These one-bowl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are the ultimate fuss-free dessert, perfect for those moments when you want something quick, delicious, and packed with flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients, these bars deliver the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin combined with melty chocolate chips. Whether you're craving a fall-inspired treat or a sweet snack any time of year, these bars are a perfect choice. They’re soft, moist, and incredibly easy to make, coming together in just 30 minutes. Plus, they can easily be made vegan or gluten-free, making them a versatile dessert for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the best of both worlds—pumpkin and chocolate—in a simple, one-bowl dessert that’s perfect for busy days. The pumpkin puree keeps the bars moist and tender, while the chocolate chips add a rich sweetness in every bite. The recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to make it vegan or gluten-free depending on your dietary needs. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor. It’s the perfect go-to dessert for any time of year, but especially during the fall when pumpkin spice cravings hit hard.
The Perfect Occasion
These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to gatherings with friends and family. Their simplicity makes them ideal for potlucks, holiday parties, or even as a snack to pack for school or work. Because they’re so quick to whip up, they’re a great option when you need a last-minute dessert that still looks and tastes impressive. The warm pumpkin and chocolate flavors also make them perfect for cozying up with a hot drink on a chilly afternoon.
Decoration Tips
To elevate the presentation of your pumpkin bars, you can add a few simple toppings before or after baking. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the batter before placing it in the oven for a more decadent appearance. Once the bars have cooled, you could drizzle them with melted chocolate or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a polished finish. For a more festive touch, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar or cinnamon. If you're serving these at a special gathering, consider cutting the bars into neat squares and arranging them on a platter for an eye-catching display.
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk or oat milk (or regular milk if not vegan)
- 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter or coconut oil (or regular butter if not vegan)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- ¾ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 cup regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spices (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips (or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, non-dairy milk, melted vegan butter (or regular butter), baking powder, vanilla extract, salt, and sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and pumpkin pie spices (if using) to the wet mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to the Baking Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars have risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy!