These Pumpkin Spiced Bars are a yummy fall treat! Soft and fluffy, they are packed with pumpkin flavor and warm spices, topped with rich white chocolate for a sweet finish.
What’s better than pumpkin and spices? Adding white chocolate! I love serving these warm with a cup of tea. They’re just so cozy and perfect for sharing with friends! 🎃🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Fresh or canned pumpkin puree works fine! Canned is super convenient, but if you use fresh, roast and puree your pumpkin for the best flavor.
Almond Flour: It adds moisture and a nice texture. If you need it to be nut-free, you can replace it with more all-purpose flour, or even equal parts of oat flour.
White Chocolate: While I love white chocolate chips for their sweetness, you can switch them out for dark chocolate if you like a bit of contrast. They can also be left out completely if you prefer a simpler pumpkin bar.
Maple Syrup/Honey: This sweetener adds extra flavor. If you want a lower sugar option, you could use agave or even a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting the amount according to the package instructions.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Moist Pumpkin Bars?
Making pumpkin bars that are moist and tender is all about balancing your ingredients and not over-mixing the batter. Here are important steps:
- Use fresh, quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
- Measure your flours accurately—too much can dry out your bars.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently to maintain a fluffy texture. Over-mixing can lead to dense bars.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for the best texture. This allows them to set properly.
These tips will help keep your bars wonderfully soft and delicious! Enjoy experimenting with this cozy fall treat!
How to Make Pumpkin Spiced Bars with White Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour (for a moist texture)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds
For the White Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (to thin the drizzle)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. You’ll need a little time to cool the bars before drizzling the white chocolate, so set aside about an hour total to make these scrumptious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is where all the warm flavors come together!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Mix them well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. This helps keep your bars tender!
5. Add White Chocolate:
Fold in the white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate for that sweet touch!
6. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Prepare the White Chocolate Drizzle:
While your bars are baking, melt the white chocolate chips with coconut oil (or butter) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and creamy.
8. Cool and Drizzle:
Once the bars are finished baking, let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. After they’re completely cool, drizzle the melted white chocolate on top. Get creative with your design!
9. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some optional toppings like chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor. Cut your bars into squares and they are ready to enjoy!
These pumpkin spiced bars with a sweet white chocolate drizzle are perfect for sharing at fall gatherings or enjoying as a cozy snack at home. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook it first by roasting or steaming, then puree it until smooth. This will give your bars a fresh, homemade taste.
Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?
Yes! If you need a nut-free option, you can replace the almond flour with more all-purpose flour or use an equal amount of oat flour for a similar texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
You can definitely make these pumpkin spiced bars ahead of time! They store well and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just remember to wait until they are completely cool before drizzling the white chocolate!
