Name: Irresistible Chocolate Pumpkin Bars for Fall
Ingredients: 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: This forms the base of your bars, lending moisture and a rich, pumpkin flavor.; 1/2 cup brown sugar: This adds sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile with its caramel notes.; 1/4 cup white sugar: Balances the richness from the brown sugar and pumpkin.; 1/2 cup melted butter: For a rich texture and flavor, melted butter is crucial for moistness.; 1 tsp vanilla extract: Incorporates warmth and enhances the sweetness of the sugars.; 1 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the structural component of the bars, giving them shape and body.; 1/2 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise slightly during baking.; 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder to provide lift and texture.; 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: A quintessential spice for fall, it infuses the bars with a warm, aromatic essence.; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds complexity and supports the pumpkin flavor, bringing out its richness.; 1/2 cup chocolate chips: These delightful morsels melt into the bars to create pockets of chocolatey goodness.

Description

Delight in irresistible chocolate pumpkin bars for fall! Moist, rich, and perfectly spiced, they’re a seasonal treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup canned pumpkin puree: This forms the base of your bars, lending moisture and a rich, pumpkin flavor.
1/2 cup brown sugar: This adds sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile with its caramel notes.
1/4 cup white sugar: Balances the richness from the brown sugar and pumpkin.
1/2 cup melted butter: For a rich texture and flavor, melted butter is crucial for moistness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Incorporates warmth and enhances the sweetness of the sugars.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the structural component of the bars, giving them shape and body.
1/2 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise slightly during baking.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder to provide lift and texture.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: A quintessential spice for fall, it infuses the bars with a warm, aromatic essence.
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds complexity and supports the pumpkin flavor, bringing out its richness.
1/2 cup chocolate chips: These delightful morsels melt into the bars to create pockets of chocolatey goodness.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan to ensure easy removal of the bars once baked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. This dry mix will provide structure and flavor to your bars.
Gently combine the dry ingredients with the pumpkin mixture. Use a spatula to fold them together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula, ensuring even baking.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your bars should be slightly golden on top.
Once baked, allow the bars to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy!