Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Quick & Sweet Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe for Fall

Pumpkin chocolate chip bars blend autumn’s warmth with irresistible sweetness, creating a comforting treat that dances between spicy and rich flavors.

Seasonal baking reaches new heights with this delectable combination of soft, moist textures and decadent chocolate morsels.

Subtle spices weave through each tender bite, converting simple ingredients into a memorable dessert experience.

Delightful aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a nostalgic moment of pure indulgence.

These bars represent more than just a recipe—they’re a celebration of cozy moments and shared happiness.

Homemade goodness shines through every carefully crafted square, inviting friends and family to savor the season’s most beloved flavors.

Pairing Suggestions for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: Pair these pumpkin chocolate chip bars with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee to complement the warm spices and enhance the chocolate's depth.
  • Creamy Milk Matchup: Serve alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a smooth vanilla almond milk to balance the bars' sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Spiced Beverage Delight: Enjoy with a chai latte or spiced apple cider to echo the pumpkin pie spice notes and create a cozy autumn flavor experience.
  • Dessert Wine Indulgence: Complement the bars with a sweet dessert wine like moscato or a light port, which will highlight the chocolate and pumpkin flavors without overwhelming the delicate texture.

Flavor Upgrades for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

  • Nutty Autumn Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor that complements the pumpkin and chocolate.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Sensation: Create a cream cheese mixture and swirl it through the batter before baking, adding a tangy and creamy element to the classic bars.
  • Salted Caramel Dream: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars, creating a decadent contrast between sweet, salty, and pumpkin flavors.
  • Spiced Maple Version: Replace some of the sugar with pure maple syrup and increase the pumpkin pie spice for a more intense, warming autumn profile.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars That Nail Fall Flavor

  • Savor Seasonal Comfort: These pumpkin chocolate chip bars capture the warm, cozy essence of autumn with their rich, spiced flavor profile that wraps you in pure comfort.
  • Effortless Baking Delight: The recipe offers an incredibly simple method that even novice bakers can master, requiring just basic mixing and minimal preparation time.
  • Irresistible Texture Combo: Expect a perfect balance of soft, moist pumpkin cake-like texture with delightful chocolate chip crunch, creating a mouthwatering contrast in every single bite.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or spontaneous sweet cravings, these bars can be whipped up in under an hour and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Fresh and smooth puree that gives rich autumn flavor and moisture to the bars.
  • Butter: Softened unsalted butter for rich, creamy texture and deep flavor base.
  • Egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure to the bars.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor that complements pumpkin.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Standard wheat flour that creates the bar's foundational texture.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices that enhances pumpkin flavor.
  • Baking Soda: Helps bars rise and creates soft, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
Sweet and Chocolate Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create chewy, moist texture.
  • Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips that add rich, melty chocolate contrast to pumpkin flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Warm the oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure ingredients are thoroughly combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until ingredients are fully incorporated. Stir in pumpkin puree until mixture looks consistent.

Step 4: Merge Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything blends smoothly without overmixing.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Goodness

Carefully fold chocolate chips into batter. Spread mixture evenly across prepared baking pan, ensuring smooth surface.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place pan in preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting toothpick- it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.

Step 7: Cool And Slice

Let squares rest in pan until completely cooled. Cut into rectangular pieces. Serve and enjoy your delicious autumn treat!

Tips for Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars with Rich Chocolate

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, spices, and pumpkin puree to ensure consistent texture and flavor in your bars.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Let butter, egg, and pumpkin puree sit at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
  • Fold Gently: When adding chocolate chips, fold softly to prevent overmixing, which can make bars tough and dense.
  • Check Doneness Early: Start checking bars around 25 minutes to prevent overbaking, as ovens can vary in temperature and performance.
  • Storage Secret: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing moisture.

Store and Reheat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Like a Pro

  • Refrigerate: Seal cooled bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly heated through. Enjoy the bars at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Print
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade pumpkin chocolate chip bars blend autumn’s warmth with sweet chocolate indulgence. Rich pumpkin spice and melted chocolate create a comforting dessert you’ll crave throughout the season.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1½ cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 grams)
  • 1 large egg

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 325°F and coating a 9×13-inch pan with generous grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Sift together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt in a compact bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of dry components.
  3. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip butter and sugar until achieving a cloud-like, aerated consistency that appears pale and voluminous.
  4. Introduce egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly, then fold in pumpkin puree until the mixture appears smooth and integrated.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a cohesive batter without overmixing.
  6. Delicately fold chocolate chips throughout the batter, ensuring even dispersion of the sweet morsels.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even, level surface that reaches all corners.
  8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, monitoring for golden edges and a clean toothpick test from the center.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps set the texture and makes cutting cleaner.
  10. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into square portions and serve, revealing the rich, spiced interior studded with chocolate chips.

Notes

  • Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft and chewy texture.
  • Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a delightful flavor variation that keeps the recipe exciting.
  • Enhance the pumpkin flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or a dash of ground cinnamon to intensify the warm, autumnal taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Elevate the dessert by serving slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
  • Cool the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling during slicing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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