Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

The Dreamiest Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe Ever

Whipping up a batch of decadent pumpkin chocolate chip bars brings pure autumn magic right into your kitchen.

Seasonal flavors dance together with rich chocolate and creamy pumpkin in this irresistible treat.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, promising delightful moments of indulgence.

Soft, gooey textures merge perfectly with warm spices that hint at cozy afternoons.

chocolate chips provide delightful bursts of sweetness against the moist pumpkin backdrop.

Each bite promises a comforting blend of classic fall ingredients.

Come discover how simple ingredients can create something spectacularly delicious.

Fudgy Pumpkin Bars: Autumn in a Bite

  • Celebrate Autumn Flavors: Dive into a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall with its rich pumpkin and chocolate chip combination.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up these bars with minimal effort, using basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, these bars bring warmth and joy to any occasion with their irresistible blend of sweet and spicy notes.
  • Versatile Dessert Option: Enjoy as an afternoon snack, after-dinner treat, or pack in lunchboxes for a delightful midday surprise that everyone will love.

Gather Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Bars

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the pumpkin chocolate chip bars.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, soft texture.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a moist, tender crumb in the bars.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture, natural sweetness, and classic autumn flavor to the dessert.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the bar's rich texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
Sweeteners and Spices:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, comforting autumn spices that complement the pumpkin flavor.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the bars.
Extras:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful bursts of chocolate throughout the pumpkin bars.

Make Fudgy Pumpkin Bars in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Spiced Butter Base

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle in pumpkin pie spice and let the fragrant aroma fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Remove butter from heat.

Stir in:
  • Brown sugar
  • White sugar
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Egg

Whisk everything until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder

Mix until the batter looks silky and no flour streaks remain.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Magic

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle chocolate chips across the surface and lightly swirl them into the mixture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.

Cut into squares and savor the delicious autumn treat with a cold glass of milk or hot coffee.

Tips for Fudgy Pumpkin Bar Success

  • Experiment with different pumpkin pie spice blends or add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
  • Don't overmix the batter to keep the bars fudgy and tender; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Toss chocolate chips in a bit of flour before adding to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bars.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version of these delicious autumn treats.

Pumpkin Bars: Fun Flavors to Add

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich, moist texture.
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Squares: Swap egg with flax egg and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative that's equally decadent.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Treats: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while preserving delicious flavor profile.
  • Nutty Chocolate Pumpkin Bars: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and depth of autumn-inspired taste.

Serve Fudgy Pumpkin Bars for Dessert

  • Cozy Fall Afternoon Treat: Serve these bars with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea for a perfect flavor complement.
  • Dessert Plating Elegance: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with a light drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the presentation.
  • Ice Cream Pairing Paradise: Top a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast.
  • Party Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into bite-sized squares for easy sharing at autumn gatherings or potluck events, making them irresistible finger food.

Store Fudgy Pumpkin Bars for Later

  • Store cooled bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving, preserving their soft texture.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey, just-baked warmth and restore the chocolate's melty goodness.

FAQs

  • Are these bars suitable for people with nut allergies?

Yes, this recipe doesn’t contain nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies.

  • Can I substitute canned pumpkin with fresh pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just ensure the fresh pumpkin is well-drained and has a similar consistency to canned puree.

  • What type of chocolate chips work best in this recipe?

Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips are perfect, but you can also use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

  • How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

The edges will be slightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Print
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Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

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

Description

Indulgent pumpkin chocolate chip bars weave autumn’s warmth into a rich, comforting dessert that whispers seasonal charm. Spiced with cinnamon and studded with melting chocolate, these bars invite sweet moments of pure harvest-inspired bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Sugars and Fats:

  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks / 226 grams)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)

Flavor Enhancers and Binding Agents:

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring in pumpkin pie spice until fragrant and well-combined.
  3. Remove from heat and whisk in sugars, then blend in pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, salt, and egg until smooth.
  4. Gradually fold flour and baking powder into the wet mixture, creating a uniform and silky batter.
  5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly and gently dispersing chocolate chips throughout.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
  7. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares, ensuring clean and neat slices.

Notes

  • Swap pumpkin spice with individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a customized flavor profile that feels more homemade.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make these bars friendly for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this seasonal treat.
  • Consider reducing sugar by 25% and adding mashed banana or applesauce for natural sweetness and extra moisture without compromising texture.
  • Dark chocolate chips provide a richer antioxidant boost and less sugar compared to milk chocolate, making the bars slightly healthier while maintaining decadent taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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