Save Moist, warmly spiced bars blending the flavors of gingerbread, pumpkin, and chocolate chips—a perfect treat for fall or holiday gatherings.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
I first baked these bars when my kitchen was filled with autumn scents and laughter. They were an instant hit with friends and family, each bite a blend of nostalgia and chocolatey comfort.
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Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups (220 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Pumpkin puree: 1 cup (220 g)
- Brown sugar, packed: 2/3 cup (130 g)
- Vegetable oil: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
- Molasses: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup (175 g)
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Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, molasses, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top if desired.
- Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top. Bake for 23–27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let cool completely in the pan, then cut into 16 bars.
Save These muffin bars have become a staple at our family autumn get-togethers. Kids especially love helping sprinkle the chocolate chips before baking.
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Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, 9x9-inch baking pan, parchment paper (optional), spatula
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and soy (in chocolate chips). May contain milk if using milk chocolate chips. Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 185 calories, 7 g total fat, 29 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
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Serve these bars warm or at room temperature—they're a perfect snack for sharing and savoring cozy moments.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I enhance the spiced flavor?
Add 1/4 tsp ground allspice or a pinch of black pepper for extra warmth and complexity.
- → Can I use different chocolate chips?
Yes, swap semi-sweet chips for dark or white chocolate to vary sweetness and richness.
- → How do I store the bars?
Once cooled, store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for up to two months.
- → Is it possible to make these bars dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and check labels on other ingredients for hidden dairy. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
- → What's the best way to serve them?
Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of maple glaze for extra sweetness and presentation.
- → Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?
Try mashed sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a similar texture and flavor profile.
