These Pumpkin Toffee Bars are a cozy treat that blend the warmth of pumpkin with sweet toffee bits. Each bite is soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious!
Honestly, the toffee bits are like little bursts of joy! They make these bars even more special, and I can never resist having just one more piece. 🍂
I love whipping these up during fall. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or as an easy dessert for gatherings. Plus, they fill your kitchen with that lovely pumpkin spice smell!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. If you don’t have canned, you can make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. If you need a substitute, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to mimic the flavor and texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps control over the saltiness of your bars. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Chocolate Chips: I love semi-sweet chocolate chips for a good balance of sweetness. You can switch these out for dark chocolate if you prefer something less sweet. Chocolate chunks work well too!
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Walnuts or almonds are great substitutes, or you can leave them out entirely for a nut-free option.
How Do I Make Sure My Pumpkin Toffee Bars Turn Out Perfectly?
Getting these bars right involves a few key techniques that you can easily master! First, measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much flour can lead to dry bars, while the right amount will create a moist, chewy texture.
- Beat the sugar and butter well until light and fluffy before adding the pumpkin. This helps incorporate air for nice, light bars.
- Mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour.
- Let the chocolate chips melt on the warm bars before spreading; this makes it easier to create a smooth chocolate layer!
Once you bake these bars and let them cool, remember to chill them for the best texture. Enjoy every delicious bite!
How to Make Delightful Pumpkin Toffee Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup toffee bits (like Heath or Skor)
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to chill the bars in the fridge for at least 1 hour after baking. Overall, set aside about 2 hours from start to finish, and you’ll have a delicious treat by the end!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, take an 8×8 inch baking pan, line it with parchment paper, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This makes it easier to lift the bars out once they’re cooled!
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for the best flavor.
3. Mixing Wet Ingredients:
Now, grab a large bowl and mix together the melted butter and brown sugar until they are well combined. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to this mixture, stirring until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to tough bars, so be careful!
5. Adding the Crunch:
Fold in half of the toffee bits and chopped pecans into the batter. This will give your bars that delicious crunch!
6. Spreading the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly, pressing it down slightly to ensure it’s compact.
7. Baking to Perfection:
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don’t worry; they shouldn’t be completely clean, as a little moisture is just fine!
8. Adding the Chocolate Layer:
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the warm bars. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt. Once softened, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
9. Finishing Touches:
Top the chocolate layer with the remaining toffee bits and chopped pecans for a little extra crunch and beautiful presentation.
10. Cooling and Chilling:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature. For the best texture, place them in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the chocolate set.
11. Slicing and Serving:
Once chilled, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles. Now they’re ready to enjoy!
Indulge in the cozy sweetness of these Pumpkin Toffee Bars! Perfect for fall gatherings or just a tasty treat anytime. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Be sure to strain it if it’s too watery for best results in the bars.
Can I Substitute the Brown Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses to replicate the flavor and moisture. Alternatively, coconut sugar works well too for a less processed option!
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin Toffee Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Bars?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chunks, nuts, or even dried cranberries for added flavor and texture. Just be careful not to overcrowd the batter, as it might affect the baking time!
