Easy Fall Desserts

The scent of cinnamon and pumpkin always takes me back to my grandma’s farmhouse kitchen, where the oven was rarely cold come autumn. On those golden-leafed weekends, we’d cozy up and bake treats that felt like love wrapped in parchment. These easy fall desserts became more than just sweets — they were moments. Laughter over spilled flour, warm bars shared straight from the pan, and the rich comfort of chocolate mingling with spice. That’s exactly what today’s recipe delivers.

These chocolate chip pumpkin bars are soft, flavorful, and full of that nostalgic fall feeling — no fuss, just pure comfort. Whether you’re baking with your little ones or whipping up a quick treat for friends, this is one of those easy fall desserts you’ll reach for again and again.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about the way these bars fill your kitchen with the scent of spice and sweetness. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate — the kind of treat that makes chilly days feel a little warmer.

This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want to bring a touch of autumn to the table. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s one of those easy fall desserts you’ll be glad to have in your back pocket.

You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients. Just pantry staples and a 9×13 pan — simple, straightforward, and wonderfully satisfying.

These bars are great for school lunches, fall potlucks, or cozy movie nights at home. You can even dress them up for Thanksgiving dessert spreads.

The texture hits that perfect balance: moist, rich, and lightly spiced — with chocolate chips in every bite. It’s a family-friendly favorite for a reason.

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Ingredient Overview

These chocolate chip pumpkin bars are the definition of crave-worthy. Think soft pumpkin base, cozy fall spice, and melty chocolate all in one delicious square. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser when it comes to easy fall desserts.

Here’s what makes it all come together:

• Pumpkin Purée (15 oz): Adds moisture, earthy sweetness, and that unmistakable fall flavor.

• Unsalted Butter (4 TBS): Gives richness and structure — use very soft for easy mixing.

• Oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the bars extra tender. Canola or vegetable oil works best.

• Brown Sugar (3/4 cup): Deep caramel notes that pair beautifully with pumpkin.

• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances flavor and adds light sweetness.

• Egg (1): Binds everything together for a soft yet structured crumb.

• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.

• Salt + Pumpkin Pie Spice: Just the right amount of spice and contrast.

• Baking Soda (1 tsp): Helps the bars rise and stay soft.

• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The base of our perfect texture.

• Milk Chocolate Chips (12 oz): Stirred in and sprinkled on top for gooey goodness.

Food styling tip: Press a few chocolate chips on top before baking so each bar looks as irresistible as it tastes.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prep your pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment for easy cleanup. This sets the stage for one of the coziest easy fall desserts you’ll ever bake.

Step 2: Cream the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pumpkin purée until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture is the heart of these easy fall desserts, giving them that signature moistness.

Step 3: Add egg and flavor

Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda. Mix well so every bite is infused with sweet, spiced warmth — a must for all easy fall desserts worth their cinnamon.

Step 4: Fold in the flour

Gently add the flour and mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the batter — we want these bars tender and soft, like any great easy fall desserts should be.

Step 5: Stir in the chocolate chips

Add most of the chocolate chips, saving a handful for the top. Fold them in gently. Tip: toss your chips in a little flour first to prevent them from sinking!

Step 6: Spread and top

Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan. Scatter the reserved chocolate chips on top for that bakery-style finish — one of the easiest tricks in the easy fall desserts playbook.

Step 7: Bake to golden perfection

Bake for 25–30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 8: Slice and serve

Once cooled, slice into squares and serve. These bars are soft, gooey, and bursting with fall flavor — perfect to enjoy with cider or coffee. Another win for simple yet satisfying easy fall desserts.

Now that your dish is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

Let the pumpkin purée drain slightly if it’s overly watery. Too much moisture can throw off the texture — a common hiccup with easy fall desserts that rely on canned ingredients.

Use room-temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter. Cold egg or butter can cause clumps and uneven mixing, especially in quick easy fall desserts like these bars.

Want a bakery-worthy look? Gently press a few extra chocolate chips into the top just before baking. It adds that glossy, melty finish folks love in easy fall desserts.

If you plan to serve later, store the bars in the fridge and microwave for 10 seconds before enjoying. They stay soft and delicious — and unlike many easy fall desserts, they don’t dry out.

Try lining the pan with parchment for easy lifting and cleaner slices. Especially handy when bringing your easy fall desserts to gatherings or parties!

Looking for more creative inspiration? Our fall dessert recipes are full of comforting flavors and crowd-pleasers!

Variations

Swap in dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a fresh twist. The sweet pumpkin base makes these bars one of the most versatile easy fall desserts out there.

For a spiced kick, add a dash of ground cloves or ginger. A touch of molasses also deepens the fall flavor in these cozy easy fall desserts.

Want to make it gluten-free? Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to mix gently, so your easy fall desserts don’t turn out dense.

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. That sweet-and-salty bite turns these pumpkin bars into next-level easy fall desserts.

Looking for more cozy treats? Don’t miss our pumpkin cinnamon rolls — they’re another fall favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin chocolate chip bars are pure joy served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For family gatherings, pair them with mugs of hot apple cider or homemade pumpkin spice coffee. Their soft texture and comforting flavor make them ideal easy fall desserts to bring to potlucks, bake sales, or weeknight treats. I also love serving them alongside other seasonal goodies like pumpkin fluff pie or pumpkin donuts for a cozy fall dessert spread that guests won’t forget.

Conclusion

There’s something heartwarming about baking a simple treat that brings a whole room to life. These chocolate chip pumpkin bars are one of those easy fall desserts that feel like a warm hug — nostalgic, satisfying, and full of seasonal charm. Whether you’re sharing them with neighbors or sneaking a square for yourself, you’re baking more than just dessert — you’re making memories.

I hope you’ll try these bars soon and see why they’ve become one of my go-to easy fall desserts. When you do, leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out! Share a photo on social media and tag us — I love seeing your kitchen magic and what seasonal twist you might add.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!