Desserts · 3 min read
Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars
These brown butter pumpkin chocolate chunk bars with sea salt are the perfect easy fall dessert. Nutty brown butter and pumpkin make them extra special. Get the recipe!
★ 5.0 (7)
I've always loved pumpkin bars, but brown butter makes them even better. The nutty, caramel flavor pairs well with pumpkin, and it's surprisingly easy to do. Just melt butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat, then turn it up to medium-high and stir until you see golden bits settle on the bottom, about 3 to 5 minutes. Pour it into a bowl to cool, and you're ready to go. I made these brown butter pumpkin chocolate chunk bars twice in one week because they're that good. They're my go-to easy fall dessert.
Why These Brown Butter Pumpkin Bars Are a Fall Favorite
- Brown butter adds a nutty, caramel depth that regular butter can't match, making these pumpkin bars extra special.
- The combination of pumpkin and chocolate chunks is a classic pairing that always satisfies.
- They come together quickly with simple ingredients, great for a last-minute fall dessert.
Key Ingredients for Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars
- Pumpkin puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices. Canned pumpkin works great.
- Chocolate chunks: Use good-quality chocolate chunks or chop a bar. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet all work well.
- Brown butter: This is the star. The nutty flavor comes from browning the butter, so don't skip it. Use a light-colored pan to monitor the color change.
Kitchen Tools for Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars
- A 9x13-inch baking pan
- A light-colored skillet or saucepan for browning butter (easier to see color change)
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk and rubber spatula
Tips for Making the Best Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars
When browning the butter, use a light-colored pan so you can see the color change. Don't walk away, it can go from golden to burnt quickly. Once you see small golden bits on the bottom and smell a nutty aroma, take it off the heat immediately and pour into a heat-safe bowl to stop the cooking.
For the batter, mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Start checking at 28 minutes; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting for clean squares.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars Variations to Try
If you want to change things up, try using white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips instead of chocolate chunks. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. For a gluten-free version, substitute a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also top the bars with a simple powdered sugar glaze after they cool for extra sweetness.
How to Serve Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars
These bars are delicious on their own with a sprinkle of sea salt, but you can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert. A drizzle of caramel sauce would be lovely too. They pair well with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They're also great for potlucks, Thanksgiving dessert, or any fall gathering.
How to Store Leftover Brown Butter Pumpkin Bars
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can You Freeze Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the baked bars. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Best Way to Reheat Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars
To reheat, place bars on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or microwave a single bar for about 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or they'll dry out.
Source recipe: Brown Butter Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bars (SnapChef ID 571f849c-3434-4e56-ba20-2e4dbe1fc4f5). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, turn up the heat to medium high. Continue stirring and look for small golden bits that will start to settle on the bottom of the pan. This should take around 3 to 5 minutes and the butter will have a nutty aroma. Once this happens, take it off the heat and pour into a medium, heat-safe bowl to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix with a spoon or spatula until smooth. Add in the egg, egg yolk, pumpkin, and vanilla and stir until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, don't over mix. Stir in the chocolate chunks.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes, if using. Bake the bars for 28 to 35 minutes or until the bars are set and golden brown around the edges.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.
Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated
Amount per serving
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).
Good to know
Questions, answered
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added kosher salt to 1/2 teaspoon to account for the salt in the butter.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices?
Yes, substitute 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake and cool completely, then store as directed. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Start checking at 28 minutes.
