These Pumpkin Spiced Bars are soft, fluffy, and full of warm fall flavors, topped with creamy white chocolate. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of coffee!
I’ll admit, these bars are a little slice of heaven. The combo of pumpkin and spice is just so cozy—and who can resist that sweet white chocolate drizzled on top? It’s a fall treat I can’t wait to make again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is great, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can use homemade pumpkin puree from roasted pie pumpkins. It gives a different texture and flavor that’s delightful!
Oils: I use vegetable oil for moisture, but you can swap it with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter option. This can add a subtle flavor too.
Dried Cranberries: Feel free to switch dried cranberries with other dried fruits like raisins, chopped apricots, or even chocolate chips for a unique twist. Each fruit will add to the overall taste!
White Chocolate: If you’re not a fan, dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate can also be drizzled on top. It provides a nice contrast to pumpkin’s sweetness. You might want to adjust the sugar slightly when doing this!
How Do I Get Perfectly Moist Pumpkin Spiced Bars?
For moist bars, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mixing too much can make them dense and dry. Also, be sure not to overbake them. Start checking them around 25 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Drizzle White Chocolate?
To get a nice drizzle, I recommend melting the white chocolate chips slowly in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning.
- Once melted, you can use a spoon or fill a small piping bag to create finer lines over your bars.
- If the chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or cream to make it easier to drizzle!
How to Make Pumpkin Spiced Bars with White Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Bars:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or your choice of dried fruit)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- Optional: chopped nuts for garnish
- For the White Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or heavy cream (for smooth drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for cooling. So, you can enjoy these tasty bars in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will help your bars come out clean when they’re done!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix it until everything is smooth and well combined—it should look nice and creamy!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This helps to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents, giving you fluffy bars.
4. Mix It All Together:
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture. Be gentle and stop mixing as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing can make your bars tough, and we want them soft and delicious!
5. Fold in the Good Stuff:
Now, gently fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. This adds a lovely texture and sweetness to your bars. Be careful not to break up the chocolate too much!
6. Bake the Bars:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part, but it will be worth it!
8. Make the White Chocolate Drizzle:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with the vegetable oil or heavy cream. Do this in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each one until the mixture is smooth and melted.
9. Drizzle Away!
Once the bars are completely cool, use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top. Get creative with your drizzling pattern!
10. Add a Final Touch:
If you like, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the drizzle for extra crunch and flavor. It’s all about those little touches that make it special!
11. Slice and Serve:
After the drizzle has set a little, it’s time to cut the bars into squares. Serve them up and enjoy the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice!
Enjoy your flavorful pumpkin spiced bars with creamy white chocolate topping — perfect for autumn or any cozy occasion!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Puree?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast a small pie pumpkin until soft, then scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture for the best texture in your bars.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the bars’ texture.
How Should I Store the Pumpkin Spiced Bars?
Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure they’re wrapped well to avoid drying out!
Can I Freeze These Bars for Later?
Yes, these pumpkin spiced bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
