These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are a tasty treat that combines warm pumpkin flavors with sweet chocolate chips. They are soft, chewy, and perfect for any fall gathering!
Honestly, who doesn’t love the mix of pumpkin and chocolate? I always enjoy these bars with a cup of coffee—it’s the best cozy combo! 😋
Making these bars is super easy. Just mix everything in one bowl, bake, and enjoy! They also make great snacks for lunchboxes or afternoon cravings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for consistency. If you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast and puree it yourself. Just make sure it’s well cooked and smooth!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for more control over saltiness. You can swap it for coconut oil or apple sauce for a dairy-free version. If using oil, reduce the amount slightly.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a nice sweetness, but dark or milk chocolate chips work well too. For a healthier option, try using dark chocolate or even butterscotch chips!
Spices: A mix of spices adds warmth. Feel free to adjust these by adding more or using pumpkin pie spice instead, which has a similar flavor profile. If nutmeg or cloves aren’t your favorite, just skip them!
How Do I Ensure My Bars Come Out Soft and Moist?
Getting soft, moist bars relies on a few key steps. Start by not overmixing your batter; mix until just combined to keep the bars fluffy. The right baking time is also crucial; check with a toothpick—there should be a few moist crumbs, not dry batter.
- Bake at 350°F for 28-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack; this helps maintain moisture.
These little tips will help you to achieve that perfect texture every time! Happy baking! 😊
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need to bake it for 28-35 minutes. After baking, it’s best to let the bars cool completely before slicing. Overall, you’ll spend around an hour making these delicious treats from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix The Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until everything is smooth and well mixed. This is where the pumpkin magic begins!
3. Combine The Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined; this helps the bars rise and develop flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixes:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough. A few lumps are okay!
5. Add The Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the chocolate chips carefully, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you like, you can save a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking for extra sweetness!
6. Pour Batter Into Pan:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. It should look nice and thick. Don’t forget to sprinkle any reserved chocolate chips on top for decoration!
7. Bake Your Bars:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 28-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—there should be a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
8. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. They need to completely cool before you slice them into squares.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
After cooling, cut into bars and enjoy the deliciousness! These pumpkin chocolate chip bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days, though I bet they won’t last that long!
Enjoy your soft, moist, and spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars as the perfect autumn treat! 🍂🍰
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Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth. You’ll want about 1 cup of pureed pumpkin. Just ensure it’s well-cooked to get the right texture in your bars!
What Can I Substitute for the Egg?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use a flax egg! Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind your bars just as well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Certainly! Feel free to add in 1/2 cup of nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. You could also mix in dried cranberries or white chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous!