These pumpkin toffee bars are a tasty treat that mix the cozy flavors of pumpkin and sweet toffee in a soft, chewy base. Perfect for fall or any time you crave something sweet!
I can’t resist that delightful blend of warm spices and crunchy toffee bits. They make my house smell amazing, and I always have to share them (well, maybe just a few). 😄
I love how easy these bars are to whip up! Just mix, bake, and enjoy a comforting slice. They’re great with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa on a chilly day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Fresh pumpkin gives a nice taste, but canned pumpkin is super convenient. Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. If you’re looking for a twist, try using sweet potato puree instead!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best for a nice balance of sweetness. However, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter bar or dark chocolate for a richer taste. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan chocolate chips!
Toffee Bits: I love using Heath or Skor bits, but if you can’t find them, chopped chocolate-covered almonds or even crushed caramel candies can give similar sweetness and texture.
Pecans: They add a lovely crunch, but you can swap them for walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free version. Sunflower seeds are a good nut-free substitute, too!
How Do I Ensuring My Bars Bake Evenly?
Getting the right texture for your pumpkin toffee bars requires careful attention during baking. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfectly!
- Preheat your oven fully before baking. An oven thermometer can help if you’re unsure about the temperature.
- Line your pan with parchment paper—it helps with even cooking and easier removal!
- Check the bars a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye out for a slightly firm edge and a soft center.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Refrigerating helps set the chocolate and makes cutting easier.
Delicious Pumpkin Toffee Bars Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup toffee bits (such as Heath or Skor)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 25 minutes for baking. After baking, allow the bars to cool at room temperature for a bit and then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Altogether, you’ll need a little under 2 hours, including cooling time. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will help the bars come out easily after baking.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to ensuring your bars are tender!
3. Mix in the Pumpkin:
Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to your butter mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and smooth. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor, making these bars irresistible!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and gives your bars that delightful autumn flavor.
5. Mix It All Together:
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the pumpkin mixture. Mix until just combined to form a thick batter—avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
6. Spread the Batter:
Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure it’s smooth on top for even baking.
7. Bake the Bars:
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean. The edges will look set and slightly golden.
8. Add Chocolate Topping:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm bars. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften.
9. Spread the Chocolate:
After the chocolate has softened, use a spatula to gently spread it out evenly over the pumpkin layer for a smooth topping.
10. Top with Toffee and Pecans:
Sprinkle the toffee bits and optional chopped pecans over the melted chocolate layer. Press them in gently to make sure they stick!
11. Cool & Chill:
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. To firm them up nicely, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing them into squares.
12. Serve & Enjoy:
Once chilled and set, cut into squares and serve these delightful pumpkin toffee bars. They’re perfect for sharing, or savoring all by yourself! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy every bite of these rich bars that showcase the best flavors of fall! 🧡
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, just make sure to roast and puree it until smooth. About 1 small pumpkin should yield a cup of puree, perfect for this recipe!
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Toffee Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors can actually deepen as they chill!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture.
What If I Don’t Have Toffee Bits?
No worries! You can chop up chocolate-covered toffee candy bars or use crushed caramel candies for a similar sweet and crunchy topping.