Pumpkin Bars With Chocolate Chips – Easy Pumpkin Squares Recipe
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Celebrate the flavors of fall with these irresistible Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips! The combination of spiced pumpkin and melty chocolate chips makes these bars a comforting and delicious dessert for any occasion. They’re so easy to whip up that even beginner bakers can create these tasty squares in no time.
These amazing pumpkin bars are bursting with melted chocolate chips that are begging to be eaten immediately! Pumpkin and chocolate is the ultimate comfort fall combo!
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Bars With Chocolate Chips
- Perfect Fall Flavor: The warm spices of pumpkin paired with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips make this a dessert that feels like a cozy autumn day in every bite. It’s the ideal treat for the season!
- Super Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with just one bowl, making it a breeze even for beginners. Plus, the fewer dishes, the better!
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a casual snack, a lunchbox treat, or a holiday dessert like Halloween or Thanksgiving, these pumpkin bars fit any occasion.
- No Frosting Needed: These bars are delicious on their own without the need for frosting, but if you want to make them extra special, a simple vanilla buttercream adds a perfect touch!
- Great for Freezing: Pumpkin bars freeze wonderfully, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you like. They’re perfect for meal prep or last-minute dessert emergencies!
Are you looking for a pumpkin dessert? These mouthwatering chocolate chip pumpkin bars are the easiest pumpkin dessert ever! Gorgeous orangish-brown in color with chocolate chips throughout – let the pumpkin season begin by making these epic pumpkin squares!
Ingredients For Pumpkin Bars With Chocolate Chips
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the bars. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Sugar – Sweetens the bars and balances the pumpkin’s natural flavor.
- Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the bars.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Canned Pumpkin Puree – The star of the recipe, adding moisture and that classic fall pumpkin flavor.
- Flour – Provides structure to the bars and ensures they hold their shape.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin.
- Baking Powder – Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
- Chocolate Chips – Sweet, melty pockets of chocolate in every bite!
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Need a pumpkin dessert for Halloween? Make these chocolate chip pumpkin bars! Need a pumpkin dessert for Thanksgiving? Make them again and again! Need a pumpkin dessert any time of the year? I could always use this pumpkin awesomeness! And while you are at it, check out my pumpkin muffins and pumpkin cheesecake!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Pumpkin Bars With Chocolate Chips
- 9×13 Baking Dish – Ensures your bars bake evenly and hold their shape.
- Mixing Bowl – To combine all the ingredients together easily.
- Electric Mixer or Fork – An electric mixer makes the mixing quicker, but a fork works just as well for blending the ingredients by hand.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for measuring out your ingredients accurately.
- Spatula or Spoon – To spread the batter evenly in the baking dish.
Pumpkin bars also make a great breakfast or snack. They freeze well, and are a great addition to packed lunches! I don’t frost them – I think they look and taste complete without frosting. But if you want to try them with frosting, vanilla buttercream frosting works perfectly – you can keep it white or add orange food coloring to go with the “pumpkin” theme :)
How To Make Pumpkin Bars With Chocolate Chips
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree until the mixture is well-blended.
- Gradually mix in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving.
These pumpkin bars are so easy to make, even the absolutely beginner can make them for sure! All you need to do is dump the ingredients in a bowl, mix with a mixer, pour in a baking dish and bake! I love one-bowl recipes – the less stuff to wash, the better! And if you don’t have a mixer, you can mix stuff with a fork, it will work well too! Once the pumpkin mixture is baked, just cut into squares. Enjoy these delicious pumpkin bars – I’m sure you’ll love them as much as I do!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these pumpkin bars as a dessert for your Thanksgiving or Halloween party. They add a festive touch to the dessert table!
- Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy fall treat.
- For a more indulgent option, top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of apple sauce.
- If you’re feeling creative, try adding a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream on the side for a delicious pumpkin sundae.
- These bars are also great on their own as a quick snack or breakfast treat.
Tips For Success
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened, not melted. Softened butter will cream better with the sugar, giving you a smoother batter and fluffier bars. If you forget to take it out of the fridge, you can soften butter quickly by cutting it into smaller pieces and letting it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in dense bars, and we want them light and tender.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your pumpkin bars as they bake. Insert a toothpick in the center at around 40 minutes. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bars are ready. If it has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes.
- Let Them Cool: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting them will help them set. This also makes them easier to slice into neat squares.
- Adjust for Altitude: If you live at a high altitude, your bars may need more time to bake or a slight adjustment in flour. Adding an extra tablespoon of flour can help them rise better at high elevations.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add in nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch. You can also substitute dark chocolate chips or add a drizzle of white chocolate over the top after baking for a fancier presentation.
Variations And Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: To make these pumpkin bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Most gluten-free blends will work well, and your bars will still come out moist and flavorful.
- Vegan Pumpkin Bars: To make these vegan, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or coconut oil. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The bars will still be just as delicious!
- Nutty Pumpkin Bars: If you love a little crunch, add in some chopped walnuts or pecans. You can stir them into the batter along with the chocolate chips or sprinkle them on top before baking for extra texture.
- Spiced Pumpkin Bars: For an extra burst of fall flavor, add a teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg to the batter. You can also add a pinch of cloves for a stronger spice profile.
- Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting: If you want to add a creamy layer of frosting, try spreading cream cheese frosting on top once the bars have cooled. The tangy cream cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweet pumpkin and chocolate.
- Healthier Option: For a lighter version of these bars, you can reduce the sugar by using a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. You can also replace half of the butter with applesauce to cut down on the fat content while keeping the bars moist.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing them in a container to avoid excess moisture build-up.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can keep the pumpkin bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to eat, let them come to room temperature or enjoy them chilled.
- Freezing: These bars freeze exceptionally well! Once they have completely cooled, slice them into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. After they’re frozen, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, let the bars thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Reheating: If you like your pumpkin bars warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give the chocolate chips a melty texture and make the bars feel freshly baked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it is well-drained and similar in texture to canned pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin tends to be more watery, so if using it, you may need to strain it to remove excess moisture. This helps maintain the proper texture of the bars.
Can I make these pumpkin bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pumpkin bars store well, so they are great for making in advance. You can store them at room temperature for a few days or freeze them for up to three months. They’re perfect for prepping before a busy holiday season or when you want a quick snack on hand.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option or just want to cut back on butter, you can use a plant-based butter substitute or coconut oil. Both will give you a similar texture, although coconut oil will add a slight coconut flavor. Make sure the substitute you choose is solid at room temperature for the best results.
Can I add other mix-ins to the recipe?
Yes! Besides chocolate chips, you can add other mix-ins like nuts (walnuts or pecans), dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips. Just make sure not to overload the batter, as too many add-ins can make the bars dense.
Do these pumpkin bars need frosting?
These bars are delicious on their own without frosting, but if you want to add some extra sweetness, cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream would pair wonderfully. You can even get creative with seasonal toppings like orange-colored frosting for a festive touch.
Other Easy Pumpkin Recipes
Pressure Cooker Pumpkin Cheesecake: This creamy and rich pumpkin cheesecake made in the pressure cooker is the perfect fall dessert with minimal effort.
Low Carb Pumpkin Spice Latte (Copycat Starbucks): Enjoy this cozy, sugar-free pumpkin spice latte that’s just like the Starbucks favorite but with fewer carbs.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal with Natural Sweeteners: This wholesome pumpkin-baked oatmeal is naturally sweetened and perfect for a hearty gluten-free breakfast.
Fall-Themed Pumpkin Cheese Ball Appetizer: This fun and festive pumpkin-shaped cheese ball is a delicious appetizer that adds a seasonal touch to any fall gathering.
Low Carb Pumpkin Seed Energy Bites: This easy-to-make, no-bake pumpkin seed energy bites are a healthy and satisfying low-carb snack.
Best Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe: This moist and flavorful homemade pumpkin bread is easy to make and packed with warm spices, perfect for fall baking.
Pressure Cooker Pumpkin Pie Recipe: This pressure cooker pumpkin pie is a quick and delicious twist on the classic holiday dessert, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
Pumpkin Bars Squares With Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- 9x13 Baking dish
- Electric mixer or fork
- Spatula or spoon for spreading the batter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray a non-stick 9x13 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.
- Put butter and sugar in a large bowl and mix with a mixer until well combined. Add egg and vanilla and mix to combine. Add the pumpkin puree and mix to combine.
- Add flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt and mix until everything is well combined. Add the chocolate chips and mix until they are incorporated into the batter.
- Transfer the batter into the baking dish, spread evenly and smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
- Put in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Cool completely, then slice into squares.
More Snack Bar Recipes
- No-Bake Cheerios Peanut Butter Bars
- Vegan Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free)
- Holiday M&M Cookie Bar Squares Recipe
Everyone loved the combination of pumpkin and chocolate, and I got so many compliments from my family and friends. I said I got this recipe from you Melanie.
The mix of pumpkin and chocolate is such a comforting combination, and the recipe was so easy to follow. The best time to relax is eating my favorite pumpkin bars.