I know you’re looking for simple, comforting fall baking, and these pumpkin bar recipes are perfect. Nothing beats the smell of warm spices and pumpkin from your kitchen. I’ve got two great ideas for you today.
Whether you like your pumpkin bars with a sweet frosting or mixed with gooey chocolate chips, I’ve got you covered. These treats are easy to make and everyone loves them. Let’s get baking!
Jump to Recipe:
Classic Pumpkin Bars With Brown Sugar Frosting
These pumpkin bars are a fall favorite, packed with warm spices and a tender texture. The rich brown sugar frosting takes them to the next level of comforting sweetness.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars
- Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Filling: Always check the can! You want plain pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture in your pumpkin bars.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Make sure your pumpkin bars are fully cooled before adding the brown sugar frosting. This stops the frosting from melting and making a mess.
What You Need for Pumpkin Bars
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⏱️ Time: 45 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 24 Bars
How to Make Pumpkin Bars
Step 1: Prep and Mix Wet Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Combine and Bake the Batter
In a separate medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Frosting
While the bars cool, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Frost and Serve
Once the pumpkin bars are completely cool, spread the brown sugar frosting evenly over the top. You can cut them into squares and serve them right away, or store them for later.
📝 Final Note
Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They taste great chilled too!
Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
If you love the classic pairing of pumpkin and chocolate, these easy bars are for you. They’re soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips, making them a wonderful fall dessert.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Great Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
- Choose Your Chocolate Chips: Milk chocolate chips will make them extra sweet, while semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips offer a nice contrast to the pumpkin. Use what you like best!
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tougher bars.
What You Need for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
⏱️ Time: 40 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 20 Bars
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Step 1: Get Ready and Mix Wet Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, sugar, and egg. Stir until everything is smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
In a separate medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting them into squares. They are delicious slightly warm or completely cooled.
📝 Final Note
These pumpkin chocolate chip bars freeze well! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.
