Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate have become my absolute favorite fall treat, and I’m so excited to share them with you! The moment I first tasted these, I was hooked. Imagine a warm, slightly chewy crust topped with a rich, creamy pumpkin layer, all studded with melty chocolate chips and a hint of sweet coconut. It’s pure bliss! This gooey chocolate pumpkin bar dessert reminds me of cozy evenings by the fire, the scent of cinnamon and chocolate filling the air. Making these homemade pumpkin gooey chocolate bars is surprisingly simple, and they always disappear fast. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate
Get ready to fall in love with these incredible pumpkin gooey bars chocolate! They’re a guaranteed hit for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The perfect balance of pumpkin spice, rich chocolate, and sweet coconut creates a taste sensation you won’t forget.
- Super Fast Prep: With only 15 minutes of prep time, these are truly easy chocolate pumpkin gooey bars to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples, this recipe is kind to your wallet while delivering a gourmet dessert experience. For more budget-friendly baking tips, check out our about me page.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these bars, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or just a special family dessert.
- Versatile Treat: Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars fit the bill.
- Perfect Texture: You get that delightful contrast between the crumbly crust and the creamy, gooey pumpkin filling.
- The Best Fall Dessert: For a truly standout seasonal treat, these are hands down the best pumpkin gooey chocolate bars you’ll ever make.
Pumpkin Chocolate Gooey Bar Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious pumpkin gooey bars chocolate. You’ll need a few things for the base and a few more for that irresistible pumpkin layer. Here’s what you’ll need for this pumpkin gooey bars with chocolate chips recipe:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for our crumbly crust
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness in the crust
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – binds the crust together
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetening the pumpkin layer
- 1 large egg – acts as a binder for the pumpkin filling
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk – adds richness and helps create that gooey texture
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – essential for that classic fall flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
- 1 cup chocolate chips – milk, semi-sweet, or dark, your choice!
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut – adds a lovely texture and tropical hint
How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate
Ready to create these amazing bars? Follow these simple steps for the most delicious pumpkin gooey bars chocolate you’ve ever tasted:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures your bars come out perfectly.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, grab your whisk and combine the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This forms the dry base for our delicious crust.
- Step 3: Pour in the 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, and mix everything together. You’ll end up with a crumbly dough that’s perfect for pressing.
- Step 4: Press this crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s a nice, even layer. This is the foundation for your simple chocolate pumpkin gooey bars.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, it’s time to create that luscious pumpkin filling. Whisk together the 1 cup pumpkin puree, the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until it’s wonderfully smooth. The aroma at this stage is just heavenly!
- Step 6: Carefully pour this smooth pumpkin mixture evenly over the crust you prepared earlier. Try to get it into all the corners.
- Step 7: Now for the best part! Sprinkle the 1 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut over the pumpkin layer. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness as they bake.
- Step 8: Bake your bars for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set and the center is mostly firm to the touch. This is a crucial step in how to make pumpkin gooey bars chocolate. For more information on baking temperatures, consult foodsafety.gov.
- Step 9: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut into perfect squares. Patience is key for the best texture!
Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate
Want to elevate your pumpkin gooey bars chocolate game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make these bars truly special. Follow these tips for guaranteed deliciousness:
- Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling has added sugar and spices that can mess with the flavor balance.
- Don’t overbake! Watch them closely towards the end. A slightly soft center when they come out of the oven will set up as they cool, ensuring that perfect gooey texture.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture.
- Let them cool completely before cutting. This is crucial for getting clean, beautiful squares and that signature gooey center.
What’s the secret to perfect Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate?
The magic lies in the balance of ingredients and the baking time. Using evaporated milk in the pumpkin layer creates that irresistible gooey texture. For extra chewy chocolate pumpkin bars, slightly underbake them so the center remains soft and fudgy. If you’re curious about the science behind baking, you can explore resources on exploratorium.edu.
Can I make Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are fantastic for meal prep. You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They might even taste better the next day as the flavors meld! For storage guidelines, refer to our privacy policy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate?
The biggest pitfall is overbaking, which leads to dry bars. Also, ensure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, for the best flavor. Pressing the crust evenly is key for a uniform base. For more baking advice, visit our contact us page.
Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate
These delightful pumpkin gooey bars chocolate are so versatile, perfect for any occasion. For a truly special treat, serve them slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm bar and cold cream is divine! They also make a wonderful addition to any fall dessert platter. Consider pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or spiced apple cider. This pumpkin bar dessert with chocolate is also fantastic alongside a slice of cheesecake for a decadent dessert buffet.
Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate
Wondering about the nutritional details of these delicious pumpkin gooey bars chocolate? While they are a treat, knowing the breakdown can be helpful. Here’s an approximate nutritional profile per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your pumpkin chocolate bar bake calories calculation. For detailed terms of use regarding this information, please see our terms of use.
How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate
Keeping your delicious pumpkin gooey bars chocolate fresh is easy, so you can enjoy them whenever a craving strikes! First, always let them cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. This is super important for that perfect texture. Once cooled, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep these quick pumpkin gooey chocolate bars around even longer, pop that airtight container into the refrigerator for up to a week.
For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. If you prefer them warm, you can gently reheat them in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or pop them in a toaster oven at a low temperature for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate
Are these Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate similar to pumpkin pie?
While they share that beloved pumpkin pie flavor, these are more of a dessert bar. The crust provides a lovely texture contrast to the creamy pumpkin filling, making them a bit more decadent and easier to serve than a traditional pie. You can think of them as a delicious, handheld version of pumpkin pie gooey bars chocolate!
Can I make chocolate swirled pumpkin gooey bars?
Absolutely! To create beautiful chocolate swirled pumpkin gooey bars, prepare the pumpkin filling as directed. Dollop spoonfuls of melted chocolate (about 1/4 cup) over the pumpkin mixture in the pan. Then, use a toothpick or a knife to gently swirl the chocolate into the pumpkin layer before baking. It adds an extra visual appeal and a more intense chocolate flavor.
What is the best way to cut these bars?
For the cleanest cuts, make sure your bars are completely cooled before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For perfect squares, consider using a ruler as a guide. If they’re still a little soft, chilling them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting can help them hold their shape beautifully.
Can I make a gluten-free or dairy-free version?
Yes, you can adapt these bars! For gluten-free, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. For dairy-free, use melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for the crust, and a dairy-free milk alternative (like almond or oat milk) plus dairy-free chocolate chips. These adjustments make a wonderful pumpkin pie gooey bars chocolate variation that accommodates dietary needs.
Variations of Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate You Can Try
Looking to switch things up or cater to different tastes? These pumpkin gooey bars chocolate are wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to explore for your next batch of this delightful chocolate pumpkin dessert bars recipe:
- Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust mixture, or sprinkle them on top with the chocolate chips.
- Spice It Up: Amp up the spice by adding a pinch of ground cloves and ginger to the pumpkin filling, or even a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of warmth.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For a touch of cheesecake-like richness, mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of sugar and a splash of vanilla. Dollop this over the pumpkin layer and swirl gently with a toothpick before baking.
- White Chocolate & Cranberry: Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a festive, tangy twist.
Pumpkin Gooey Bars Chocolate: Divine Fall Treat
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and delicious pumpkin gooey bars with chocolate chips and coconut. A perfect fall dessert that’s easy to make and a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until combined to form a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup sugar, egg, evaporated milk, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips and shredded coconut over the pumpkin layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is mostly firm.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a chewier bar, bake for a shorter time.
- Ensure the pumpkin puree is not pumpkin pie filling.
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg