Quick & Cozy Pumpkin Chip Bars Recipe for Fall Sweetness

These delectable pumpkin chip bars blend autumn’s warmth with sweet, comforting flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Soft, moist textures invite you to savor each delightful bite of this seasonal treat.

Packed with rich pumpkin goodness and studded with chocolate chips, these bars offer a perfect balance of spice and sweetness.

Homemade desserts like these connect us to cherished memories and cozy moments.

The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with nostalgic warmth.

Every crumb promises a delightful experience that celebrates the best of fall baking.

Unleash your inner baker and create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pumpkin Bar Tips for Rich, Moist Results

• Toast pumpkin pie spice in melted butter to enhance the aromatic depth and release more complex flavors before mixing with other ingredients.
• Temper the hot butter mixture by letting it cool slightly before adding the egg to avoid accidental curdling and maintain a smooth batter texture.
• Gently fold flour and mix just until combined to keep bars tender and prevent developing tough gluten strands that can make desserts dense.
• Sprinkle chips on top and fold gently to ensure even chocolate coverage throughout the bars without overmixing the batter.
• Freeze bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for spontaneous fall gatherings or quick treats.

Flavor Variations for Classic Pumpkin Chocolate Bars

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich, fudgy texture.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative that's just as indulgent.
• Nutty Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and a deeper nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and chocolate.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Bars: Reduce sugar by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and opt for dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to minimize added sweetness.

Fun Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Chocolate Bars

• Cozy Dessert Pairing: Serve these warm bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Autumn Beverage Match: Complement the rich flavors with a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or hot apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.
• Gifting Idea: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine for a homemade treat perfect for sharing with friends and neighbors during the holiday season.
• Breakfast Twist: Crumble these bars over Greek yogurt for a decadent morning breakfast that feels like a special indulgence.

Pumpkin Chocolate Bar Storage Tips for Freshness

• Seal cooled bars in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for maximum freshness and texture preservation.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing quality or flavor.
• Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and moist. Place a piece of bread in the container to maintain moisture levels.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and chocolate chips become gooey.

FAQs

• Why use brown butter for this recipe?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the bars. By toasting the butter with pumpkin pie spice, you create a deeper, more complex taste that enhances the overall dessert.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that has xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

• How do I prevent my bars from being too cakey?

Avoid overmixing the batter and be careful not to add too much flour. The key is to mix just until the ingredients are combined, which helps maintain the fudgy, dense texture of the bars.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars You’ll Make Again

• Dive into a warm, gooey treat that captures the essence of autumn with rich pumpkin and chocolate flavors, making every bite a cozy embrace of fall magic.
• Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, ensuring even novice cooks can create a delectable dessert without stress.
• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or quiet nights in, these bars adapt to any occasion and please both kids and adults with their irresistible chocolatey-pumpkin goodness.
• Freeze these bars for later enjoyment or store at room temperature, giving you a delicious dessert option that's always ready when sweet cravings strike.

Must-Have Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Bars

• Butter: A rich and flavorful base that provides moisture and depth to the bars.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, autumn flavor, and natural sweetness to the dessert.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a soft, tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and foundation of the bars.
• Baking Powder: Provides leavening to help the bars rise and become light.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and contribute to the rich, caramel-like flavor of the bars.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds classic fall warmth and aromatic spice to the dessert.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

• Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of rich chocolate flavor throughout the bars.

Tools for Easy Pumpkin Bar Preparation

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for melting butter and toasting spices smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for spreading and baking the entire batch of bars.
• Nonstick Spray or Parchment Paper: Ensures easy bar removal without sticking.
• Spatula: Helps fold in chocolate chips and spread batter evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Teaspoon: Used for mixing baking powder into flour.
• Toothpick: Helps check if bars are fully baked by testing center.
• Mixing Spoon or Whisk: Combines ingredients thoroughly and prevents lumps.

Baking Pumpkin Bars with a Fudgy Chocolate Chip Twist

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and coat it with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Spiced Butter Base

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Toss in pumpkin pie spice and let it sizzle for a quick moment, releasing those warm, cozy aromas.

Step 3: Build Sweet Foundation

Whisk in both granulated and brown sugars until they blend smoothly into the melted butter.

Step 4: Introduce Pumpkin Magic

• Pumpkin puree
• Vanilla extract
• Kosher salt

Mix until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Egg

Add the egg and mix vigorously.

If the mixture feels scorching hot, let it cool down briefly to prevent the egg from scrambling.

Step 6: Craft Dry Ingredient Blend

Sprinkle flour over the wet mixture.

Quickly distribute baking powder throughout the flour before gently folding everything together.

Stop mixing the moment ingredients are just combined.

Step 7: Spread the Love

Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to every corner.

Step 8: Chocolate Chip Finale

• Semisweet chocolate chips
• Dark chocolate chips

Gently fold them into the batter using a spatula.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

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

You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean and edges start pulling away from the pan.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely before cutting.

Pro tip: Warm bars are irresistibly tempting, so grab one while it’s still slightly warm!

Step 11: Store for Later

Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

For longer storage, these beauties freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months.

Pumpkin Chip Bars Recipe

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

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Description

Homemade pumpkin chip bars blend autumn spices with rich chocolate in a classic fall dessert. Creamy pumpkin and sweet chocolate chips create a perfect seasonal treat for family gatherings and cozy afternoons.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks, 226 grams)
• 1 (8-ounces, 227 grams) can pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Chocolate Components:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray or parchment paper for effortless removal.
2. Create a flavor base by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then infuse with pumpkin pie spice for a few seconds before removing from heat.
3. Incorporate granulated and brown sugars into the melted butter, stirring until thoroughly combined.
4. Blend pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and kosher salt into the sugar mixture, mixing until smooth.
5. Carefully introduce the egg, whisking vigorously to prevent curdling and ensure even distribution.
6. Gently fold flour and baking powder together, then integrate into the wet ingredients, mixing minimally to maintain a tender texture.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Generously distribute semisweet and dark chocolate chips across the surface, gently folding them into the batter.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean and the edges slightly pull away from the pan sides.
10. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting, or indulge while still warm for a gooey treat.
11. Preserve remaining bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze up to 3 months for extended enjoyment.

Notes

• Adjust spice intensity by customizing pumpkin pie spice blend, using more cinnamon for warmth or adding nutmeg for depth.
• Swap butter with coconut oil for dairy-free version, maintaining rich texture and complementary flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to create celiac-friendly bars without compromising delicious fudgy consistency.
• Toast chocolate chips briefly before adding to enhance their nutty, caramelized undertones and create deeper chocolate flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg