These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are a soft and gooey fall dessert that brings together the cozy flavors of pumpkin and chocolate in every bite. They're sweet, spiced, and perfect for sharing at family gatherings or cozy nights in.
This easy recipe reminds me of the treats my mom used to bake on crisp fall weekends. Warm, comforting, and just the right amount of chocolate. If you love my Browned Butter M&M Blondies, you'll adore these bars too!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfectly gooey: each bite has a buttery crust and a rich pumpkin filling dotted with melty chocolate chips.
Easy to make: no fancy mixer needed, just a few bowls and a whisk to bring it together in under an hour.
Crowd favorite: these bars make the perfect fall dessert for bake sales, potlucks, or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
Key Ingredients for Gooey Pumpkin Bars
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and instructions.
- Pumpkin puree: adds moisture and that classic fall flavor.
- Light corn syrup: gives the bars a chewy texture and gooey sweetness.
- Mini chocolate chips: distribute evenly through the filling for a burst of chocolate in every bite.
- Butter: creates a tender shortbread-style crust that holds up beautifully.
- Cornstarch: lightens the crust for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texutre.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Honey or Maple Syrup instead of corn syrup for a richer flavor.
- White chocolate chips in place of semi-sweet for a sweeter twist.
- Brown butter instead of plain melted butter to add a nutty dough.
Variations on Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
- Add nuts: stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.
- Spiced pumpkin bars: add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the filling.
- Cream cheese swirl: drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese over the filling and swirl before baking.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bars
- Don't overbake. The center should look slightly soft when you remove it. It firms up as it cools.
- Cool completely before slicing for clean, defined bars.
- Use mini chips instead of full size ones for even chocolate distribution.
How to Store
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days , or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
More Fall Desserts You'll Love
If you love these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, try my Browned Butter M&M Blondies, Salted Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars, Roasted Banana Bars with Browned Butter Pecan Frosting, and Cranberry Bliss Bars.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Equipment
- 9x9 square baking dish
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Ingredients
Crust:
- ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup butter
Filling:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Combine flour, sugar and corn starch in a medium size bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press into a greased 9 x 11-inch pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until crust is lightly browned.
- Beat eggs, corn syrup, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour over crust. Return to oven.
- Bake an additional 25-30 minutes, or until mixture is golden and set on top. Cool on wire rack and cut into bars.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Made these again today and my family loved them just as much as the first time I made them. So good, with that crispy shortbread crust and ooey gooey pumpkin filling. Super easy to make too and I highly recommend!
vanillasugarblog says
those look really good Shel!
Megan's Cookin' says
These sound terrific with the pumpkin and only 3 ww points. A treat that cant be beaten!
Power Pop Review says
Recipe sounds great. I was going to leave comment on your Google+ page but decided to post it here as you have no comments yet. Will let you know how it is once I make it.