Luscious Chocolate Pumpkin Bars

Introduction

Indulge in the perfect combination of warm fall spices and rich chocolate with these Luscious Chocolate Pumpkin Bars! Soft and moist with a drizzle of dark chocolate, these bars make for a cozy autumn treat that is sure to please your taste buds and warm your heart.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted for topping

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors in these luscious chocolate pumpkin bars this fall! Their combination of chocolate and pumpkin will satisfy your cravings and make for a perfect treat to share with friends and family.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave extra paper hanging over the edges for easy removal.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

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

3. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in 1/2 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

5. Assemble and Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Drizzle:

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the bars.

7. Serve:

Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy your decadent chocolate pumpkin bars!

Notes

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Calories:

320 kcal per serving

Servings:

12 servings

Cook techniques

1. Preheating the Oven

It’s essential to preheat your oven to ensure even baking. This step helps the bars rise properly and creates a golden-brown crust.

2. Mixing Wet Ingredients

Whisking the melted butter, sugars, eggs, and pumpkin puree together until smooth ensures a well-emulsified batter that is rich and flavorful.

3. Preparing Dry Ingredients

Sifting or whisking the dry ingredients helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute baking soda and spices, resulting in a light texture.

4. Combining Ingredients

When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined to prevent overmixing, which can lead to dense bars.

5. Baking the Bars

Baking at the correct temperature and for the specified time ensures that the bars are moist yet firm. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.

6. Cooling the Bars

Letting the bars cool completely allows them to set, making it easier to cut into squares without crumbling.

7. Drizzling Chocolate

Drizzling melted dark chocolate adds a decorative touch and enhances the flavor, making the bars even more indulgent.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure it is well-cooked and pureed until smooth.

What can I substitute for unsalted butter?

You can substitute unsalted butter with an equal amount of margarine or a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil.

How do I store leftover bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What can I do if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?

You can use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips as a substitute.

Are there any nut-free options for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe does not include nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies. Always check other ingredients for cross-contamination.

Conclusion

These Luscious Chocolate Pumpkin Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors that capture the essence of fall. The blend of warm spices and rich chocolate creates a treat that is not only decadent but also comforting. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or shared with friends and family, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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