These Pumpkin Spiced Bars with White Chocolate are like a cozy hug in dessert form! They’re soft, sweet, and packed with warm spices that make fall feel extra special.
Every bite melts in your mouth thanks to the creamy white chocolate. I love enjoying these bars with a cup of tea—it’s the perfect treat for a chilly day! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Whether you use canned or fresh, both work great! Canned pumpkin is super convenient. For fresh, just steam or roast your pumpkin and blend until smooth. I prefer the taste of homemade if I have the time!
Pumpkin Seeds: Pepitas add a nice crunch. If you don’t have these on hand, try sunflower seeds or even chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different texture and flavor in your bars.
Dried Cranberries: They bring a sweet-tart element. If cranberries aren’t your favorite, raisins or chopped dates are delicious alternatives. You can even use chocolate chips if you want more sweetness!
Almond Flour: I find almond flour gives a nice moistness, but feel free to use all-purpose flour if you prefer! Coconut flour is another option, but you’ll need to adjust the amount since it’s very absorbent.
White Chocolate: For a richer flavor, use high-quality white chocolate. If you want to cut sugar, opt for dark chocolate chips instead. It pairs surprisingly well with the spices!
How Can I Ensure My Bars Are Firm and Not Gummy?
Getting the right texture is essential! Here are my tips: First, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; mix until just combined. This keeps the bars fluffy. Also, make sure the pumpkin puree isn’t too watery—drain it slightly if needed.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out with moist crumbs, it’s perfect!
- Let them cool completely in the pan. This helps them set further so they’re easier to cut.
Remember, they will firm up a bit as they cool—good things take time!
How to Make Pumpkin Spiced Bars with White Chocolate
Ingredients You’ll Need:
The Base:
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats, ground (optional for texture)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves mix)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
The Sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
The Binders:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
For Extra Sweetness:
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (plus extra for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes before drizzling on the white chocolate. So in total, you can have these delicious bars ready in about 1 hour or so!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well mixed. This mixture is going to be the heart of your bars!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together your almond flour, ground oats (if you’re using them), baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt. This is where all the cozy spiced flavor will come from.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the bars soft and fluffy.
5. Add Fun Ingredients:
Now it’s time to fold in the pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and white chocolate chips. These will add delicious texture and flavor!
6. Bake:
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are completely fine).
7. Cool:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. This is a crucial step, so don’t rush it!
8. Melt and Drizzle White Chocolate:
Once it’s cooled, melt some extra white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled bars for a sweet finish.
9. Slice and Serve:
After the chocolate has set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy these moist, spiced bars packed with festive fall flavors and creamy white chocolate!
Happy baking! 🌟
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, just steam or roast it until tender, then puree it until smooth. It gives a beautiful homemade flavor that many love!
Can I Substitute the Almond Flour?
Sure! All-purpose flour works well if you prefer, but keep in mind it may change the texture slightly. If you’re going for gluten-free, you could also use a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin Spiced Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in some chopped nuts for added crunch, or swap the dried cranberries for raisins or even chocolate chips! Customize it to your taste!
