Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

 If you're a fan of fall flavors and everything sweet, you're in for a treat! These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars combine warm, spiced pumpkin with rich, melty chocolate chips for a dessert that's soft, chewy, and irresistibly good. Perfect for cozy evenings, potlucks, or even just a sweet snack, this recipe is as easy to make as it is to devour.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Seasonal: The warm spiciness of pumpkin screams fall and pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Quick and Simple: A one-bowl recipe that’s beginner-friendly and takes less than an hour from start to finish.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family, friends, or a bake sale, these bars disappear in record time.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to whip up these delightful bars, likely things you already have in your pantry!

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (240g) canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups (260g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

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

Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the same bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated—don’t overmix!

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Reserve about 1/4 cup of chocolate chips for garnish, and fold the rest into the batter.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

Storing the Bars

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: These bars stay fresh for about 5 days in the fridge.
• Freeze: Wrap the bars individually for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

1. Choose the Right Pumpkin: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
2. Customize to Your Preference: Add a handful of chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
3. Don’t Overbake: The bars may seem slightly soft when you take them out of the oven, but they firm up as they cool for the perfect texture.

Serving Ideas

• Pair these bars with a steaming cup of pumpkin spice latte for a double dose of fall flavors.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, combining cozy holiday vibes with a dessert everyone will love. Bake a batch (or two!) and see these golden, chocolate-studded bars become your new seasonal favorite.

Happy baking!