These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are a perfect fall treat! They’re soft, sweet, and filled with cozy pumpkin flavor, plus lots of yummy chocolate chips.
Making them is super simple—mix everything together, pour it in a pan, and bake. My favorite part? The smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the house. It’s like a hug in dessert form!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but make sure it’s not the spiced pie filling. If fresh pumpkin is available, you can roast it, then blend it smooth. I love the flavor of freshly roasted pumpkin!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, but you can swap it with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. I often use a 1:1 gluten-free mix, and it turns out just as good!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar instead, but you might lose some of that rich taste. Coconut sugar can also be a nice substitute.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are traditional, but feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips if you prefer something sweeter!
How Do You Ensure Your Bars Come Out Moist and Flavorful?
To make these pumpkin bars perfectly moist, focus on a few key techniques. Firstly, don’t overmix your batter; this helps keep them tender. Mix until just combined so they rise nicely.
- Start with all your wet ingredients mixed well before adding the dry ones.
- When baking, check them a minute or two before the time is up. Overbaking can dry them out. Look for moist crumbs when testing with a toothpick.
- Let them cool completely in the pan to help retain moisture before cutting them into squares.
Finally, storing them in an airtight container keeps them soft longer. Enjoy your pumpkin chocolate chip bars warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat!
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping (about 1/4 cup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and another 28-32 minutes for baking. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a while. In total, you’ll spend around 45 minutes before you can enjoy these delightful bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab an 8×8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will help you easily lift the bars out later.
2. Mix Your Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil (or melted butter) until everything is combined and smooth. This mixture is the base of your delicious bars!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This step ensures there are no lumps and helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Add Chocolate Chips:
Now, gently fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips. Don’t forget to save some for the top if you want them extra chocolatey!
6. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the extra chocolate chips on top if desired. Bake in your preheated oven for 28-32 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (but not wet batter) on it.
7. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps them set nicely. After they’re cool, cut them into squares.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the pumpkin chocolate chip bars at room temperature, and enjoy this delightful treat! They’re perfect on their own or even warmed up slightly for that melty chocolate experience.
These bars can stay fresh and moist for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. So, feel free to make a batch for yourself and share with friends and family, or simply indulge a little each day!
Can I Use Canned Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pure Pumpkin?
No, it’s best to use pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which could throw off the balance of your bars. Stick with pure pumpkin for the best results!
How Can I Make These Bars Healthier?
You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Additionally, reducing the sugar slightly or using a sugar alternative can help cut calories. For a healthier fat option, you could also use applesauce instead of oil or butter.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze wonderfully. Once cooled, cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Should I Serve with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes them to the next level! A sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top adds a lovely touch as well.
