Name: Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Flour; 1.5 cups Sugar; 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cloves; 15 ounces Canned Pumpkin; 4 Eggs (lightly beaten); 1 cup Vegetable Oil; 1.5 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Pieces; 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened); 0.33 cup Sugar; 1 Egg; 1 tablespoon Milk

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There’s something special about the comforting blend of flavors in Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars that brings back memories of crisp fall afternoons and family gatherings. I can still recall the first time I baked these bars; the aroma of pumpkin, spices, and melting chocolate seemed to fill the entire house, inviting everyone to the kitchen. It was a spontaneous bake, one of those days when you just feel like indulging in something sweet. I gathered my ingredients and let my creativity flow, blending the rich flavors of pumpkin and chocolate into a delightful treat. The joy of slicing into a warm bar, with the chocolate creating a beautiful swirl through the pumpkin mixture, was simply unmatched.

These bars are not just a treat; they’re perfect for any occasion—especially around Thanksgiving when the flavors of fall are in full swing. I love sharing them at gatherings, where they disappear in moments. They’re incredibly easy to make, and the combination of chocolate and pumpkin is always a hit. Plus, what could be better than a dessert that’s both comforting and festive? Trust me, once you try Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection, and you’ll find yourself baking them again and again.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Wooden Spoon, Blender, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Frying Pan

Why You Need This Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars

Irresistible Flavor Combination

The fusion of pumpkin and chocolate creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds. The earthiness of the pumpkin balances perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate, making every bite a harmonious experience.

Perfect for Fall and Holidays

There’s no better way to celebrate the fall season than with these bars. They’re a festive addition to any Thanksgiving table, and they bring a sense of warmth that enhances the holiday spirit.

Easy to Make

Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find that making Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars is straightforward and fun! The steps are simple, allowing you to enjoy the process without any stress.

Feed a Crowd

This recipe produces around 24 bars, making it ideal for parties and gatherings. You can easily share them with family and friends, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this delightful treat.

Versatile Treat

While they’re wonderful as a sweet dessert, these bars can also be enjoyed as a morning snack or a sweet pick-me-up in the afternoon. They’re just as delicious with a cup of coffee as they are after dinner!

Ingredients to Make Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars

This recipe features a blend of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a delightful treat. The key players include pumpkin for moisture and flavor, flour for structure, and chocolate to add a rich sweetness. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and taste.

2 cups Flour: The base of the bars, providing structure and chewiness.
1.5 cups Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the earthy flavors of the pumpkin.
2 teaspoons Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, cozy flavor that enhances the pumpkin.
1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Works with the acids in the pumpkin for a nice rise.
½ teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves: Adds depth with its warm and spicy notes.
15 ounces Canned Pumpkin: The star ingredient that provides moisture and flavor.
4 Eggs (lightly beaten): Binds the mixture together and contributes to the bars’ texture.
1 cup Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars moist and tender.
1.5 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Pieces: Adds chunks of rich chocolate throughout the bars.
8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened): Makes the swirl creamy and adds a delightful tang.
⅓ cup Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture for the swirl.
1 Egg: Fortifies the cream cheese swirl, making it rich.
1 tablespoon Milk: Ensures the cream cheese is blendable and smooth.

Cooking Method for Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars

Making Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars is a delightful process that combines the best of baking and creativity. Let’s dive into the steps and enjoy the transformation of simple ingredients into a scrumptious dessert!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature for your bars. Line a 15×10 inch baking pan with foil, allowing some overhang. This will help you remove the bars easily after baking.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, 1.5 cups of sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and ground cloves. This mixture will form the base for your Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars.
Next, stir in the pumpkin, 4 eggs, and vegetable oil until everything is well combined. You should have a slightly thick and moist batter that smells divine!
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. It’s important to make sure it’s even so that it bakes uniformly.
In a small saucepan, melt ¾ of the chocolate chips over low heat. Stir continuously to ensure it melts without burning. Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and ⅓ cup of sugar with a mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add in 1 egg, milk, and the cooled, melted chocolate to the cream cheese mixture, blending until well incorporated.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter in the pan. Using a knife, swirl the cream cheese into the batter gently. Don’t overdo it; you want to see that beautiful marbling!
Chop the remaining chocolate pieces and sprinkle them over the top of the batter. This adds extra chocolatey goodness.
Bake the bars for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are puffed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be just right!
Once baked, let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. When cool, use the foil to lift the uncut bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars

When it comes to serving Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to enhance your experience:

Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top elevates each bar, adding a light and airy contrast to the denser texture.
Pair with Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the bars beautifully, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
Great for Dessert Tables: These bars make a wonderful addition to dessert tables, especially during the fall festivities.
Perfect for Gatherings: Bring these to potlucks or parties—everyone will love the combination of flavors!
Enjoy with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the bars adds a creamy, cold contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Seasonal Flavor Pairing: These bars pair beautifully with seasonal flavors like apple or pecan, making them a versatile choice for fall gatherings.

Things Worth Knowing

Check Your Oven: Ovens can vary in temperature; it’s a good idea to check for doneness a few minutes early.
Be Gentle with the Swirl: When swirling the cream cheese mixture, be careful not to mix it too much; you want to see the layers.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin and high-quality chocolate can really make a difference in flavor.
Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Ways to Customize

Customizing Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars can make them even more delightful. Here are some ideas:

Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can bring a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the bars.
Spice Variations: Mix in other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a fancy touch and extra sweetness.
Substitute Sweeteners: Consider using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
Mini Bars: Try making mini versions in a muffin tin for bite-sized treats!
Vegan Option: Use plant-based eggs and cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
Gluten-Free: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend to make them accessible to everyone.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars

When it comes to serving Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to enhance your experience:

Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top elevates each bar, adding a light and airy contrast to the denser texture.
Pair with Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the bars beautifully, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
Great for Dessert Tables: These bars make a wonderful addition to dessert tables, especially during the fall festivities.
Perfect for Gatherings: Bring these to potlucks or parties—everyone will love the combination of flavors!
Enjoy with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the bars adds a creamy, cold contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Seasonal Flavor Pairing: These bars pair beautifully with seasonal flavors like apple or pecan, making them a versatile choice for fall gatherings.

Things Worth Knowing

Check Your Oven: Ovens can vary in temperature; it’s a good idea to check for doneness a few minutes early.
Be Gentle with the Swirl: When swirling the cream cheese mixture, be careful not to mix it too much; you want to see the layers.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin and high-quality chocolate can really make a difference in flavor.
Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Ways to Customize

Customizing Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars can make them even more delightful. Here are some ideas:

Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can bring a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the bars.
Spice Variations: Mix in other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a fancy touch and extra sweetness.
Substitute Sweeteners: Consider using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
Mini Bars: Try making mini versions in a muffin tin for bite-sized treats!
Vegan Option: Use plant-based eggs and cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
Gluten-Free: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend to make them accessible to everyone.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars

When it comes to serving Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to enhance your experience:

Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top elevates each bar, adding a light and airy contrast to the denser texture.
Pair with Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the bars beautifully, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
Great for Dessert Tables: These bars make a wonderful addition to dessert tables, especially during the fall festivities.
Perfect for Gatherings: Bring these to potlucks or parties—everyone will love the combination of flavors!
Enjoy with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the bars adds a creamy, cold contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Seasonal Flavor Pairing: These bars pair beautifully with seasonal flavors like apple or pecan, making them a versatile choice for fall gatherings.

FAQ

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin can add a lovely flavor and texture to your Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars. Just be sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth before adding it to the batter. This will ensure that the moisture level remains consistent, creating beautifully soft bars.

To store your Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!

Yes! Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. You can bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container; just make sure they are completely cool before storing to maintain their texture.

These bars are delicious on their own, but they can be served alongside whipped cream, ice cream, or even a cup of coffee. They also pair well with other fall desserts, making them a fantastic addition to any dessert table during the season!

Conclusion

Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars combine the warm flavors of fall with the sweetness of chocolate, creating a truly special treat. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s perfect for gatherings and will surely impress family and friends. Don’t wait too long—bake a batch today!