Irresistible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe: Autumn Magic

Autumn whispers magic through these delectable pumpkin chocolate chip bars that combine cozy comfort with sweet indulgence.

Crisp breezes and falling leaves inspired this delightful treat perfect for weekend baking adventures.

Warm spices mingle with rich chocolate, creating a sensational flavor profile that feels like a culinary hug.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures that dance between soft pumpkin and decadent chocolate morsels.

Surprisingly simple ingredients come together to craft these irresistible bars that scream seasonal happiness.

Home kitchens will buzz with excitement as you blend familiar flavors into something extraordinary.

Come savor the season’s most delightful dessert and let pure deliciousness be your guide.

Why Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Hit the Spot

• A universally loved treat that brings smiles to faces, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend snacking.
• Capture the essence of autumn with a perfect blend of warm spices and rich chocolate, transforming a simple dessert into a memorable experience.
• Comes together in a snap with straightforward ingredients and simple mixing technique, making it a go-to recipe for spontaneous sweet cravings.

What You’ll Need for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth and creamy base that provides moisture and rich autumn flavor to the bars.
• Flour: The essential structural component that helps bind the bars together.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture in the bars.
• Chocolate Chips: Delicious morsels that provide sweet bursts of chocolate throughout the dessert.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and contribute to the bar's structure and texture.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, moist texture in the bars.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Key leavening agents that help the bars rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.
• Vanilla: Adds depth and warmth to the dessert's flavor profile.

• Nuts: Can provide extra crunch and nutty flavor to the bars.

Steps to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Get your oven warmed up to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper so your bars slide out effortlessly.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Wet Mixture

• Pumpkin puree
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Whisk everything until it looks super smooth.

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla, then mix until well combined.

Step 3: Craft the Dry Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon

Whisk these together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until everything just comes together.

Don’t go crazy with mixing – you want a tender bar!

Step 5: Sprinkle in the Goodies

Fold in chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts.

Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars hang out in the pan for about 15 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Made Better

• Use level measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient proportions for consistent texture and flavor.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to prevent tough, dense bars by maintaining a light, tender crumb.
• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and prevent excess liquid in the recipe.
• Toss chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour before adding to prevent sinking and ensure even spread throughout bars.
• Watch bars closely during final 5 minutes of baking, checking with toothpick to prevent overbaking and maintain moist, soft texture.

Save and Reheat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Right

• Seal cooled bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stack with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individually for 15-20 seconds for a warm treat.
• Warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Perfect Pairings for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Pair these pumpkin chocolate chip bars with warm beverages like spiced chai latte or rich espresso to enhance the dessert's cozy autumn essence.
• Boost Dessert Experience: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast that elevates the bar's warm spices and chocolate chips.
• Create Texture Symphony: Match with toasted pecans or a sprinkle of sea salt to add crunch and highlight the bar's soft, moist interior.
• Enhance Beverage Harmony: Pour a glass of cold milk or creamy hot chocolate to balance the dessert's sweet and spicy profile, creating a comforting taste sensation.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars with a Twist

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), use plant-based butter, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips to create a completely plant-based treat.
• Nutty Enhancement: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and a rich, toasted flavor that complements the pumpkin and chocolate perfectly.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate mashed ripe bananas to maintain moisture and natural sweetness while cutting down on refined sugars.

FAQs

• Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

• How do I know if the bars are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.

• Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.

• Are these bars gluten-free?

Not in this recipe. To make them gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.

Irresistible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Seasonal comfort meets sweet indulgence in these divine Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, blending warm autumnal spices with rich chocolate morsels. Homemade goodness fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, promising a delightful treat that celebrates fall’s most cherished flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113 grams)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Add-ins:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×13 inch baking vessel with grease or parchment paper for effortless extraction.
2. Create a silky wet mixture by vigorously whisking pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until achieving a uniform consistency. Incorporate eggs and vanilla, blending thoroughly.
3. Craft the dry foundation by combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and aromatic spices in a separate mixing bowl.
4. Merge the wet and dry components with gentle folding motions, ensuring minimal disruption to the batter’s delicate structure. Stop mixing once ingredients are just integrated.
5. Enhance the mixture by tenderly introducing chocolate chips (and optional nuts), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface to create an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and free of raw batter.
7. Allow the bars to rest in the pan for approximately 15 minutes, then transition to a wire rack for complete cooling. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into delectable squares.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing by gently folding ingredients to maintain a soft, tender texture and avoid tough, dense bars.
• Customize Spices by adjusting cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger quantities to match personal taste preferences or seasonal mood.
• Enhance Moisture by adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients for extra richness and softness.
• Create Gluten-Free Version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring same delicious results for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg