Description
Super moist and cake-like, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are packed with fall spices, real pumpkin, and melty chocolate chips. A one-bowl recipe that uses a full can of pumpkin and is perfect for make-ahead treats, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
2⅓ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 cups milk chocolate chips (plus extra for topping if desired)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line or grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Add egg and vanilla; beat until combined.
5. Mix in the pumpkin purée. The mixture may appear curdled—this is normal.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
7. Fold in chocolate chips, reserving some for topping if desired.
8. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and sprinkle with reserved chips.
9. Bake for 30–40 minutes until center is puffed and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
10. Cool at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
Notes
Use either sweetened or unsweetened applesauce—flavor remains consistent.
Salted butter is preferred. If using unsalted, increase added salt slightly.
Bars store well covered at room temp for 4–5 days and taste even better the next day.
They freeze beautifully. Thaw at room temperature or rewarm in the microwave.
Milk chocolate chips are ideal, but semi-sweet or dark chocolate work great too.
Optional add-ins: walnuts, butterscotch chips, or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
To avoid sinking, make sure bars are fully baked and center looks puffed and dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 217
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 144mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg