Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lunchbox Bars
These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Lunchbox Bars are a delightful fall treat, combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the decadence of chocolate chips. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they're easy to make and store well.
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking pan greased and floured
- 1 Electric Mixer
- 1 Mixing Bowl large
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Serving
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into bars.
Storage
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Pro Tips: Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter. Do not overmix to keep the bars tender. Slightly underbake for a chewier texture. Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for variety. How to Serve: These bars are perfect with coffee or tea, and great for lunchboxes. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Make-Ahead Tips: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.