Name: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 cup pumpkin purée; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of fall, then this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These bars are soft, cake-like, and loaded with melty chocolate chips plus a wonderful blend of warm spices that make each bite feel like a comforting hug. Whether you’re baking for friends, a celebration, or just because, these bars bring together pumpkin’s natural moisture and spices with chocolate’s irresistible sweetness to create a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a clear glass baking dish filled with a thick, evenly spread layer of light brown dough mixed with small pieces of chocolate. The dough has a smooth, slightly bumpy texture with visible chocolate chips scattered throughout. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. The edges of the dough touch the sides of the dish, forming a neat rectangular shape. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the pumpkin purée that keeps the bars moist and tender, to the spices that add warmth and depth, and of course, the chocolate chips that provide delightful pockets of sweetness throughout.

1 3/4 cups flour: The backbone that gives structure to the bars while keeping them delightfully soft.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds classic fall warmth and a subtle sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Brings a slightly nutty, aromatic twist.
1/2 teaspoon ginger: Gives a gentle kick that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
1 cup pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that delivers moistness and that unmistakable autumn taste.
3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the bars to perfection without overpowering.
1/2 cup oil: Keeps the texture rich and tender.
2 eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, mellow aroma.
1 cup chocolate chips: The luscious pockets of chocolate that make these bars utterly indulgent.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out clean and intact, ready to shine as your favorite pumpkin dessert.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a bowl. This creates a fragrant, flavorful base that will infuse every bite of your bars with those warm fall spices.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir the pumpkin purée, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. This mixture brings the moisture and sweetness needed for that perfect cakey texture.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the bars tender and soft, not dense or tough.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. These gems will melt down during baking, creating irresistible pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep a close eye near the end to avoid overbaking, which could dry out the bars. When a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

The image shows a tray of baked chocolate chip bars on a white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. The bars are cut into rectangular pieces, arranged closely together in rows, and they have a golden brown color with soft texture. The surface of each bar is dotted with melted, dark brown chocolate chips, spread evenly across the top. One piece is slightly pulled away, revealing a moist and dense interior. The tray is partially visible in the corner, and the overall scene has a warm and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some powdered sugar or a light drizzle of cream cheese frosting over the bars. Toasted chopped pecans or a dollop of whipped cream can also add texture and flavor, making these bars feel extra special at dessert time.

Side Dishes

Serve these pumpkin bars alongside a mug of spiced cider or your favorite hot coffee to elevate your autumn gathering. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast that’s simply divine.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares for a party platter or layering them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and chopped nuts for an eye-catching dessert. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying them with twine makes for charming gifts, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep these bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This makes them a convenient treat to bake ahead for busy weeks or unexpected guests.

Freezing

Want to enjoy these flavors later? Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’ll taste just as moist and delicious as fresh.

Reheating

If you prefer your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars warm, pop individual portions in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or place them in a low oven for a few minutes. This revives the softness and lets that melted chocolate shine anew.

FAQs

Can I substitute the oil for butter?

Absolutely! Melted butter adds a rich, slightly different flavor and still keeps the bars moist. Just use the same amount as the oil called for.

Are pumpkin chocolate chip bars gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use regular flour, but you can swap in a gluten-free flour blend if you need to. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking and measure carefully for the best results.

Can I use canned pumpkin purée or fresh pumpkin?

Canned pumpkin purée is the easiest and most consistent choice here, but you can definitely use fresh roasted pumpkin that’s been pureed until smooth. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

How do I keep my pumpkin bars from becoming dry?

The key is not to overbake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum time and remove them once a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Also, the oil and pumpkin help maintain moisture, so don’t reduce these quantities.

Can I add nuts to the pumpkin chocolate chip bars?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a fantastic crunchy addition that complements the sweet and spicy flavors. Add about 1/2 cup when folding in chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is a true gem for any fall baking fan who loves simple, delicious desserts with a touch of nostalgia. It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and endlessly versatile whether for casual snacking or festive occasions. Trust me, once you bake this, it’s going to become a seasonal favorite you reach for every time pumpkin cravings strike.