I love making these Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars when I crave something cozy, easy, and full of fall flavor. They combine the richness of pumpkin with gooey chocolate chips to create a soft, chewy treat that’s both vegan and gluten-free friendly. Ready in just 30 minutes, these bars are the perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and simple this recipe is. I only need one bowl and a handful of basic ingredients, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The combination of pumpkin puree and chocolate chips makes each bite perfectly moist and sweet, while the warm pumpkin pie spices give it that comforting autumn aroma. These bars are also great because I can easily customize them with different add-ins or make them with either gluten-free or regular flour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons unsweetened almond or oat milk (regular milk works too)
4 tablespoons melted vegan butter or coconut oil (regular butter also works)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
¾ cup organic cane sugar, light brown sugar, or coconut sugar
1 cup regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ cup mini vegan chocolate chips or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×11-inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the pumpkin puree, non-dairy milk, melted butter, baking powder, vanilla, salt, and sugar until smooth.
I stir in the pumpkin pie spice, then gradually add the flour and mix until I get a smooth, thick batter.
I gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
I spread the batter evenly into the baking dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once done, I let the bars cool for a few minutes before cutting them into 16 squares. They taste amazing warm or at room temperature.
Servings And Timing
This recipe makes about 16 bars. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 25 to 30 minutes to bake, for a total of about 35 to 40 minutes. Each bar contains roughly 120 calories.
Variations
I like to switch things up by adding chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top before baking for extra texture. When I’m in the mood for something sweeter, I drizzle melted chocolate or add white chocolate chips. Dried cranberries or a pinch of nutmeg also pair wonderfully with the pumpkin flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. When I want one warm, I microwave it for about 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
How do I know when the pumpkin bars are ready?
I check by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done.
Can I use regular ingredients instead of vegan ones?
Yes, I often use regular milk, butter, and chocolate chips when I don’t need the recipe to be vegan. The texture and flavor stay delicious.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, I double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. If the bars are thicker, I add a few extra minutes of baking time.
Can I make this recipe without gluten-free flour?
Yes, regular all-purpose flour works perfectly if gluten isn’t a concern. The bars come out soft, moist, and flavorful.
What’s the best way to serve these pumpkin bars?
I love serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra-special dessert.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are one of my favorite go-to desserts. They’re soft, moist, and filled with the perfect mix of pumpkin spice and chocolate. Whether I’m making them for family, friends, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, they always turn out delicious and comforting — a true taste of fall in every bite.
These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are a cozy, easy fall dessert made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and chocolate chips. They’re vegan and gluten-free friendly, soft, chewy, and perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons unsweetened almond or oat milk (or regular milk)
