Oh my goodness, fall is upon us, and that means it’s pumpkin season! Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars wafting through the house as the leaves start to turn. These bars hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of baking with my grandmother when I was a kid. We’d whip up a batch every October, and the joy of sharing them with family and friends was unparalleled.
So, if you’re looking for that perfect treat to bring to a potluck, satisfy your sweet tooth, or simply indulge while curled up with a warm drink, you’ve come to the right place. These delicious bars are the ultimate blend of cozy pumpkin flavor and rich chocolate—fall’s best treat, without a doubt!
What’s in Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars?
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! It’s not just for carving jack-o’-lanterns; pumpkin puree brings moisture and a delightful flavor to the bars. I always go for the canned variety since it’s super convenient, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can roast and puree your own pumpkins too!
Chocolate Chips: Because what’s pumpkin without some chocolate? I prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips for that perfect balance of sweetness, but dark chocolate or even milk chocolate can work beautifully as well.
Brown Sugar: This adds a wonderful caramel-like sweetness to the bars. It gives them that rich, warm flavor that just screams fall.
Granulated Sugar: A bit of this goes a long way to enhance the overall sweetness of the bars.
Flour: All-purpose flour is what I use here; it gives the bars their structure. If you want to experiment, you can try using whole wheat for a healthier version.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: The leavening agents that help the bars rise and become fluffy!
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves really amp up that fall flavor. You can’t have pumpkin without spices! They warm you up from the inside out.
Salt: Just a little pinch to enhance all the sweet flavors.
Eggs: They act as a binder, holding everything together for those lovely chewy bars.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bars moist and soft. You can also use melted coconut oil for a different twist!
Is Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s not fool ourselves; these bars are a treat! However, they do come with some fun health benefits.
Pumpkin Puree: It’s rich in vitamins A and C, which are great for your immune system and skin health. The bright orange color indicates a high concentration of antioxidants, too!
Chocolate Chips: Good news, folks! Dark chocolate (if you choose that option) is known to have some heart-healthy benefits, as it’s packed with antioxidants.
That said, moderation is key! It’s easy to eat a couple of these bars in one sitting, but they do contain sugar and fats, so make sure to enjoy them as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack!
Ingredients for Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 cup brown sugar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
– Pinch of salt
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
This recipe makes about 12 generous servings, perfect for sharing (or not! 😉).
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the *pumpkin puree*, *brown sugar*, and *granulated sugar* until well combined.
3. Beat in the *eggs* and then add the *vegetable oil*. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. In another bowl, combine the *flour*, *baking powder*, *baking soda*, *pumpkin pie spice*, and *salt*.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that lovely soft texture.
6. Gently fold in the *chocolate chips*.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Sweet Serve Suggestions for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars!
These bars are fantastic on their own, but if you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a warm cup of cocoa for that ultimate cozy vibe.
You could even warm them up and pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful fall dessert. Trust me, your friends and family will love it!
I hope you’re inspired to whip up a batch of these delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars! They are relatively simple to make and packed with all the flavors that make fall so special. Don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out—I can’t wait to hear about your bakes! Happy cooking!
