Spiced bars combine pumpkin, gingerbread, and chocolate chips for a cozy, easy-to-make autumn treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1 cup pumpkin puree
10 - 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
11 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
12 - 1/4 cup molasses
13 - 2 large eggs
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Add-ins
15 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly mixed.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, molasses, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
04 - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing only until just combined to avoid overmixing.
05 - Gently fold in chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle over the surface, if desired.
06 - Transfer the batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips over the top.
07 - Bake for 23 to 27 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean or with a few moist crumbs.
08 - Cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars for serving.
