Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars - The Perfect Fall Treat

These Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate fall treat! Combining the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with rich, fudgy chocolate, they’re perfect for any autumn gathering or cozy night at home. With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet pumpkin flavor, these bars are always a crowd favorite. Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these bars so special!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks): Provides richness and moisture to the bars, creating a fudgy texture.
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: Adds warm, seasonal flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and contributes to the tender crumb.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor with its molasses content.
• 1 (8-oz) can pumpkin puree: Gives the bars their signature pumpkin flavor and soft texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the chocolate and pumpkin.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together for a smooth, cohesive batter.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bars without making them too dense.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the bars rise just enough to stay light and soft.
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Adds a sweet chocolatey bite to complement the pumpkin spice.
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips: Adds a richer, more intense chocolate flavor for balance.

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, stir in the pumpkin pie spice and let it toast for a few seconds to release its flavor, then remove from the heat.

Step 3:

Stir in the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until fully combined with the butter.

Step 4:

Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and kosher salt to the mixture and stir until smooth.

Step 5:

Stir in the egg, making sure to mix vigorously to prevent curdling. If your butter mixture is still hot, let it cool for a few minutes before adding the egg.

Step 6:

Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently until the flour is mostly incorporated, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 7:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to the edges.

Step 8:

Sprinkle the semisweet and dark chocolate chips over the top of the batter. Use a spatula to gently fold them into the batter without letting them melt completely.

Step 9:

Bake the bars at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges begin to pull away from the pan.

Step 10:

Let the bars cool completely before lifting them out of the pan for slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve these Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
• To store leftovers, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer, you can store them in the fridge for an even fudgier texture.
• These bars freeze well! Store them in a sealed ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a slightly firmer texture.

Helpful Notes

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute dark brown sugar for light brown sugar in the recipe.
• To give the bars an extra pumpkin flavor, try adding an additional tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice.
• If you prefer a nutty flavor, you can add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter along with the chocolate chips.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Ina Garten suggests using high-quality dark chocolate chips for a deeper, more intense flavor that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
• Chef Claire Saffitz recommends adding a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the bars right before baking for a contrasting texture and enhanced flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• These bars are a delicious combination of rich chocolate and warm pumpkin spice, perfect for cozy fall nights or holiday gatherings.
• They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them a great addition to any autumn dessert spread.
• The soft, fudgy texture paired with melty chocolate chips is irresistible and will quickly become a favorite fall treat.

Variations

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour to substitute the regular flour in the recipe.
• You can swap the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
• For an added crunch, mix in some toffee bits or crushed pretzels into the batter before baking.