Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips (Fudgy One-Pot Recipe)

The smell of browning butter and warm spices filled my kitchen, and I knew fall had officially arrived. I had a bowl in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other. These Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips came together in just one pot on the stove—no mixer, no mess. They’re fudgy like brownies, not airy or cakey, and the prep is so quick you’ll have them in the oven before your coffee cools. With cozy pumpkin flavor and gooey chocolate in every bite, Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips are the kind of bake you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

These bars are everything a fall treat should be: warm, gooey, and comforting.

• Fudgy, brownie-like texture that melts in your mouth
• One-pot prep means minimal cleanup
• Packed with pumpkin spice and rich, melty chocolate
• Great for potlucks, bake sales, or a sweet weekend snack

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just craving something cozy, Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips are foolproof and irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these cozy bars to life:

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Chocolate Chips Options

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or use white chocolate for a fun twist)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips

This recipe keeps it simple with just one pot and a wooden spoon. Let’s get baking these rich, gooey Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips!

Step 1: Melt and flavor the butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. For deeper flavor, let it brown slightly—it adds a rich, nutty depth. If you do this, add 1 tablespoon water to replace moisture lost while browning.
Once the butter is bubbly, sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice and toast it for a few seconds to wake up those warm flavors. Then take it off the heat.

Step 2: Stir in sugars, pumpkin, and vanilla

While the butter is still warm, stir in both sugars until smooth. The heat helps dissolve the sugar just enough.
Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla, and salt. Mix until everything looks silky and glossy.

Step 3: Mix in the egg and dry ingredients

Crack in the egg and stir right away to avoid curdling. Then in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
Stir the dry mix into the wet mixture until just combined. A few lumps are totally fine. You don’t want to overmix—treat it like brownie batter.

Step 4: Add chocolate chips and bake

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.
Sprinkle chocolate chips on top, then gently fold them in with a spatula. This trick helps avoid melting them too early.
Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Let cool before slicing—or dive in while they’re warm and gooey!

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars

These little tips can make all the difference:

• Don’t overmix the batter—it keeps them fudgy, not cakey
• Brown your butter for extra cozy flavor
• Always use canned pumpkin, not pie filling (too many extras!)
• Fold in the chocolate chips gently to keep them from melting into the batter

This recipe also pairs beautifully with a batch of Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies if you’re baking for a crowd!

Storage & Freezing Instructions

These bars store well and taste just as good the next day—if they last that long.

Room Temperature

Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days. I usually stash them under a cake dome or in a lidded glass container.

Freezer Instructions

Freeze fully cooled bars in a zip-top freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe Card

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Related Recipes to Try

Love these bars? You’ll want to cozy up with these too:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for something creamy and layered
• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting for a handheld treat
• Amazing Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread for a dairy-free option that’s just as cozy

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got a can of pumpkin in the pantry and a craving for something sweet, these Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips are just the thing. They’re simple, rich, and full of fall flavor. Share them with neighbors, tuck them into lunchboxes, or enjoy one warm with coffee. Let me know if you bake a batch—I love hearing from you!

You can also find more cozy ideas on my Pinterest board.

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