TIP: To prepare in a 13 x 9 inch pan, bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes or until set.