Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars Recipe

When fall rolls around, nothing beats the combination of pumpkin and chocolate, especially in a dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and coziness with every bite. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat that embodies the flavors of the season. These bars are moist, perfectly spiced, and studded with rich chocolate chips, creating a balance of flavors that’s irresistible.

They offer the perfect fusion of sweet pumpkin with gooey, melty chocolate, making them ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or a quick snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures that the bars won’t stick to the pan and will be easy to remove later.
2. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Measure out the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, providing consistent flavor in every bite.

2 Mixing the Batter

1. Combine the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add in the pumpkin purée and stir until fully incorporated. The mixture will be thick and creamy, with a beautiful orange hue from the pumpkin.
2. Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to denser bars. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips: Reserve a small handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top, and fold the rest into the batter. The chocolate chips will add pockets of melty goodness throughout the bars, making each bite extra special.

3 Baking the Pumpkin Bars

1. Transfer the batter to the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top for an extra touch of chocolate in every bite.
2. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The bars should be golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
3. Cool and cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. Cooling the bars fully helps them set and makes them easier to slice cleanly.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients: Using ingredients like eggs and butter at room temperature allows them to incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Check for doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking the bars at the 25-minute mark. The toothpick test is a great way to ensure that the bars are baked through.

Variations and Substitutions

1 Additions

• Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for some added crunch and flavor. The earthy taste of the nuts complements the pumpkin and chocolate beautifully.
• Dried cranberries: For a fruity twist, fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries along with the chocolate chips. The tartness of the cranberries adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the bars.

2 Substitutions

• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the blend contains xanthan gum to help with structure.
• Dairy-free option: Replace the butter with a neutral oil, like vegetable or coconut oil, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Lower sugar: You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup for a less sweet version, though this may slightly affect the moisture level.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Plain: Serve them as-is, straight from the pan. They’re perfect for snacking or as a simple dessert.
• With a scoop of ice cream: Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Drizzled with caramel: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the bars adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes them even more decadent.
• With a dusting of powdered sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.

Storing and Freezing

1 Storing

• At room temperature: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them covered to maintain their moisture.
• In the refrigerator: If you want to keep them for a little longer, store the bars in the fridge for up to 5 days. They may become slightly firmer but will still be delicious.

2 Freezing

To freeze the bars:

1. Allow them to cool completely, then cut them into individual squares.
2. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container.
3. The bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

• Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin purée. Make sure to cook and drain it well to remove excess moisture, as fresh pumpkin tends to be wetter than canned.

Can I double this recipe?

• Absolutely! If you’re serving a crowd or want more bars to share, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need to be adjusted.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

• If you don’t have the individual spices, you can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice as a substitute.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are the perfect fall dessert, combining the warmth of pumpkin spices with the sweetness of chocolate. They are moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, sharing them with friends, or enjoying them as an after

Yield: 12

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars Recipe

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When fall rolls around, nothing beats the combination of pumpkin and chocolate, especially in a dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and coziness with every bite. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are a delightful treat that embodies the flavors of the season. These bars are moist, perfectly spiced, and studded with rich chocolate chips, creating a balance of flavors that's irresistible. They offer the perfect fusion of sweet pumpkin with gooey, melty chocolate, making them ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or a quick snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Fold in Chocolate Chips:

• Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

6. Bake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the pumpkin bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles.

8. Optional: Dust with Powdered Sugar:

• If desired, dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions: These pumpkin bars are delicious on their own or can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.