Cozy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe For Fall Gatherings

Autumn’s crisp breeze whispers promises of warm, gooey pumpkin chocolate chip bars that melt in your mouth.

These delectable treats combine the rich, earthy flavors of seasonal pumpkin with decadent chocolate chips in every bite.

Comfort baking reaches new heights with this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Soft, moist, and bursting with warmth, these bars capture the essence of cozy afternoons and sweet indulgence.

Each square offers a perfect balance of spices and sweetness that dance across your palate.

The blend of pumpkin and chocolate creates a harmony that beckons you to savor every morsel.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that defines comfort and joy in one delightful package.

Why Pumpkin Chocolate Bars Work Year-Round

• Boost Flavor with Ease: Whip up a delightful dessert that combines the rich, warm taste of pumpkin with sweet chocolate chips in just a few simple steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy treat that satisfies both kids and adults with its irresistible blend of flavors.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Discover a foolproof recipe that requires minimal baking skills, making it an excellent choice for novice bakers looking to impress their friends and family.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Transform a classic fall ingredient into a year-round dessert that brings the comforting essence of autumn to any occasion.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Bars

Main Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients: .

• Flour: A soft and powdery base for delightful baking.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm and cozy blend of autumn spices.
• Baking Soda: A magical rising agent for fluffy treats.
• Salt: A flavor enhancer that balances sweetness.

• Butter: A rich and creamy foundation for delicious bars.
• Sugar: A sweet ingredient that adds wonderful texture.
• Egg: A binding element that brings everything together.
• Vanilla Extract: A fragrant flavor booster.
• Pumpkin Purée: A smooth and seasonal star ingredient.

• Chocolate Chips: A delectable addition that adds bursts of chocolatey goodness.

Bake Instructions for Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Get your oven warmed up to 325°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

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

Set this bowl aside for later use.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Components

• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin purée

Beat everything until it’s smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Merge Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until everything just comes together.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Goodness

Fold chocolate chips into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.

This ensures a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

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

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes.

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

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, slice into squares and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering treat that screams autumn comfort!

Tips for Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Bars

• Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing and optimal texture.
• Toss chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter, which helps them distribute evenly and prevents sinking.
• Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain the right moisture level and prevent the bars from becoming too wet.
• Make your own pumpkin pie spice by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a more personalized and fresh flavor profile.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage without losing their delicious texture.

Store and Reheat Pumpkin Chip Bars

• Store cooled pumpkin chocolate chip bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, ensuring they stay fresh and moist.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.

Pairing Treats for Pumpkin Bars

• Pair Creamy Autumn Latte: Brew a warm pumpkin spice latte that echoes the bars' cozy flavors, complementing the chocolate and spice notes perfectly.
• Enhance with Caramel Drizzle: Add a luxurious caramel sauce on top of the bars to boost the richness and create a decadent dessert experience.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Elevate with Cinnamon Chai Tea: Steep a fragrant cinnamon chai tea that harmonizes with the pumpkin spice and provides a warming, aromatic companion to the dessert.

Different Styles of Pumpkin Chocolate Bars

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Friendly Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content by half, adding stevia for natural sweetness without extra calories.
• Nut-Enhanced Variation: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutritional boost, creating a more textured dessert experience.

FAQs

• Can I use canned or fresh pumpkin puree?

You can use either canned pumpkin puree or fresh homemade puree. Just ensure it’s smooth and free of excess moisture for the best texture.

• What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips are ideal. Dark chocolate chips can also work for a richer flavor profile.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for edges pulling away from the pan sides and a toothpick coming out clean from the center. The bars should look set but not overdry.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has a 1:1 replacement ratio to maintain the same consistency and texture.

Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Seasonal spice meets chocolatey comfort in these irresistible pumpkin chocolate chip bars, a sweet slice of autumn’s warmth. Rich pumpkin puree and melted chocolate create a harmonious blend that will tempt you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (470 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pumpkin pie spice

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with generous grease or parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by whisking flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt in a compact bowl, then set aside for later incorporation.
3. Transform butter and sugar into a fluffy, light consistency using an electric mixer, beating until the texture becomes smooth and airy.
4. Introduce liquid elements by incorporating egg and vanilla extract, then blend in pumpkin purée until the mixture achieves a uniform appearance.
5. Gradually fold the reserved dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with gentle motions to maintain a tender texture without overmixing.
6. Disperse chocolate chips throughout the batter, ensuring an even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.
7. Transfer the prepared mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
8. Position the pan in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven, allowing the bars to bake for approximately 30 minutes until the edges slightly pull away and a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps them set and makes cutting easier.
10. Slice into square portions and serve, revealing the delightful pumpkin and chocolate combination.

Notes

• Achieve a perfectly moist texture by ensuring the pumpkin purée is well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the bars soggy.
• Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or even white chocolate to customize the flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the bars accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to complement the existing pumpkin pie spice for a more complex flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg