Prepare for an explosion of seasonal flavors with these irresistible Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars! Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly moist, spiced pumpkin bar, generously studded with decadent chocolate chips, and crowned with a luscious chocolate frosting. This delightful treat is a symphony of autumn’s best, guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. If you’re someone who adores anything with chocolate chips, or perhaps has a deep affection for all things pumpkin, then you’ve truly found your baking bliss right here.
For more incredible pumpkin recipes that celebrate this versatile ingredient, be sure to explore our collection. You’ll love our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, the elegant Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Bars, our hearty Pumpkin Oat Chocolate Chip Bars, and the truly indulgent Ultimate Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting. Each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy the comforting flavors of pumpkin, making them perfect for any autumn gathering or a cozy night in.
The Irresistible Harmony of Pumpkin and Chocolate
Who ever said that pumpkin and chocolate don’t belong together? We’re here to prove them deliciously wrong! Our Chocolate Frosted Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars brilliantly combine these two beloved flavors into a singular, unforgettable dessert. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience that your entire family will cherish, transforming skeptics into believers with every bite.
These bars are more than just a sweet treat; they are a masterpiece of texture and taste. Incredibly moist, wonderfully rich, and utterly decadent, they are sinfully delicious. Each bar is packed with an abundance of both bold chocolate and classic pumpkin flavor, creating a perfect balance that will tantalize your taste buds. The warmth of the pumpkin spice perfectly complements the deep notes of chocolate, making these bars the epitome of autumnal comfort.
For me, the love for chocolate runs deep. I often wish I had invested in the chocolate chip business years ago – wouldn’t that be a sweet success story? My passion is so profound that I’ve even dedicated a Pinterest board titled “Chocolate Chip Anything!” because, let’s face it, I’m a self-proclaimed chocoholic. I spend countless hours pinning, dreaming about, and of course, eating chocolate. And I have absolutely no regrets! However, my heart also holds a special place for pumpkin recipes. The versatility and comforting essence of pumpkin are simply unmatched, which is why I also maintain a dedicated pumpkin board. These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are the perfect fusion of these two culinary loves, offering the best of both worlds in one delightful bite.
Whether you’re preparing for a festive family gathering, a casual potluck with friends, or simply seeking a comforting project for a cozy afternoon, these bars present a wonderfully tasty and surprisingly easy solution. With a handful of pantry staples and a few straightforward steps, you’ll create a dessert that tastes like it took hours, but in reality, comes together with minimal effort. You’ll be amazed at how quick and effortless these pumpkin spice chocolate chip bars are to make, bringing warmth and joy to your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s embark on this delicious baking adventure!
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Bars
Creating these heavenly Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture, from the moist crumb of the bar to the rich, creamy frosting. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bring this recipe to life:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bar Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our bars, providing structure.
- Pumpkin-pie spice: The heart of the autumn flavor, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of warmth and aromatic spice.
- Baking soda: Our leavening agent, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, bringing them into harmony.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture to the bars.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and tender crumb.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, offering moisture, color, and classic pumpkin taste. Ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Semisweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips: The delightful pockets of chocolate that make these bars irresistible. Choose your favorite!
Decadent Chocolate Frosting
No pumpkin bar is truly complete without a generous swirl of frosting. Our homemade chocolate frosting recipe is the perfect complement, adding a layer of rich, creamy indulgence that elevates these bars from delicious to absolutely divine. Alternatively, you can opt for a store-bought chocolate frosting or even a classic cream cheese frosting for a different, yet equally delightful, flavor profile.
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients:
- Salted or unsalted butter, at room temperature: The base for our creamy frosting. (If using unsalted, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness).
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted and cooled, these provide the rich chocolate flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet, and fluffy frosting texture.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the chocolate and brings out its complexity.
Baking Perfection: How to Make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Frosted Bars
Crafting these delectable Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Frosted Bars is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your bars are perfectly moist, flavorful, and ready for their luscious frosting.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Prepare a 13×9 inch baking pan by spraying it generously with non-stick spray, then lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the cooled bars out of the pan incredibly easy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin-pie spice, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until thoroughly combined, then set this mixture aside. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- In a separate, larger mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light or dark brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, contributing to the bars’ tender texture.
- Add the large egg to the creamed mixture, beating until just incorporated. Next, pour in the canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully integrated.
- With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough bars. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour are visible.
Incorporating Chocolate Chips and Baking Your Bars
The moment of truth for all chocolate lovers! Adding the chocolate chips is what truly makes these pumpkin bars exceptional. Be sure to handle the batter gently to maintain its light and airy texture.
- Carefully fold in most of your chosen chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate) into the pumpkin bar batter. Use a spatula to gently incorporate them until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Remember to save about ¼ cup of chocolate chips to sprinkle over the top of the bars just before baking, adding a beautiful visual appeal and extra pockets of melted chocolate.
- Once the chocolate chips are folded in, pour the batter into your prepared 13×9 inch baking pan. Use the spatula to gently smooth the top of the batter until it forms an even layer. This ensures consistent baking and a uniform appearance for your finished bars. Don’t forget to sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of chocolate chips evenly over the surface of the batter.
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The bars are ready when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry bars.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is a crucial step – attempting to frost warm bars will result in a messy, melted frosting. Once completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice them into 15 equal squares. Now they are perfectly prepared for their luscious chocolate frosting, or if you prefer, a ready-made chocolate or cream cheese frosting, which also pairs wonderfully with these spiced pumpkin bars!
Crafting Your Rich Chocolate Frosting
A truly magnificent dessert deserves an equally exquisite frosting. This homemade chocolate frosting is simple to prepare and adds a layer of unparalleled richness and creaminess to your pumpkin bars. If you’re short on time, a good quality store-bought chocolate or cream cheese frosting will also do the trick.
- Start by melting your semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can do this gently in a microwave (heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between) or over a double boiler. Once melted and smooth, set the chocolate aside to cool completely. It’s essential that the chocolate is cool, not warm, before adding it to the butter, otherwise, your frosting might separate or become too runny.
- In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the room temperature butter until it is smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes on medium speed. Light and fluffy butter is key for a light and airy frosting.
- Once the butter is whipped, gradually beat in the cooled, melted chocolate. Mix on medium speed until the chocolate is fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform in color and texture.
- Add the vanilla extract. Then, slowly sprinkle in the powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined after each addition. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the frosting until it becomes wonderfully fluffy and light. This typically takes another 2-3 minutes. If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Now for the best part: generously frost your completely cooled chocolate chip pumpkin bars. Once frosted, cut them into individual servings. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of spiced pumpkin and rich chocolate!
Storing Your Delicious Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars
To ensure your chocolate chip pumpkin bars remain fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Here are some tips to keep them at their best for as long as possible:
- **Room Temperature:** If your bars are unfrosted or frosted with a stable chocolate ganache-style frosting, they can typically last for **2-3 days at room temperature** when stored in an airtight container. However, due to the pumpkin content, refrigeration is generally recommended for longer freshness.
- **Refrigeration:** For optimal freshness, especially if frosted with our homemade chocolate frosting or a cream cheese frosting, these pumpkin bars should be stored in an airtight container in the **refrigerator for a week or even more**. Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour; this enhances their flavor and softens the frosting to a perfect consistency.
- **Freezing:** These bars freeze beautifully! To freeze, place the unfrosted or frosted (ensure frosting is firm) bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the solid bars to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be **frozen for up to 3 months**.
- **Thawing:** When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can let them thaw on the counter for a few hours if you’re in a hurry.
These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are truly a crowd-pleaser, particularly with the delightful addition of pumpkin that brings a unique seasonal charm. We absolutely adore them, especially when generously topped with our rich chocolate frosting. They are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion – whip them up for all your fall parties, cozy bonfires, or even as a special treat for Halloween celebrations. You’ll be delighted by how effortlessly they come together, making them a go-to recipe for the autumn season.
Here’s the complete recipe for your baking pleasure! Happy Baking and Frosting!
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Frosted Bars
By Kim Lange
These lovely pumpkin bars will make you want to jump for joy, chocolate chips and frosting included!
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Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 16 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Course: Dessert
- Servings: 18 Servings
- Calories: (Not specified in original data, so left blank)
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
Chocolate Frosting (or can used prepared Chocolate Frosting)
- ¾ cup butter (room temperature – if using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the frosting)
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and cooled)
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13×9 inch pan with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper or tin foil.
Pumpkin Bars
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, baking soda and salt and set aside.
- Using mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed until mixed together well.
- Add in the egg, followed by the pumpkin and mix together well.
- Using mixer on low, slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Fold in most of the chocolate chips until well distributed evenly. Save out 1/4 cup for the top of the bars.
- Pour the batter into the lined baking pan and smooth until even.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment to lift out the bars and cut into squares.
- Let blondies cool completely before frosting.
For Chocolate Frosting
- Melt chocolate and set aside to cool.
- Using mixer, whip the butter until smooth, then beat in the cooled, melted chocolate.
- Add in the vanilla and slowly sprinkle in the powdered sugar. Beat until fluffy and light.
- Frost, cut and serve!
Keywords
bars, chocolate chip, fall desserts, pumpkin
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More Amazing Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings
If these Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars have sparked your love for baking, you’ll be thrilled to explore more delectable creations from our kitchen. Here are some other amazing dessert recipes that are sure to impress and delight:
- Milk Chocolate Chip Toffee Pecan Cookies: Rich, chewy cookies packed with delightful textures and flavors.
- Soft Batch Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Pillowy soft cookies bursting with pumpkin and chocolate, and they’re eggless!
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Lasagna Dessert (Gluten Free option!): A layered dessert dream, perfect for feeding a crowd, with a gluten-free option available.
- Sheet Pan Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: The classic chocolate chip cookie, made even easier in a convenient bar form.
- Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies: Our tried-and-true recipe for the ultimate classic chocolate chip cookie.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie!: A creamy, dreamy fusion of two beloved desserts, ideal for holiday tables.
