These Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars are a tasty treat that combines creamy peanut butter with sweet pumpkin. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for fall!
Honestly, who can resist the cozy flavors of pumpkin? I love having these bars as a snack or dessert—easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show. You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or make your own from roasted pumpkin. If you want an alternative, mashed sweet potatoes work well, too!
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives these bars their texture and flavor. For a nut-free version, try sunbutter or any seed butter. Just be sure to pick one that matches the consistency.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bars nicely. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar or maple syrup can be a great substitute. Just remember that liquid sweeteners may change the texture a bit, so adjust flour as necessary.
Flour: All-purpose flour is commonly used, but if you’re gluten-free, oat flour or almond flour are excellent alternatives. Just note that different flours may absorb moisture differently.
Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; both will work perfectly. If you’re vegan, look for dairy-free chocolate chips!
How Can I Ensure the Bars Are Soft and Chewy?
Getting that perfect soft and chewy texture can be tricky, but here are some tips to help:
- Don’t overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is blended. Overmixing can make the bars tough.
- Watch the baking time: The bars should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. If you overbake them, they can become dry, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
- Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them. This cooling time helps them firm up, making them easier to slice and more delicious!
How to Make Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with oat flour for gluten free)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, which can take an additional 30 minutes. So, expect to spend a total of about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so the bars will be easy to remove later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, creamy peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This is where the delicious flavor of the bars starts!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly combined and will give your bars the perfect texture.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined—don’t worry about getting it perfect; a few lumps are okay!
5. Chocolate Chip Time:
Fold in about half of the chocolate chips into the batter. This adds bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout your bars!
6. Layer the Batter:
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Be sure to get it nice and even so all parts bake uniformly.
7. Add More Chocolate:
Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the first layer of batter; they’ll melt and add a delicious chocolatey layer. Then, spread the remaining batter over the top.
8. Top with More Chocolate Chips:
Finish it off by sprinkling the rest of the chocolate chips on top. Who doesn’t love a little extra chocolate?
9. Bake Your Bars:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Don’t worry if a few crumbs stick to the toothpick—that’s totally fine!
10. Cool and Slice:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will give them the perfect texture. Kiddo approved for sure!
Enjoy your moist, rich pumpkin peanut butter bars topped with gooey chocolate chips! They make for a delicious snack or dessert anytime! 😊
Can I Use Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pumpkin Puree?
No, you should avoid using pumpkin pie filling since it contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of your bars. Stick with plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree for the best results!
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Substitute the Egg for a Vegan Option?
Absolutely! To make these bars vegan, you can replace the egg with a flax egg. Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, and then use it as you would the egg.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
If you want to enhance the flavor even more, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spicier kick. You can also mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and taste!
