Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips

My kids always beg me to make these Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips, especially when the leaves start to turn. The warm, cozy scent of pumpkin spice and chocolate fills the kitchen, creating a delightful atmosphere.

These bars aren’t just for fall, though! Their fudgy, brownie-like texture makes them a year-round favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just a simple weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love It

These Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience! The combination of warm pumpkin spice and rich chocolate creates a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist. They’re incredibly easy to make—all done on the stovetop. And the fudgy, brownie-like texture is simply divine. Trust me; these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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What You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is delightfully simple, using pantry staples and a can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!). Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter: One cup (two sticks), either salted or unsalted will work. The melted butter gives these bars that perfect fudgy texture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: One tablespoon. Or, you can create your spice blend if you prefer!
• Sugars: One cup each of granulated and packed brown sugar for the ideal sweetness.
• Pumpkin Puree: One 8-ounce can of pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie mix!
• Vanilla Extract: Two teaspoons. A touch of vanilla adds warmth.
• Salt: Half a teaspoon of kosher salt balances the sweetness.
• Egg: One large egg binds the ingredients.
• Flour: Two cups of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled.
• Baking Powder: One teaspoon for a light and airy rise.
• Chocolate Chips: One cup each of semisweet and dark chocolate chips, because more chocolate is always better!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. I prefer parchment paper because it makes removing the bars for slicing so much easier.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Toast the Spices

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, add the pumpkin pie spice. Toast the spices in the hot butter for a few seconds to enhance their aroma, then remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.

Step 4: Add the Egg

Add the egg and stir vigorously immediately to prevent it from curdling. If the butter-sugar mixture is still very hot, let it cool slightly before adding the egg.

Step 5: Gently Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Swirl in Chocolate Chips

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the semisweet and dark chocolate chips over the top. Use a spatula to gently swirl the chips into the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges of the bars should be slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool completely before cutting and serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Better-Than-Grandma Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter! Just like with brownies, overmixing can make the bars tough. Mix until just combined.
• For extra richness, try browning your butter. The nutty flavor complements the pumpkin and chocolate beautifully. If you do brown the butter, add a tablespoon of water to compensate for the liquid lost during browning.
• Resist the urge to add the chocolate chips directly to the warm batter. If you do, they’ll melt immediately! Instead, sprinkle them over the batter in the pan and gently swirl them in.
• Looking for more dessert inspiration? Check out our delicious collection of Desserts!

Flavor Twists

• White Chocolate Cranberry: Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a festive twist. This is particularly delicious during the holiday season.
• Nuts About Pumpkin: Add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and flavor. Toasting the nuts beforehand intensifies their flavor.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, swirl in a mixture of softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for a decadent touch.
• For more delicious pumpkin treats, browse our pumpkin spice cookies recipe!

How to Serve

These Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips are delightful on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

• Warm and Cozy: Enjoy them straight from the oven, slightly warm, for a comforting treat. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top takes it to the next level!
• Chilled Delight: If you prefer a denser, chewier texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator before serving.
• Festive Touch: Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation, especially during the holidays. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, too!
• Serve them as part of a delicious brunch or alongside a warm beverage for an afternoon pick-me-up. For more brunch ideas, head over to our Breakfast page.

That’s a Wrap

These Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips are a real treat, perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. The fudgy texture and delightful blend of pumpkin spice and chocolate will have everyone coming back for seconds! Don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family so they can experience the joy of these delicious bars too. For more fall-inspired treats, explore our Desserts category. Connect with me on social media for more recipe inspiration! Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.