Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Bars
Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Bars offer a moist, spiced pumpkin flavor complemented by sweet chocolate chips, perfect for fall gatherings or a delicious snack everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together flour, baking powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine eggs, pumpkin, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and oil.
- Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and mix just until moistened.
- Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate pieces.
- Spread the batter in an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan.
- Stir together 3 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until done.
- Allow to cool.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you're short on time, you can substitute the pumpkin with unsweetened applesauce for a similar moisture level. Always check your baking powder's freshness to ensure the best rise. To enhance the spice profile, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. These pumpkin-chocolate chip bars are deliciously moist and perfect for fall gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin-chocolate chip bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai or coffee for an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Bars contains roughly 72 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just make sure to roast and puree the pumpkin until smooth. You'll need about 2 cups of fresh pumpkin, which should yield similar moisture and flavor to the canned version.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas per egg. This will help maintain the moisture and structure of the bars. Alternatively, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can also work.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. Keep in mind that they will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).