introduction
Fall is the perfect season for cozy treats, and these Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are a fantastic way to celebrate. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them a delightful dessert any time of the year.
why make this recipe
These bars combine the warm spices of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a delicious treat that everyone will love. They are simple to make and take very little time to prepare. Plus, they fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma that is sure to bring a smile to your face and your home.
how to make Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
how to serve Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
These bars are delicious on their own, but they can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. They also make a great snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
how to store Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
tips to make Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
- Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to get the right flavor and texture.
- For an extra touch, add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the chocolate chips.
- Check the bars a few minutes before the baking time is up; ovens can vary, and you don’t want to overbake them.
variation
You can easily make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Add a little more cinnamon or other spices for a different flavor twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook it down and puree it until smooth.
Q: How do I know when the bars are done?
A: They are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Q: Can I skip the chocolate chips?
A: Absolutely! You can leave them out or replace them with dried fruit, like cranberries, for a different taste.
Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Add more for extra flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips Can replace with dried fruit or nuts.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.