Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
User Reviews
4.6
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
33 mins
-
Cooling Time
30 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 8 mins
-
Servings
12
-
Calories
309 kcal
-
Course
Baked Goods
-
Cuisine
American
Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Description
Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars highlight pumpkin puree and classic fall spices blended into a brown sugar-sweetened batter studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. The recipe uses melted butter and a single egg to create a rich but tender crumb that holds moisture for several days. Baking in an 8-by-8-inch pan produces dense bars that are lightly spiced and sweet.
These bars bake until a toothpick comes out mostly clean, signaling a moist but set interior. After baking, allowing them to cool fully before slicing helps maintain the shape and texture. The bars gain softness and flavor as they rest, making them suitable for preparing ahead.
They can be sliced into squares for dessert or snack portions. Their balanced sweetness and spice make them versatile for serving alone or alongside a hot beverage. The recipe includes layering some chocolate chips on top to create a melty topping effect.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the bars remain soft and flavorful for up to five days, or can be frozen for longer storage, making them convenient for batch baking.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter unsalted
- 1 egg large
- ¾ cup pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling, puree
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl melt the butter, about 1 minute on high power.
- Wait momentarily before adding the egg so you don’t scramble it. Add the egg, pumpkin, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and whisk until smooth.
- Add the flour and stir until just combined, don’t overmix.
- Stir in 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips.
- Turn batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
- Evenly sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chocolate chips, smoothly the top lightly with a spatula.
- Bake for about 32 to 33 minutes, or until done. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter. The moisture content in pumpkin varies, as do climates and ovens; bake until yours are done.
- Allow bars to cool in pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Let bars rest for a day or two to enhance flavor melding and softness.
- Store airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep freshness and moisture.
- Bars freeze well for 3 to 4 months; thaw completely before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 309 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1piece | |
| Calories | 309kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 35mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 15mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 188mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin A | 2650IU | 53% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 41mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
You'll Also Love
