These pumpkin spiced bars are the perfect treat for fall! They are packed with warm spices and creamy white chocolate that makes each bite feel like a cozy hug.
Honestly, these bars are so good they’ll have you forgetting about pumpkin pie! I love serving them with a cup of coffee. Can’t resist that sweet and spicy combo! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient, but you can also use freshly made puree. Just roast and blend your pumpkin until smooth. Feel free to experiment with butternut squash puree too if you want a little twist!
Brown Sugar: It adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with white sugar, but consider adding a tablespoon of molasses for that rich sweetness.
White Chocolate Chips: While white chocolate is a star here, you can swap in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor. Or try using a mix of both for a fun contrast!
Oil vs. Butter: I often use vegetable oil for moist bars, but melted butter can add extra flavor. If keeping things light is a priority, stick with oil.
How Do I Ensure My Bars Turn Out Perfectly Moist?
To keep these pumpkin spiced bars moist and tender, be mindful of your mixing technique. Here’s how:
- Combine wet ingredients until just smooth. Don’t overmix when adding dry ingredients.
- A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. This means they are done.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them set properly.
Taking these steps will help your bars stay perfectly soft and enjoyable, making them irresistible!
How to Make Pumpkin Spiced Bars with White Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks (plus extra for drizzling)
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll just need some time for cooling and drizzling the chocolate, so plan for about an hour total. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars cook evenly. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to help lift out the bars later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mixing these dry goodies separately prevents clumps and ensures even flavor.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your bars tender and delicious!
5. Add the White Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the white chocolate chips, and if you like, toss in some dried cranberries or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. Yum!
6. Bake!
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
7. Cool and Drizzle:
While the bars are cooling in the pan on a wire rack, melt extra white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Do this in 20-second bursts, stirring each time until smooth. Drizzle this melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
8. Cut and Serve:
When the chocolate has set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut them into squares. Serve and enjoy those delightful flavors of pumpkin spice and creamy white chocolate!
These scrumptious bars are perfect for sharing on a chilly day and make a fantastic addition to any fall gathering!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to roast and puree the pumpkin until smooth before using it. Fresh pumpkin can give your bars a slightly different texture and flavor, making them even more special!
How Long Do These Bars Stay Fresh?
Store your pumpkin spiced bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months!
What Can I Use Instead of White Chocolate Chips?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can replace white chocolate chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even dark chocolate. You can swap in nuts or dried fruit for a fun twist too!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just check the blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum, or you may want to add a small amount for better texture!
