Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips

Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips are a delightful treat, perfect for embracing the cozy vibes of fall. Imagine biting into a soft, fudgy bar where the warm spices and rich chocolate make every bite feel like a hug. That’s what these pumpkin bars offer! With their easy preparation, you’ll find they quickly become your new go-to recipe, whether for a casual family dessert or a sweet treat at a gathering. The warm scent of pumpkin spice fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to savor a piece (or two!). I love how approachable this recipe is; just gather a few simple ingredients, mix them together, and let the oven do the magic. Let’s get started so you can enjoy these delicious Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips and create some unforgettable memories in the process!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is designed to ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures. First, the combination of melted butter and sugars creates a rich, fudgy texture that feels a lot like brownies. I mean, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s both cake-like and brownie-like at once? Next, adding spices early in the mixture really enhances the overall flavor, bringing out the pumpkin in a way that’s comforting and warm. You’ll be surprised how integrating these spices melds beautifully to create depth in every bite. Lastly, using both semisweet and dark chocolate chips not only complements the pumpkin but also adds a touch of richness that’s truly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips

You’ll adore these bars for so many reasons! First off, they are perfect for any fall gathering, reminding everyone of the cozy memories that this season brings. When you serve these bars, it’s like offering a slice of autumn. Secondly, they are incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, they quickly become your go-to recipe. No fancy techniques needed—just some mixing and baking. Finally, their fudgy texture and rich chocolate appeal to both pumpkin lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. Who can resist a treat that brings the best of both worlds?

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 (8-oz) cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Preparing Your Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Preparing a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper makes lifting out the bars a breeze, trust me!

Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of butter until it’s bubbly. This adds a lovely richness that transforms your bars into something special.

Toast the Spices

Once the butter is melted, toss in 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. Let it toast for a minute; this small step really intensifies the flavors! After that, remove the mixture from the heat.

Combine Sugars and Pumpkin

Now, stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until well blended. Then, add in 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree. It’s going to look fantastic—smooth and creamy!

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, followed by 1 large egg. Stir these together vigorously to smooth out any lumps and to ensure the egg mixes in perfectly.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s add the dry ingredients! Gently stir in 2 cups of flour (measured by spooning and leveling) and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Remember, don’t overmix; you want them to be soft and fudgy.

Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Pour that thick, luscious batter into your prepared baking pan. Then sprinkle 1 cup each of semisweet and dark chocolate chips on top, gently folding them into the mixture. Can you smell it already?

Bake the Pumpkin Bars

Now for the fun part—baking! Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges have slightly pulled away from the sides.

Cool and Slice

Once baked, allow the bars to cool before you lift them out of the pan. Slice them into squares, and voilà, it’s time to enjoy these Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
• Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai for a perfect autumn treat.

Tips for Success

• Using room temperature ingredients helps everything blend together nicely.
• Remember not to overmix the batter; this keeps the bars fudgy and soft, just the way you want them.

Variations

• For a unique flavor twist, consider substituting half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate.
• Add a handful of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to give your bars an extra crunch.

Storage Tips

• Keep the bars tightly sealed at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• If you want to save some for later, wrap the bars in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the fresh pumpkin is well-cooked and pureed, and you’re good to go.

2. What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?
Mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a flavor that’s similar.

3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or have a few moist crumbs attached.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can definitely substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

5. How should I reheat the pumpkin bars?
Microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up, so they’re gooey and delicious again.

These fudgy Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips are not just a sweet delight; they are a lovely celebration of fall flavors that everyone will enjoy. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate melds into a comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing. So, whether you are baking for a gathering or just indulging in a personal treat, remember that these bars will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and bring warmth to those cool autumn days. Enjoy every single bite and savor the moments you create around them!

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