Irresistible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Your Ultimate Fall Treat

June 30, 2025

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice wafting from the kitchen. But sometimes, you want something a little different from the usual pie or latte. Enter these incredible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars – a delightful blend of moist pumpkin goodness and pockets of rich chocolate, all crowned with a simple, sweet glaze.

These bars are more than just a dessert; they're a celebration of autumn flavors, bringing warmth and joy to any gathering. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar, where the earthy sweetness of pumpkin meets the decadent melt of chocolate chips, all balanced by a smooth, sugary finish. They're surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers, and are guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Table of Contents

Why You'll Fall in Love with These Bars

Our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars stand out for a few key reasons:

Effortlessly Delicious: Using a cake mix as a base makes this recipe incredibly simple, saving you time without compromising on flavor or texture.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is a match made in heaven, offering a sweet yet spiced profile that's utterly addictive.
Versatile Treat: Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy evening at home with a cup of coffee or tea.
Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults adore these bars, making them a reliable hit for any occasion.

Forget complicated desserts; these bars deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy the season.

Key Ingredients & Smart Swaps

The magic of these bars lies in a few simple ingredients:

Canned Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you're using 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
Yellow Cake Mix: This is our secret weapon for a quick and tender base. You can experiment with spice cake mix for an extra autumnal kick.
Melted Unsalted Butter: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet are classic, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips would also be fantastic.
Powdered Sugar & Milk: For that irresistible, easy glaze.
Chopped Nuts & Granola: These optional toppings add a wonderful textural contrast. When preparing your toppings, a quality chef's knife makes chopping nuts a breeze!

Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips to your liking, or even mix in some warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg with the pumpkin puree for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Don't Overmix: Once the cake mix, pumpkin, and butter are combined, mix just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
Even Spreading: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the thick batter evenly in your baking dish for consistent baking.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: Applying the glaze to warm bars will cause it to melt and absorb, rather than forming a nice, distinct layer. Patience is key!
Customize Your Toppings: While nuts and granola are suggested, feel free to add toasted coconut, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dash of flaky sea salt on top of the glaze.

With these simple tips, you'll achieve perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars every time.

Variations to Try

Cream Cheese Glaze: For a richer topping, whisk together 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1-2 tablespoons milk until smooth.
Spice It Up: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the bar batter for an intensified fall flavor.
Nut-Free: Skip the chopped nuts in the toppings for an allergy-friendly version.

However you choose to make them, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are sure to become a cherished addition to your fall baking repertoire. They're comforting, delightful, and embody the very essence of the season.

Give this recipe a try and let the warm, inviting flavors of autumn fill your home!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for these bars?

Yes, you can absolutely use homemade pumpkin puree. Just ensure it's well-drained to prevent the bars from becoming too watery. The consistency should be similar to canned pumpkin puree.

How should I store Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars?

These bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them without the glaze for longer storage, thawing them in the fridge before adding the glaze.

What if I don't have yellow cake mix?

While yellow cake mix provides a convenient base, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like spice cake or vanilla cake mix for a slightly different, but still delicious, result. Just be aware the flavor profile will shift.

Can I make these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make them gluten-free by substituting the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Follow the rest of the recipe as instructed, and the bars should turn out wonderfully.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These delightful bars combine the warm flavors of pumpkin with sweet chocolate chips, topped with a simple glaze and crunchy garnishes for an irresistible fall treat.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, yellow cake mix, and melted butter. Mix with a spoon or spatula until well combined and no dry streaks of cake mix remain.
Step 3: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. The batter will be thick.
Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
Step 6: While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Step 7: Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
Step 8: If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts and granola. You can also add fresh whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle for extra garnish before serving. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

For an even richer flavor, let the bars sit overnight in the refrigerator after glazing – the flavors meld beautifully! You can also add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for more warmth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg