These Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars are a tasty treat that combines pumpkin and creamy peanut butter in a chewy, sweet snack. Perfect for fall or any time you crave something delicious!
Honestly, these bars are so good, you might want to keep them all to yourself! I love how easy they are to make—just mix, pour, bake, and enjoy the yummy smells filling your kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience; it’s packed with flavor. You can substitute with homemade puree but ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is ideal here, but you can swap it out for crunchy peanut butter if you like some texture. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works great too!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect for texture. If you’re gluten-free, opt for certified gluten-free oats to keep the bars safe for a gluten-sensitive diet.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add sweetness, but feel free to use dark chocolate or milk chocolate based on your preference. You can also opt for dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan version.
How Do You Ensure the Bars Are Moist and Not Overbaked?
The key to perfectly soft and moist Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars is watching the baking time carefully. Here are my tips:
- Preheat your oven properly and don’t skip this step; it helps the bars bake evenly.
- Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark. Every oven is different, so use a toothpick to check for doneness. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let them cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes cutting easier!
How to Make Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 25 minutes for baking. You’ll need to let the bars cool completely, so plan for an additional 30 minutes to an hour before slicing and enjoying. In total, estimate around 1 hour and 10 minutes to have these delicious bars ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to help the bars come out easily when they’re done.
2. Mixing the Base:
In a large bowl, take the pumpkin puree and add the creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. You want all the ingredients nicely blended together!
3. Adding the Dry Ingredients:
Now, sprinkle in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything until it’s well combined into a thick batter. Don’t worry if it feels thick; this is how it’s supposed to be!
4. Incorporating Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in half of the chocolate chips into the batter, saving the rest for later. This adds a delicious chocolatey surprise throughout the bars!
5. Spreading in the Pan:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and press down slightly to make sure it’s packed well.
6. Topping with Chocolate:
Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter. This will create a nice melty layer once baked!
7. Baking:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cooling Down:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This can take about 30 minutes—patience pays off!
9. Serving:
Once the bars are cool, cut them into squares and enjoy! These delicious Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars are perfect for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast on the go!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for even longer freshness. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to roast and puree it first, and then drain any excess moisture to avoid adding too much liquid to the bars.
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works beautifully! You can also use any type of nut butter, such as almond butter, if you prefer a different flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week!
Can I Free these Bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, cut the bars into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!