Description
Delight in the rich, moist Pumpkin Magic Bars that combine the warmth of autumn spices with decadent chocolate and nuts. Perfectly balanced with pumpkin puree and a blend of spices, these bars offer a comforting treat ideal for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Pumpkin: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Next, integrate the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Spices and Optional Add-ins: Fold in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and if using, chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Ensure these are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan. Then transfer the bars onto a cooling rack to cool completely before cutting.
- Optional Topping: For enhanced flavor and texture, sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on top of the batter before baking, if desired.
- Storage: Store these pumpkin magic bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve the best creaming texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid dense bars.
- Optional add-ins such as chocolate chips and nuts can be adjusted or omitted based on preferences or dietary needs.
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts completely.
- These bars freeze well; wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming 16 bars from recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: pumpkin bars, autumn dessert, chocolate pumpkin bars, fall baking, spiced pumpkin bars, easy pumpkin dessert
