Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
24 bars
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Cuisine
American, Vegetarian
Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars
Description
Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars begin by carefully cooking unsalted butter until golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma that adds depth to the batter. The browned butter is mixed with packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to form a moist, flavorful base. A mix of warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—are incorporated with flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to impart a recognizable pumpkin spice character.
The batter is folded with chocolate chunks, then spread evenly into a greased 9x13 pan and baked until set and lightly golden. A sprinkling of flaky sea salt on top provides a contrast that highlights the sweetness of the chocolate and warming spices. The finished bars are tender with a soft crumb, rich pumpkin flavor, and chocolate bites throughout.
This recipe is well suited for autumn gatherings or as a seasonal dessert, offering comforting flavors with a balanced texture. The browned butter technique adds complexity beyond plain pumpkin bars.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter unsalted, Kroger brand
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Private Selection brand
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger brand Private Selection
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg brand Private Selection
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves brand Private Selection
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg large
- 1 egg large, yolk
- 1 cup pumpkin brand Kroger
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract pure
- 1 chocolate chunks Private Selection brand; 10 oz bag (1 3/4 cups
- sea salt for sprinkling over bars, optional, flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, turn up the heat to medium high. Continue stirring and look for small golden bits that will start to settle on the bottom of the pan. This should take around 3 to 5 minutes and the butter will have a nutty aroma. Once this happens, take it off the heat and pour into a medium, heat-safe bowl to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix with a spoon or spatula until smooth. Add in the egg, egg yolk, pumpkin, and vanilla and stir until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, don't over mix. Stir in the chocolate chunks.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes, if using. Bake the bars for 28 to 35 minutes or until the bars are set and golden brown around the edges.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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