Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are soft, fluffy, and packed with pumpkin spice and gooey chocolate chips. These gluten-free bars are perfect for a fall dessert or snack, offering the perfect balance of pumpkin flavor and chocolatey sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, moist, and light texture

• Loaded with chocolate chips for a gooey treat

• Gluten-free and naturally sweetened

• Easy one-bowl preparation

• Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings

• Balanced pumpkin spice flavor

• Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge

• No refined flour needed, made with almond and tapioca flour

• Easily customizable with different nut butters

• Great for lunchboxes or a quick snack

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ¾ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree

• ½ cup creamy cashew butter or almond butter

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ⅓ cups blanched almond flour

• 2 tablespoons tapioca flour or cassava flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

• ¾ cup chocolate chips, plus more for sprinkling on top

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, pumpkin puree, and cashew butter until smooth.

3. Add avocado oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

4. Stir in almond flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips.

5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, sprinkle with extra chocolate chips, and bake for 22–27 minutes, until edges are golden and the center is set.

6. Allow the pan to cool for 15 minutes, then optionally sprinkle with flaked sea salt.

7. Transfer to the fridge to cool completely for about 1 hour.

8. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 16 squares
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of cashew or almond butter.

• Extra Chocolate: Add ¼ cup more chocolate chips to the batter.

• Spice Boost: Increase pumpkin pie spice for a stronger fall flavor.

• Mini Bars: Bake in a mini muffin tin for individual portions.

• Topping Options: Drizzle with dairy-free chocolate or caramel sauce.

• Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup or coconut nectar instead of sugar.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Serving Tip: Bring to room temperature before serving for soft texture.

• Reheat: Microwave for 15–20 seconds if you prefer warm bars.

FAQs

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, they are made with almond and tapioca flour.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling?

No, use pure pumpkin puree without added sugar or spices.

Can I substitute nut butter?

Yes, cashew or almond butter works well, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

Can I make them vegan?

Replace eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of sugar for a fully vegan option.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Yes, feel free to fold in extra chocolate chips or sprinkle more on top.

How do I store these bars?

Store in the fridge in an airtight container or freeze for longer storage.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and store in the fridge; they also freeze well for future use.

How do I know when they are done baking?

Edges should be golden and the center set but slightly soft.

Can I use a different flour?

Almond flour and tapioca flour provide the right texture; other flours may change consistency.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars are an easy, gluten-free fall dessert with a perfect balance of pumpkin spice and chocolate. Soft, fluffy, and delicious, they’re ideal for snacking, gifting, or enjoying as a seasonal treat any time of year.