Fall’s Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe for You

Autumn’s crisp breeze whispers promises of comfort as these delectable pumpkin chocolate chip bars melt hearts and warm souls.

Packed with rich, fudgy goodness, this recipe captures the essence of seasonal baking magic.

chocolate chips dance through soft pumpkin-infused layers, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.

Soft, moist, and deeply satisfying, these bars promise to become your new fall favorite.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spice and sweetness that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a cozy celebration.

The kitchen will fill with an aroma that beckons everyone closer, eager to taste this delightful treat.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that turns simple ingredients into pure autumn bliss.

Perfect Pairings for Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

• Pair Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the warm pumpkin pie spices in the bars with a creamy, aromatic chai latte that echoes the dessert's rich, comforting flavors.
• Sip Bourbon Vanilla Milk: Create a decadent pairing by serving cold bourbon-infused vanilla milk alongside the chocolate chip pumpkin bars for a luxurious adult treat.
• Match Cinnamon Espresso: Brew a small shot of espresso with a sprinkle of cinnamon to highlight the dessert's chocolate and spice notes, cutting through the bar's sweetness.
• Enhance Salted Caramel Cappuccino: Top a smooth cappuccino with a drizzle of salted caramel to balance the chocolate and pumpkin's deep, complex flavors.

Flavor Variations for Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same rich texture and flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Squares: Substitute butter with coconut oil, replace egg with a flax egg, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of the classic recipe.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Chocolate Treats: Swap granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the decadent taste and moistness.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Bars: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate dark chocolate with high cocoa content to create a low-carb, ketogenic-friendly dessert that fits strict dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Why should I toast the pumpkin pie spice with butter?

Toasting the spices helps release their essential oils, intensifying the warm, aromatic flavors and creating a deeper, more complex taste profile for your bars.

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can mix semisweet, dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips to create your own unique flavor combination. Just keep the total amount of chocolate chips consistent.

• How do I prevent overmixing the batter?

Stir the flour mixture gently just until most lumps disappear. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tough and dense bars instead of the desired fudgy texture.

• What if my butter mixture is too hot when adding the egg?

Let the butter mixture cool for a minute or two before adding the egg to prevent scrambling. This helps maintain a smooth, uniform batter consistency.

Why Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe Is a Fall Favorite

• Toasting pumpkin pie spice in melted butter creates a deep, rich aroma that elevates the entire dessert with warm, sophisticated notes.
• Simple one-pan mixing technique and straightforward instructions make these bars accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Combining classic fall flavors like pumpkin with indulgent chocolate chips ensures a universal appeal that satisfies sweet cravings for both kids and adults.
• Using parchment paper or nonstick spray guarantees easy removal and minimal kitchen mess, making this recipe a stress-free baking experience.

Must-Have Ingredients for Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a fudgy texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and a classic autumn flavor to the bars.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and helps create structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the bar's structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become light.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, seasonal spice notes.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the fudgy texture.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate Chips: Add rich chocolate flavor and create delightful chocolate pockets throughout the bars.

Baking Instructions for Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for super easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Create Buttery Spice Magic

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice and let it dance around for a few seconds.

Pull the pan off the heat to prevent any burning.

Step 3: Mix Sweet and Pumpkin Goodness

Stir in both sugars until they blend smoothly with the melted butter.

Pour in the canned pumpkin and mix everything together until it looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

Splash in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in the salt.

Crack the egg and whisk it quickly into the mixture.

If the mixture feels too hot, let it cool down for a moment to prevent the egg from scrambling.

Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients

Gently add the flour to the mixture without stirring.

Dust the baking powder over the flour and use a teaspoon to mix it in.

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Chocolate Chip Adventure

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.

Scatter both semisweet and dark chocolate chips across the top.

Use a spatula to fold the chips into the batter gently.

Step 7: Bake to Delicious Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean.

Look for edges that are pulling away from the pan’s sides.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then slice into delightful squares.

Get ready to enjoy your incredible pumpkin chocolate chip bars!

Helpful Tips for Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

• Stir the flour mixture gently to avoid tough, dense bars. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined to maintain a soft, fudgy texture.
• Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding the egg to prevent scrambling. This ensures a smooth, creamy batter without lumps.
• Toast the pumpkin pie spice in butter to intensify its warmth and aroma. This technique releases deeper, richer spice notes throughout the bars.
• Insert a toothpick near the center to test baking completeness. Look for a clean toothpick and slightly pulling edges as signs of perfectly baked bars.
• Gently fold chocolate chips into the batter to ensure even spread. This prevents chips from sinking and creates delightful chocolate pockets in every bite.

How to Store and Warm Up Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add a few more seconds if needed to restore soft, fudgy texture.
• Let frozen or refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften and bring out the rich chocolate and pumpkin flavors.

Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Harvest season brings delightful Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars that marry rich autumn flavors with irresistible chocolate indulgence. Creamy pumpkin and melted chocolate create a comforting dessert you’ll crave from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Sugars and Fats:

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by coating with nonstick spray or lining with parchment paper for effortless removal.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then quickly toast pumpkin pie spice for maximum flavor infusion, removing from heat to prevent scorching.
3. Incorporate granulated and brown sugars into the melted butter, creating a rich caramel-like base. Blend in canned pumpkin until smooth and uniform.
4. Vigorously mix vanilla extract and kosher salt into the warm mixture. Temper the egg by allowing the mixture to cool slightly before adding to prevent curdling.
5. Sift flour and baking powder together directly onto the wet ingredients. Fold gently until just combined, ensuring minimal mixing to maintain a tender texture.
6. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly to the edges. Scatter semisweet and dark chocolate chips across the surface, then delicately fold them into the batter.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean and the edges begin to pull away from the pan sides.
8. Cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Adjust spice intensity by adding more or less pumpkin pie spice to match personal taste preferences.
• Use brown butter technique for deeper, nuttier flavor profile in the bars.
• Ensure ingredients are room temperature to prevent uneven mixing and potential texture issues.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg