Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

These fudgy pumpkin chocolate chip bars are the perfect blend of rich, chocolatey goodness and warm fall flavors. They have a soft, gooey texture with a hint of pumpkin spice, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp pumpkin spice
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

Mix-ins:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup dark chocolate chunks (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully incorporated.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix—this ensures the bars remain fudgy.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks. This adds a rich chocolate flavor and extra gooey texture.

5. Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a more decadent look. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This allows them to set and enhances the fudgy texture.

Cooking Tips & Notes

Pumpkin Purée Tip: Use pure pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling to avoid excess sweetness and unnecessary spices.
For Extra Fudginess: Slightly underbake the bars by a minute or two and let them cool completely for a denser texture.
Chocolate Variation: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Adding Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nuttiness.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Warm & Gooey: Heat a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and enjoy it warm with melted chocolate.
With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzle Toppings: Drizzle with caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Coffee Pairing: Enjoy these bars with a pumpkin spice latte, hot chocolate, or a bold espresso for the ultimate fall treat.

These fudgy pumpkin chocolate chip bars are the perfect mix of cozy flavors and rich chocolate, making them a must-have for any dessert table!