Cozy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe For Fall Treats

Autumn whispers comfort through the delectable pumpkin chocolate chip bars that promise pure indulgence.

These heavenly treats blend warm spices with rich chocolate in a harmonious dance of flavors.

Soft, moist, and impossibly tender, each bar delivers a moment of seasonal bliss.

Bakers adore how simple ingredients create such magic in mere minutes.

The chocolate chips melt perfectly against the tender pumpkin backdrop, creating irresistible pockets of sweetness.

Perfectly spiced and wonderfully simple, these bars transform an ordinary afternoon into a cozy celebration.

You’ll want to share these delightful bars, or maybe keep them all for yourself.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundation that provides structure to the pumpkin chocolate chip bars.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Warm spices that add rich, aromatic flavor to the dessert.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise and become light and tender.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bars.

• Pumpkin Puree: Creates moisture and adds a classic autumn flavor to the bars.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the bar's soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a deep, sweet flavor that complements the pumpkin and chocolate.

• Unsalted Butter, Applesauce: Provide moisture and contribute to the bars' soft, tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a rich, caramelized flavor.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: Bring bursts of chocolate flavor and create delightful texture throughout the bars.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides.

If you don’t have parchment, a quick spray of cooking oil works great.

Step 2: Create the Dry Blend

In a bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, blend softened butter, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Add Moisture

Crack in the egg and splash of vanilla extract.

Beat until fully incorporated.

Pour in the pumpkin puree and mix.

Don’t stress if the mixture looks slightly lumpy – that’s totally normal.

Step 5: Marry the Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Mix on low speed just until everything comes together.

Remember, less mixing means more tender bars.

Step 6: Chocolate Chip Magic

Gently fold in milk chocolate chips using a spatula.

Save a few chips to sprinkle on top for extra chocolate goodness.

Step 7: Fill the Pan

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

Dot the top with those reserved chocolate chips.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.

Look for golden brown edges and a firm center.

Do a toothpick test – it should come out with moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.

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

Time to devour your delicious creation!

Pro Tips for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars That Stay Soft

• Stir the batter gently when adding dry ingredients to keep the bars tender and soft, avoiding a tough texture that can happen with excessive mixing.
• Fold chocolate chips carefully to ensure even spread throughout the bars, preventing clumping in one area and creating a consistent chocolate experience in every bite.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, moist texture for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Use room temperature ingredients like butter and egg to help create a smoother batter and ensure more consistent baking results.
• Watch for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center when baking, using the toothpick test to avoid overbaking and maintain a moist, tender texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

• Store cooled pumpkin chocolate chip bars in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer bars between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days if your kitchen remains cool and dry. Ensure container is completely airtight to preserve moisture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven feeling. Alternatively, briefly warm in oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore original texture and enhance chocolate chip melting.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

• Pair with Warm Spiced Cider: Brew a comforting hot apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks and star anise, creating a harmonious flavor profile that complements the pumpkin and chocolate notes in the bars.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Latte: Craft a smooth vanilla latte with steamed milk and a shot of espresso, providing a rich, velvety contrast to the dense, sweet texture of the chocolate chip pumpkin bars.
• Enhance with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of decadent salted caramel ice cream alongside the bars, offering a cool, creamy counterpoint that highlights the warm spices and chocolate chips.
• Accompany with Chai Tea Blend: Steep a robust chai tea with cardamom, ginger, and cloves, delivering a spicy-sweet beverage that echoes the pumpkin pie spice in the dessert and creates a cozy flavor experience.

Creative Takes on Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars: Substitute egg with flax egg, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Bars: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Nut-Infused Pumpkin Chocolate Bars: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutritional boost, creating a more textured dessert option.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips with dark, semi-sweet, or white chocolate chips based on your preference. Each type will give a unique flavor to the pumpkin bars.

• Is it necessary to use pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can create a substitute by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. The spice blend adds warmth and depth to the recipe.

• How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bars instead of soft, tender ones. Mix until no flour streaks remain.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Look for a 1:1 replacement flour to maintain the texture of the bars.

Why Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

• Dive into a cozy treat that captures autumn's warmth with every delectable bite of these pumpkin chocolate chip bars.
• Incredibly simple recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, requiring basic mixing and minimal kitchen equipment.
• Combines classic fall flavors of pumpkin and chocolate that appeal to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at gatherings.
• Enjoy as a breakfast treat, afternoon pick-me-up, or dessert that satisfies sweet cravings without complicated preparation.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet autumn memories merge in these delectable pumpkin chocolate chip bars, combining warm spices with rich chocolate for an irresistible seasonal treat. Homemade comfort awaits you in each delightful square, promising cozy moments of pure baking bliss.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pure pumpkin
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar

Dry and Spice Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring overhanging edges for easy removal.
2. Whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, setting aside for later use.
3. Using a mixer, cream butter, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully integrated.
5. Add pumpkin puree to the mixture, mixing until slightly curdled appearance develops.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients on low speed, stirring until just combined to maintain tenderness.
7. Gently incorporate milk chocolate chips using a spatula, reserving a small portion for topping.
8. Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly and sprinkling remaining chocolate chips across the surface.
9. Bake for 30-40 minutes, watching for golden brown edges and a firm center that passes the toothpick test with moist crumbs.
10. Cool in pan for 30 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper and transfer to cutting board.
11. Slice into squares and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Substitute pumpkin puree with mashed sweet potato or butternut squash for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Replace milk chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate for different flavor profiles and to suit various preferences.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie alternative that still maintains delicious taste.
• Make bars gluten-free by swapping all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg