These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect autumn treat, combining the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Each bite delivers a soft, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth, balanced by the gentle crunch of chocolate chips. The recipe features a smooth blend of pumpkin puree, butter, and a mix of brown and white sugars, making these bars deliciously moist and flavorful. Whether you're enjoying them as a midday snack or a dessert after dinner, these bars are sure to satisfy your fall cravings.
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars for their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The warm spices, including cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, complement the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin, while the chocolate chips add a rich, decadent twist. The soft, fudgy consistency makes these bars irresistible, with just the right amount of chewiness. They're quick and easy to make, making them a great option for anyone who wants a homemade, comforting dessert without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you're a pumpkin lover or a chocolate enthusiast, these bars offer something for everyone.
Perfect Occasion:
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for seasonal gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Their rich flavors and comforting spices make them an excellent choice for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any autumn celebration. Serve them as a dessert after a holiday meal, or bring them to a fall picnic where they’ll surely be a hit. Their portable size and ease of preparation also make them perfect for bake sales, school events, or casual get-togethers with friends and family. No matter the occasion, these bars will bring the warmth and flavor of fall to any table.
Decoration Tips:
To add a decorative touch to your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, consider sprinkling a few extra chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking. This will give the bars a professional, bakery-style look with visible chocolate pieces that melt into the top. For a festive fall touch, you could drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate or caramel over the cooled bars for a sweet finish. If you’re feeling extra creative, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving. For holiday occasions, pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make them even more indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 115g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 115g (1/2 cup) pumpkin puree
- 100g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar, packed
- 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 160g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 170g (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Ensure that the sugars dissolve fully, and the mixture becomes creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. It’s important to whisk thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for decoration. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The center should remain slightly fudgy for the best texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares, and enjoy the delicious flavors of pumpkin and chocolate in every bite!
Enjoy!