Name: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Richly spiced with fall flavors and studded with melty chocolate chips, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are the ultimate cozy dessert. They strike a delicious balance between cakey and chewy, with moist pumpkin puree giving every bite a soft, tender texture. Perfect for cool-weather cravings or anytime you want to indulge in a little seasonal magic, these bars are quick to whip up and hard to resist.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday potluck, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, these bars deliver big on flavor with minimal fuss. The warm spices mingle beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate, making each square utterly comforting. Pair them with coffee or a glass of milk, and you’ve got yourself a fall favorite worth repeating.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Flavor-packed: Each bite is infused with warm spices, pumpkin, and gooey chocolate.
Easy to make: No mixer required, just a few bowls and basic ingredients.
Moist and chewy: Thanks to the pumpkin puree, the bars are soft without being dense.
Crowd-pleaser: Great for sharing at potlucks, bake sales, or holiday events.
Freezer-friendly: These bars store beautifully, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, having the right tools can make a noticeable difference:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet. This keeps the texture even and prevents overmixing.
Whisk and Spatula: A whisk helps evenly distribute the spices and baking soda in your flour, while a spatula ensures every bit of batter is scraped into the pan.
9×13 Baking Dish: Ideal for uniform baking and the perfect thickness for bars.
Parchment Paper: Makes lifting and slicing the bars clean and easy, with no sticking.
Cooling Rack: Helps the bars set properly and prevents soggy bottoms.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient adds moisture, a hint of earthy sweetness, and a deep orange hue.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the richness and adds a subtle molasses flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and improves texture.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars tender and soft.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base and structure of the bars.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise slightly without becoming too cakey.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings out classic fall flavors.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that contrast beautifully with the spiced pumpkin.

How To Make the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This ensures the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Fold and Blend

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can lead to dense bars.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top for a prettier finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and pour in the batter, spreading it evenly. Top with reserved chocolate chips. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Once fully cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

These bars are best served slightly warm or at room temperature, making them an ideal dessert for cozy evenings or as an afternoon snack. For a fancier twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

To store, place the cooled bars in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure it’s well-pureed and not too watery. You may need to drain or blot it for the best consistency.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.

Why are my bars too cakey?

Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make the bars more like cake. Gently fold the ingredients and measure flour correctly.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well in this recipe.

How do I make them more chewy?

Try reducing the flour slightly or using more brown sugar than white sugar to enhance chewiness.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you’re into easy-to-make sweet treats, you’ll love exploring these other comforting bar and cookie favorites:

Quick and Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars for a hearty and chewy alternative.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake when you’re craving something creamy and indulgent.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for fruity, gooey layers in every bite.
Winter Brittle if you want a crunchy, seasonal snack.
Bonnie’s Blue Ribbon Chocolate Dream Cake for a show-stopping, chocolate-heavy dessert.

Save This Pin For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add nuts or maybe swap in white chocolate? Did you eat them warm or cold?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

More cozy dessert inspiration can be found on my Pinterest Kitchen By Kate where I post daily seasonal bakes, family favorites, and holiday treats.