Nostalgic Pumpkin Bars with Warm Spices and Chocolate Chips Recipe

Introduction

Nostalgic Ember Memories are warm, spiced pumpkin bars that bring a comforting touch of autumn to your kitchen. With natural almond butter and a hint of maple syrup, these bars combine wholesome ingredients for a sweet treat that feels both cozy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup natural almond butter
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, almond butter, and maple syrup. Whisk until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: Once cooled, cut into 16 bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans before baking.
• Swap almond butter with peanut butter if preferred for a different flavor profile.
• Let the bars rest overnight; the flavors deepen and the texture firms up, making them even tastier the next day.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste or omit them for a dairy-free option.

Storage

Store the pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them chilled. They can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, but be sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth and well-drained to avoid excess moisture. This will help maintain the right texture in the bars.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe contains no flour or gluten-containing ingredients, making it naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Nostalgic Pumpkin Bars with Warm Spices and Chocolate Chips Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 110 reviews

Nostalgic Ember Memories is a comforting pumpkin bar recipe combining the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with natural almond butter and maple syrup. These moist and flavorful bars are perfect for an autumnal treat or make-ahead dessert, offering a wholesome twist with optional chocolate chips for added indulgence.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup natural almond butter
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients & Spices

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional

• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, natural almond butter, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is thoroughly combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt evenly to distribute the spices throughout.
5. Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. At this point, fold in the chocolate chips if using.
6. Transfer Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into 16 bars and serving.

Notes

• Store pumpkin bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
• Feel free to add nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, or other mix-ins to customize the bars to your liking.
• The flavor of the pumpkin bars improves after resting for a day, making them excellent for preparation in advance.

Keywords: pumpkin bars, almond butter dessert, gluten free pumpkin bars, fall desserts, healthy pumpkin treats, maple syrup dessert, spiced pumpkin bars, chocolate chip pumpkin bars