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.

Irresistible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars: Your Ultimate Fall Treat

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.

Ingredients

Scale

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1/4 cup milk (for glaze)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts, optional, for topping)
1/4 cup granola (optional, for topping)
Fresh whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Chocolate drizzle (optional, for garnish)

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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