There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin S’mores Bars wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: a chewy, gooey base packed with pumpkin goodness, all topped off with a rich layer of chocolate and crunchy graham cracker crumbs. It’s like autumn and summer had a delicious love child right in your oven. Trust me; you’ll want to make these bars for every gathering, cozy night in, or even just to bribe your friends into keeping your secrets.
I still remember the first time I made these Pumpkin S’mores Bars. It was a chilly fall afternoon, and I was attempting to impress my family with my baking skills. Spoiler alert: they were blown away! The way those layers melted together created an experience that was both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for Halloween parties or simply for satisfying that sweet tooth while binge-watching your favorite show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Pumpkin S’mores Bars are easy to whip up, making them perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike
- The flavor profile is a delightful blend of pumpkin spice and chocolatey goodness that pleases everyone
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown crust and drizzled chocolate, they steal the show on any dessert table
- Plus, you can easily adapt them for different occasions or dietary preferences!
Ingredients for Pumpkin S’mores Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These add the perfect crunchiness and sweetness to create the base layer.
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree for a moist texture and rich flavor.
Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor; light or dark brown sugar works well.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt levels in the recipe.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips melt beautifully over the pumpkin layer.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the bars structure.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and enhances the pumpkin flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of graham cracker crumbs with half a cup of melted butter and a third cup of brown sugar. Mix until everything is evenly blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Step 3: Whisk It Up
In another bowl, whisk together one cup of pumpkin puree, two eggs, half a cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and some chocolate chips. Blend until smooth—this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Assemble Layers
Pour the pumpkin mixture over your graham cracker base evenly. Sprinkle an additional half cup of chocolate chips on top because more chocolate is always better!
Step 5: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or slightly gooey if you want extra chewiness).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let it cool completely in the pan before lifting it out using the parchment paper edges. Cut into squares, serve them warm (with maybe a scoop of ice cream on top), and watch them disappear!
These Pumpkin S’mores Bars are not just desserts; they are an experience filled with laughter, warmth, and some serious comfort food vibes! Enjoy every gooey bite as you share memories with friends and family around the table.
You Must Know
- These delicious Pumpkin S’mores Bars combine the fall flavors of pumpkin and chocolate in a gooey, sweet treat
- Perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy nights at home, they’re an easy dessert that will impress everyone from kids to adults
- Enjoy the nostalgia with a twist!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve those perfect Pumpkin S’mores Bars, start by preheating your oven while you whip up the crust. Bake it first, then mix the pumpkin filling while it cools. This sequence saves time and ensures each layer gets the attention it deserves.
Add Your Touch
Make these bars your own by swapping out regular chocolate for dark chocolate or adding nuts like pecans for crunch. You can also drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet surprise that will have everyone begging for more.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Pumpkin S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat individual servings briefly in the microwave for gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Pumpkin S’mores Bars turn out perfectly, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for better flavor
- Make sure to let the crust cool completely before adding the filling to avoid sogginess
- Lastly, sprinkle some sea salt on top after baking for a delightful flavor contrast
Sometimes I take these bars to friends’ gatherings, and they disappear faster than you can say “Pumpkin S’mores!” Just last week, someone asked if I could make them a special batch—who knew they were such a crowd-pleaser?
FAQs :
What are Pumpkin S’mores Bars?
Pumpkin S’mores Bars combine the rich flavors of pumpkin with the classic s’mores ingredients: graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. These bars create a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall while providing a gooey, sweet experience. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, these bars are an easy way to enjoy a seasonal favorite.
How do you store Pumpkin S’mores Bars?
To store your Pumpkin S’mores Bars, let them cool completely before cutting into squares. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are wrapped well to maintain freshness.
Can I make Pumpkin S’mores Bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Pumpkin S’mores Bars gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker alternatives. Look for brands that specifically offer gluten-free options, and ensure that all other ingredients, like chocolate and marshmallows, are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious bars without worry.
What variations can I try with Pumpkin S’mores Bars?
Feel free to get creative with your Pumpkin S’mores Bars! You can swap out regular chocolate for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the pumpkin flavor. You might also consider incorporating nuts or using flavored marshmallows for added texture and taste.
Conclusion for Pumpkin S’mores Bars :
In conclusion, Pumpkin S’mores Bars are a delightful blend of seasonal flavors that everyone will love. With their combination of pumpkin puree, chocolate, and marshmallows nestled between graham crackers, these bars provide comfort and joy in every bite. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to personalize this delicious treat further!
Pumpkin S’mores Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Pumpkin S’mores Bars are the perfect autumn dessert that blends the warm flavors of pumpkin and chocolate into a delightful treat. With a chewy graham cracker crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and gooey chocolate topping, these bars bring the essence of fall right to your table. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, they’re ideal for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Indulge in a slice of comfort and nostalgia with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar (additional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until combined. Press into the bottom of the pan.
- In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, additional brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or slightly gooey.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
