Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars (Pumpkin Blondies)

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars (Pumpkin Blondies) are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the indulgence of chocolate. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even just a sweet pick-me-up during your afternoon coffee break. I can’t wait for you to try them!

What makes these bars special is their fudgy texture, reminiscent of brownies, but with a lovely pumpkin twist. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up—all you need is one pot on the stove!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have these delicious bars ready in just 40 minutes! Perfect for when you need a sweet fix in a hurry.
• Fudgy Delight: The combination of melted butter and chocolate chips creates an irresistibly soft and fudgy texture that everyone will adore.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet pumpkin flavor paired with rich chocolate. It’s a hit at any gathering!
• Versatile Treat: These bars are great for dessert or even as an afternoon snack. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. They also freeze beautifully!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these scrumptious bars! You likely already have most of these items in your pantry.

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 (8-oz) cup pumpkin (canned, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla (I like Mexican vanilla)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spice it Up: If you love spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
• Change the Chocolate: Swap out semisweet or dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and non-dairy chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free!

How to Make Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars (Pumpkin Blondies)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy. Prepare a 9×13 inch pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper—this makes it easy to lift out the bars later.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Using salted butter adds flavor, but feel free to use unsalted if that’s what you have on hand. The bubbling hot butter will help bring out the richness in your bars!

Step 3: Toast the Spices

While the butter is still hot and bubbly, add in 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. This step is crucial as it allows the spices to toast slightly, enhancing their flavor before mixing them into the batter.

Step 4: Mix in Sugars

Stir in both sugars—1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup packed brown sugar—until well combined. The sweetness from these sugars will balance beautifully with the pumpkin’s natural flavors.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin Puree

Next, mix in your canned pumpkin puree. Remember not to use pumpkin pie filling! Stirring this in helps create that moist texture we’re after.

Step 6: Flavor It Up

Now it’s time to add more flavor! Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. This combination will elevate all the other flavors beautifully.

Step 7: Incorporate Egg

Add one large egg into your mixture and stir vigorously right away so it doesn’t curdle. If your mixture is too hot from melting the butter, let it cool slightly before adding this important ingredient.

Step 8: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, measure out 2 cups of flour (spooned and leveled). Add in 1 teaspoon baking powder directly into the flour before combining it with your wet ingredients.

Step 9: Mix It All Together

Gently fold in your flour mixture until most lumps are gone—be careful not to overmix! We want our bars to stay tender and fudgy.

Step 10: Prepare for Baking

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the edges. This helps ensure that every bite has that delicious fudginess!

Step 11: Add Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle both semisweet and dark chocolate chips over the top before gently folding them into the batter. This way, they won’t melt right away but will remain deliciously gooey once baked!

Step 12: Bake Away!

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25–30 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center—just keep an eye on those edges; they should pull away slightly from the sides.

Step 13: Cool Down

Let your bars cool completely before lifting them out using parchment paper for easy slicing. But hey—if you’re feeling impatient like I often do, no one will judge if you dig in while they’re still warm!

Step 14: Store Leftovers

Keep any leftovers tightly sealed at room temperature for up to three days. They may lose some moisture after that but still taste fantastic!

Step 15: Freezing Tips

These bars freeze really well! Just pop them into a sealed ziplock bag and store them away for up to three months. For best results, let them thaw on your counter while still sealed.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars (Pumpkin Blondies)! I hope they become a beloved treat in your home just like they are in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars (Pumpkin Blondies)

Making the perfect fudgy pumpkin chocolate chip bars is all about technique and a few little tricks! Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out deliciously every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg and pumpkin puree to room temperature helps them blend better with the melted butter and sugars, creating a smoother batter that results in more evenly baked bars.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your bars tender and fudgy. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough blondies that miss that delightful fudginess we all love!
• Check for doneness carefully: Since ovens can vary, start checking your bars at the 25-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter—this ensures they’re perfectly baked without becoming dry.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool before slicing helps them firm up, making it easier to cut neat squares. Plus, this gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully!
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust or add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a more personalized flavor profile. This can elevate your bars and make them uniquely yours!

How to Serve Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars (Pumpkin Blondies)

These fudgy pumpkin chocolate chip bars are not only delightful on their own but can be served in various ways for an extra touch of warmth and charm. Here are some ideas for presentation and pairing!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, fluffy contrast that complements the rich chocolate and pumpkin flavors.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Pumpkin Seeds: For a festive touch, garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds. They add texture and enhance the pumpkin flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside these bars creates a delicious contrast of hot and cold, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Spiced Chai Tea: Pair these bars with a warm cup of spiced chai tea. The aromatic spices in the tea complement the flavors in the bars beautifully.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the blondies. Opt for seasonal fruits like apples or pears for added autumn flair.
• Coffee: Serve your fudgy pumpkin chocolate chip bars with a hot cup of coffee. The bitterness of coffee pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts, enhancing their flavors.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll have everyone raving about your delicious Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are a fantastic option for meal prep! They can be made in advance, giving you delicious, ready-to-eat treats whenever you’re craving something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days to maintain their fudgy texture.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into individual pieces for easy serving.
• Place them in a ziplock bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Let the bars thaw at room temperature while still sealed to prevent condensation.

Reheating

• If you prefer your bars warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can enjoy them straight from the fridge or freezer for a cool treat!

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common inquiries about these delightful bars!

Can I make Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars (Pumpkin Blondies) without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce. For one egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens, and then add it to your mixture.

How do I know when my Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars (Pumpkin Blondies) are done baking?

They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should slightly pull away from the sides of the pan.

Can I use other types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in white chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

What is the best way to store my pumpkin blondies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they are well-sealed!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Fudgy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars as much as I do! With their rich flavors and soft texture, they truly embody the essence of fall baking. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them on your own, they’re sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!