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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, setting aside for later use.
- Using a mixer, cream butter, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully integrated.
- Add pumpkin puree to the mixture, mixing until slightly curdled appearance develops.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients on low speed, stirring until just combined to maintain tenderness.
- Gently incorporate milk chocolate chips using a spatula, reserving a small portion for topping.
- Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly and sprinkling remaining chocolate chips across the surface.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, watching for golden brown edges and a firm center that passes the toothpick test with moist crumbs.
- Cool in pan for 30 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper and transfer to cutting board.
- 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