Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe That’s Irresistibly Sweet

Whipping up delectable pumpkin chocolate chip bars brings pure autumn magic right to your kitchen.

Crisp leaves and cozy sweaters inspire these delightful treats that marry rich chocolate with smooth pumpkin goodness.

Seasonal baking can spark incredible moments of joy and connection.

Every bite promises a warm, comforting experience that feels like a sweet embrace.

Moist and decadent, these bars blend classic flavors with unexpected texture.

Chocolate chips scattered throughout create irresistible pockets of melted goodness.

Savor each morsel and let the delicious memories begin.

Why Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Hit The Sweet Spot

  • Craft a Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with a decadent dessert that blends pumpkin's warmth and chocolate's richness in every bite.
  • Simplify Baking Magic: Combine ingredients in two bowls with minimal steps, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a versatile treat perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend snacking that satisfies both chocolate and pumpkin lovers with its irresistible flavor combination.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap nuts or chocolate chips to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs while maintaining its delicious core.

What You’ll Need For Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth and creamy base that adds moisture and rich autumn flavor to the bars.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
  • Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the fudgy texture of the bars.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings deep sweetness and helps create a soft, moist consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the base of the bar's structure.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the bars rise and create a light, tender texture.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the recipe.
Spices and Mix-Ins:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Classic autumn spices that complement the pumpkin and add warmth to the bars.
  • Cocoa Powder: Provides a rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
  • Chocolate Chips, Walnuts: Add texture, crunch, and extra bursts of flavor throughout the bars.

Foolproof Method For Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang slightly over the sides for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

In a medium bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground cloves

Ensure no lumpy bits remain in the mixture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredient Mixture

Grab a large bowl and whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently and carefully to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Depth

Incorporate cocoa powder into the batter, creating a rich chocolate undertone that will make these bars irresistible.

Step 6: Sprinkle in Delicious Extras

Gently fold in:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped walnuts

Distribute these tasty morsels evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Spread the Batter

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top for perfectly uniform bars.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy your decadent pumpkin chocolate chip creation!

Tips To Make Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Even Better

  • Boost Moisture Retention: Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree to ensure maximum moisture and rich flavor in your bars.
  • Prevent Chocolate Sinking: Lightly coat chocolate chips in a thin layer of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast walnuts briefly before adding to the mixture to intensify their nutty profile and bring out deeper, more complex flavors.
  • Create Perfect Texture: Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and achieve that ideal fudgy, dense consistency.
  • Substitute with Ease: Swap walnuts with pecans or use gluten-free flour for a personalized dietary-friendly version of these delectable bars.

Yummy Twists On Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Pumpkin Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich texture and flavor profile.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Nutless Chocolate Pumpkin Squares: Eliminate walnuts completely and add extra chocolate chips or optional seeds like pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Chocolate Bars: Reduce brown sugar quantity, incorporate monk fruit sweetener, and use dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa percentage for a healthier rendition.

Perfect Matches For Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

  • Pair with Creamy Caramel Latte: Enhance the rich chocolate and pumpkin flavors with a smooth, velvety caramel latte that complements the warmth of the spices.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the warm bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the warm, fudgy texture and cold, smooth dessert.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a hot, aromatic chai tea that echoes the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the bars, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Complement with Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a luxurious salted caramel sauce over the bars to intensify the depth of chocolate and add a sweet-salty dimension to the dessert.

How To Store Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars So They Stay Soft

  • Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and moist.
  • Place bars in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, preserving freshness for 5-7 days.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2-3 months, maintaining their delicious texture.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying, allowing them to return to their original soft consistency.

Got Questions About Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars?

  • Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

  • How do I know if I've mixed the batter correctly?

The batter should look smooth and well-combined, with no dry flour streaks. Mix just until ingredients are incorporated to prevent tough bars.

  • Is it okay to skip the nuts?

Absolutely! You can omit walnuts or replace them with another nut variety like pecans or skip nuts entirely without affecting the recipe’s overall structure.

  • What if I don't have pumpkin pie spices?

You can create a substitute by combining ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in similar proportions listed in the original recipe.

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Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Pumpkin chocolate chip bars blend autumnal warmth with rich chocolate indulgence. Creamy pumpkin and sweet morsels create a delightful seasonal treat you’ll crave from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix-Ins:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Incorporate cocoa powder into the batter, creating a rich chocolate undertone.
  6. Gently fold in chocolate chips and walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
  10. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and slice into squares.

Notes

  • Use high-quality pumpkin puree for the most authentic, rich flavor and ensure it’s not watery to maintain the bars’ fudgy texture.
  • Swap walnuts with pecans or omit entirely for nut-free diets, maintaining the recipe’s delicious chocolate-pumpkin balance.
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – a few moist crumbs indicate perfect, fudgy consistency without overbaking.
  • Chill bars in the refrigerator for an hour before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges and enhanced chocolate chip distribution.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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