These Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars are a tasty treat combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and the creamy goodness of peanut butter. They make a fun dessert or snack!
It’s like autumn in every bite! I love how easy they are to whip up, and they disappear quickly—just like my willpower when there’s peanut butter around! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Use rolled oats for a chewy texture. If you need gluten-free bars, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they might make the texture a bit softer.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient, but you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and mash it properly. Pumpkin pie filling won’t work here, as it contains added sugars and spices.
Peanut Butter: I recommend creamy peanut butter for smoothness. If you’re allergic or want a different flavor, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter to maintain the consistency.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chips are my go-to. Dark chocolate also pairs wonderfully, or use white chocolate for a sweeter touch. You can also skip the chips altogether if you want a less sweet option.
How Do I Ensure My Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars Are Perfectly Baked?
Getting the baking time right is crucial for these bars. Check your bars at around 20 minutes, and use a toothpick to test the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If they look set and lightly golden on the edges, they’re likely done.
- Remember, the bars will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
- Allow them to cool completely in the pan—this makes them easier to cut and also helps the chocolate topping set nicely.
Following these tips will give you a delicious, fudgy treat perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! Enjoy your baking!
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
- Additional chocolate chips for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes to bake. After creating this delicious mixture, you’ll need to allow time for cooling before cutting into bars. In total, plan for about 1 hour before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s an overhang on the edges for easy removal later on.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, creamy peanut butter, packed brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
6. Spread and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center is set.
7. Add Topping:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and quickly sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top. Allow them to sit for a few minutes until melted, then spread the melted chocolate over the bars for a delicious topping.
8. Cool and Slice:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares to serve.
9. Enjoy!
These Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars are perfect as a cozy treat or a delightful dessert for any occasion. Enjoy a square (or two) and share with friends and family!
They’re a delightful blend of flavors that celebrate the spirit of fall! Enjoy making these scrumptious bars!
Can I Use Different Nut Butters?
Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter is the star here, you can substitute it with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or if you have nut allergies. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the nut butter used.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life of about a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Freeze These Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight or leave them at room temperature for a few hours.
What Can I Use Instead of Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, light or dark brown sugar works best for the flavor profile. However, you can substitute granulated sugar in a pinch. Just note that the bars may turn out a little less moist without the molasses content in brown sugar.