Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: A Perfect Fall Treat
As the weather cools and the leaves begin to change, there’s no better way to embrace the flavors of fall than with these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars. These bars are a delightful blend of warm pumpkin spice, creamy pumpkin puree, and sweet chocolate chips, creating the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Soft, moist, and incredibly easy to make, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any fall gathering or cozy weekend treat.
Here’s how you can whip up these delicious bars in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups chocolate chips
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside. This will ensure that your bars don’t stick to the pan and come out cleanly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the bars.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Once creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, beat in the pumpkin puree until it is fully incorporated into the batter.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture of the bars.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will give you those delicious pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
Step 6: Spread the Batter and Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will help the bars set and make them easier to cut. Serve and enjoy these delightful pumpkin chocolate chip bars with a warm cup of coffee or a cozy fall beverage!
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Calories: 220 kcal per bar
Tips for Success
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use a mix of semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. You could even add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, blending the warm spices of the season with the indulgent richness of chocolate chips. They’re soft, moist, and incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for both casual baking and festive fall gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying them with your family or sharing with friends, these bars are sure to be a hit!
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Description
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are the perfect treat for fall, offering a soft, chewy texture with the rich warmth of pumpkin pie spice and melty chocolate chips. The pumpkin puree keeps the bars moist and tender, while the chocolate adds an irresistible sweetness that balances the spiced flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1½ cups chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Cream the butter and sugar:
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well. Then, beat in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated.
Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips:
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 220