These Pumpkin Spiced Bars with White Chocolate are fall in a bite! Soft, fluffy, and packed with warm spices, they’re perfect for a cozy snack or dessert.
Honestly, who doesn’t love white chocolate adding a sweet twist? I like to enjoy these bars with a warm cup of tea. They’re like a hug in food form! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour gives the bars structure. For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had success with almond flour too, just keep in mind it might change the texture slightly!
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and rich in flavor. If you’re up for it, fresh pumpkin can be roasted and pureed, offering a fresher taste!
White Chocolate Chips: They add a creamy sweetness. If you want a healthier twist, try using dark chocolate chips instead. They have a delightful balance with the spices.
Vegetable Oil or Butter: I prefer butter for more flavor, but vegetable oil keeps the bars moist. You can also use coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture for My Pumpkin Bars?
Getting the texture just right can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure your bars are tender and moist:
- Mix the wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the dry ones to ensure even blending.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
- Make sure not to overbake; check for doneness a couple of minutes early by inserting a toothpick. A few moist crumbs mean they’re perfect!
Letting them cool completely after baking helps set the texture, so be patient!
How to Make Pumpkin Spiced Bars with White Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (plus extra for garnish and drizzle)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional: fresh cranberries or raspberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus time to cool. So, in just under an hour, you can whip up these delicious pumpkin spiced bars, but make sure to let them cool completely before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the heat is just right for baking. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well — this helps in removing the bars easily later!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Set this dry mix aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. A whisk works nicely here!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can toughen the bars!
5. Add White Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips. They will add a sweet and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the spices!
6. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the time to avoid overbaking!
7. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is key here — letting them cool helps set the texture!
8. Drizzle with White Chocolate:
Once cool, melt some extra white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring after each. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars and sprinkle more chocolate chips on top for an extra treat.
9. Final Touches:
Lightly dust powdered sugar over the top for a sweet and pretty finish. If you’d like, add fresh cranberries or raspberries for a delightful garnish!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious warm pumpkin spiced bars. They are perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself!
Happy baking! 🍂🎃
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pumpkin! Just roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. It may require some extra prep time, but it can add a lovely, fresh flavor to your bars.
What Can I Substitute for White Chocolate Chips?
If you prefer a different flavor, dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips can be a great substitute. They will provide a delightful contrast to the spiced pumpkin flavor.
How Can I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftover pumpkin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins to the Batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You could also add dried fruit like cranberries for a burst of flavor!
