Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Name: Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup molasses; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Author: Clara Hastings

Published: November 11, 2025

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Introduction to Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

As the cooler months roll in, I can’t help but remember the cozy vibes of fall. The smell of spices wafting through the kitchen brings warmth to my heart. Today, I’m excited to share my Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars with you! These delightful treats perfectly blend gingerbread and pumpkin, enhanced with scrumptious chocolate chips.

For busy moms and professionals like us, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s quick, easy, and fills the house with inviting aromas that make everyone feel at home. Plus, who doesn’t love a sweet bar that can double as breakfast with a hot cup of coffee?

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

These Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of seasonal flavors, wrapped in convenience. They come together in a flash, making it easy to whip up a batch before school pick-up or during a quick weekend bake. With each bite, you’ll experience the heartwarming tastes of fall, leaving your friends and family raving about these little delights. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice!”

Ingredients for Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in a baked treat. For these Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, you’ll need the following:

All-purpose flour: This serves as the foundation for your bars, giving them structure.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the bars rise, creating a lovely texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: They lend that cozy, festive flavor that defines fall.
Pumpkin puree: This adds moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange hue to your bars.
Brown sugar: It gives sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, perfect for fall baking.
Vegetable oil: This makes the bars moist and rich without being heavy.
Molasses: You can’t have gingerbread without it! It adds depth and richness.
Eggs: These bind everything together and give your bars a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brightens the flavor profile.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These delightful morsels provide a sweet surprise in every bite.

For those who want a twist, consider adding chopped nuts or using gluten-free flour instead. You’ll find exact quantities at the end of the article—you can even print them out for easy reference!

How to Make Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F. While it warms up, grab a 9×9-inch baking pan. You can either line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with some cooking spray. This helps to ensure that your bars come out perfectly without any fuss!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This includes ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s essential to measure your flour correctly! Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents those dense, heavy bars we want to avoid.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, in a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk for a smooth and cohesive blend. This step is crucial because a well-combined mixture sets the stage for those glorious Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars. You want it to be silky and fragrant!

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Now, it’s time to gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t just dump everything in and stir vigorously! Instead, use a spatula and fold carefully until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we definitely don’t want that. A few floury streaks are perfectly okay!

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

It’s time for the best part—folding in those semi-sweet chocolate chips! Gently incorporate them into your batter, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, save a handful to sprinkle on top before baking. It not only makes it look pretty but also gives extra chocolatey goodness in every bite!

Step 6: Bake

Transfer your luscious batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 23 to 27 minutes. How will you know when it’s done? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let it cool in the pan completely. This cooling time is crucial to avoid messy slices!

Tips for Success

Here are a few quick tips to ensure your Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars turn out perfect:

Always pre-measure your ingredients; it saves time and reduces mess.
Go for room temperature eggs for better mixing.
Taste the batter before baking—it should make you smile!
For extra spice, feel free to experiment with cardamom or allspice.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts!

Equipment Needed

As a home cook, I know the right tools make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars:

Mixing bowls: A medium bowl for dry ingredients and a large one for wet.
Whisk: Essential for smoothly combining your mixtures.
Spatula: Perfect for folding and mixing!
Baking pan: A 9×9-inch pan is ideal, but an 8×8-inch works too.
Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal of bars.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to cater to different dietary preferences, there are plenty of ways to switch up your Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars:

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
Use gluten-free flour as a substitute to make these bars gluten-free.
Swap some of the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a unique twist.
Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or allspice for deeper flavor notes.
Top with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars with these delightful serving ideas:

Serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for creamy goodness.
Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo.
Consider drizzling with caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Enjoy alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai or coffee.

FAQs about Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

I’m often asked a few common questions when it comes to my Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, and I’m here to help! Let’s dive in:

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree? While you can, it may change the flavor. Pure pumpkin puree is best for this recipe.

How should I store the bars? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze these bars? Absolutely! They freeze wonderfully. Just wrap them well and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips? Yes! You can use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even nuts for a unique twist.

What if I want to make these bars healthier? Feel free to reduce the sugar slightly or substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for lower fat content.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on my journey with these Gingerbread Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars, I can’t help but smile. They’re more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to gather around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter with loved ones. Baking has a magical way of connecting us, filling our homes with warmth and comfort.

Whether it’s a busy weekday treat or a festive gathering, these bars bring joy and delight to any occasion. So grab your ingredients, ignite that oven, and let’s create something beautiful together. Happy baking, friends!