Description
Deliciously fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars combine the rich flavors of pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin pie spice, and both semisweet and dark chocolate chips. These bars are perfect for a cozy fall dessert or anytime you crave a moist, flavorful treat with a seasonal twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (220 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 (8-oz) cup (227 g) canned 100% pure pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) pumpkin pie spice
Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (170 g) dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Toast Spices: Place 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat until completely liquefied. Add 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice and toast it in the melted butter for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally until aromatic.
- Add Sugars: Stir in the granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar into the spiced melted butter. Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter base forms.
- Incorporate Pumpkin and Vanilla: Add the canned pure pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir to evenly combine the ingredients, adding moisture and flavor.
- Add Egg: Beat in 1 large egg at room temperature to the wet mixture until fully integrated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt over the wet mixture. Avoid stirring immediately to prevent overmixing; this ensures tender bars.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in both semisweet and dark chocolate chips with a spatula, distributing them evenly without breaking the chips.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let cool before cutting into 12 bars.
Notes
- Using melted butter creates a fudgy texture in the bars.
- Toasting the pumpkin pie spice in butter enhances its flavor and aroma.
- Do not overmix once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough bars.
- Check the bars a few minutes before the end of baking time as ovens vary.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
