Pumpkin chocolate chip bars are the ultimate fall treat, combining moist pumpkin goodness with rich chocolatey bites that melt in your mouth. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar that tastes like a hug from autumn, with warm spices that remind you of cozy sweater-weather days.
These delightful bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a pumpkin spice party or just indulging yourself on a quiet evening at home. They carry the essence of the season and promise to elevate your taste buds to new heights. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll be dreaming of these sweet sensations all year long.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin chocolate chip bars are incredibly easy to make, even for kitchen novices
- The flavor profile combines warm spices and rich chocolate for an irresistible treat
- Their inviting golden hue makes them visually stunning on any dessert table
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo with a cup of coffee
I remember the first time I made these pumpkin chocolate chip bars; my friends devoured them so quickly that I barely had time to snap a photo!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Canned Pumpkin Puree: Opt for pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, for authentic flavor and texture.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars perfectly; feel free to swap half with brown sugar for added depth.
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Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and that lovely caramel note we all crave.
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Eggs: Use large eggs as they help bind everything together beautifully.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; don’t forget to sift it for lightness.
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Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents ensure your bars rise just right.
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Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; it’s like a hug in spice form.
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Ground Nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way in enhancing those autumn vibes.
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Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chips create delightful pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors—trust me on this one!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
First Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mixing Magic: In a large mixing bowl, combine canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk until smooth and well blended—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
Dry Ingredients Unite: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while folding gently until just combined—no one wants tough bars!
Chocolate Time: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The anticipation builds as you catch whiffs of cinnamon mixed with sweet chocolate.
Bake It: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—your kitchen will smell divine!
Cool Down: Once baked to perfection, allow your bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack. This helps them firm up nicely!
Serve & Enjoy: Cut these heavenly treats into squares or rectangles—whatever suits your fancy! Serve warm or at room temperature with an optional dusting of powdered sugar for that extra flair.
Now that you’re armed with this delightful recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip bars, get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess!
You Must Know
- These pumpkin chocolate chip bars are incredibly moist and flavorful, perfect for snacking
- The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a delightful balance, making them irresistible
- A hint of spice adds warmth, while the gooey chocolate chips melt in your mouth with every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, mix wet ingredients first, then fold in dry ingredients before adding chocolate chips. This ensures even distribution and prevents overmixing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruits to create unique flavors. Adding a pinch of sea salt on top enhances sweetness and provides a delightful crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For a warm treat, microwave individual bars for about 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly baked pumpkin chocolate chip bars, always measure your flour correctly—too much can make them dense
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor; canned works too but can vary in taste
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices
The first time I made these pumpkin chocolate chip bars, my friends devoured them within minutes. Their laughter and delight reminded me that food, especially these bars, brings people together in beautiful ways.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pumpkin puree works well but ensure it’s smooth and not watery.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I freeze leftover pumpkin chocolate chip bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Pumpkin chocolate chip bars are a delightful fall treat that perfectly blend moist pumpkin with rich chocolate morsels. These soft, chewy bars are infused with warm spices, making them the ultimate comfort food for cozy autumn days. Ideal for gatherings or quiet evenings at home, every bite promises a taste of the season that you’ll crave all year long.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently mix in the chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
