Save Moist, warmly spiced bars featuring pumpkin puree, crunchy nuts, and a hint of holiday flavor. Perfect for seasonal gatherings or as a cozy snack to share with loved ones.
I first tried these pumpkin nut bars at a fall family get-together and they quickly became a requested treat for every holiday season. The combination of pumpkin and nuts brings back warm memories every time I make them.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 1/2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g)
- Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (110 g), packed
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (120 ml), melted and cooled
- Eggs: 2 large
- Canned pumpkin puree: 1 cup (240 g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1 cup (120 g)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1/2 cup (90 g), optional
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine mixtures:
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in add-ins:
- Stir in chopped nuts and chocolate chips, if using.
- Spoon batter:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and cut:
- Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save Sharing these bars over coffee with my grandparents became a special holiday tradition. Everyone loved how the flavors reminded us of cozy autumn evenings together.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, parchment paper, and your favorite 9x9-inch baking pan are all you need for easy preparation.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter), tree nuts (walnuts/pecans), and may contain soy (chocolate chips). Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each bar has about 225 calories, 11 g total fat, 29 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save Enjoy these pumpkin nut bars fresh, and bring joy to every holiday occasion with their spiced warmth. They taste even better the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute nuts in these bars?
Yes, you can use hazelnuts or almonds instead of walnuts or pecans, depending on your preference.
- → How should I store these bars?
Keep the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- → What adds the holiday flavor to these bars?
A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger creates a warm festive taste, combined with pumpkin puree.
- → Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Dried cranberries or chopped dried fruits make flavorful additions. Adjust quantities to your liking.
- → How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bars are fully baked and ready to cool.