These Pumpkin Toffee Bars are a cozy treat combining the rich flavors of pumpkin and sweet toffee. They are soft, chewy, and perfect for fall gatherings!
Every bite feels like a hug from autumn! I can’t resist sneaking a piece straight from the pan. Who can blame me, right? 🍂
Making these bars is so easy! Just mix, bake, and enjoy the warm smell filling your kitchen. They’re a great way to share some fall cheer with friends and family!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of your bars. If you don’t have them, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies can work great as well. I find that digestive biscuits have a nice buttery flavor that complements the pumpkin.
Pumpkin puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has extra sugars and spices. If pumpkin isn’t available, you can substitute with butternut squash puree, which gives a similar taste.
Pumpkin pie spice: If you don’t have this on hand, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a pinch. I often sprinkle a little extra cinnamon for added warmth!
Chocolate chips: I use semi-sweet chips for a balanced sweetness, but feel free to switch to dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer taste. White chocolate can also add a fun twist!
Pecans: These can be replaced with walnuts or almonds depending on your taste. I love the crunch of pecans, but walnuts are also delicious if you’re looking for something a bit more earthy.
How Do I Get the Perfect Pumpkin Layer?
Getting your pumpkin layer right is key for these bars. You want it smooth and set but not too dry. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Mix the pumpkin puree thoroughly with the brown sugar and spices. A good whisk helps break down any clumps for a smoother texture.
- Make sure not to overbake the bars. Keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark. They should be just set in the middle.
- Let the bars cool at room temperature before chilling them in the fridge. This helps the layers meld together beautifully.
With these tips, your Pumpkin Toffee Bars will turn out scrumptious every time! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Toffee Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup toffee bits or crushed toffee candies
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of baking. After that, you’ll need to let the bars chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set. So, total time will be around 2 hours and 35 minutes—but most of that is waiting for the bars to cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a light greasing. This will help your delightful bars come out easily once baked!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Use a fork to mix it well until the crumbs are moistened. Now, press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will be the buttery, crunchy base for our bars!
3. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling:
In another large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well combined. This filling is the star of the show!
4. Layer It Up:
Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in the pan. Try to make it as smooth as you can, so the layers look pretty!
5. Bake the Bars:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the filling is set and gently pulls away from the sides of the pan. Keep an eye on it, you want them to be perfectly cooked!
6. Add the Chocolate:
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the warm pumpkin layer. Let them sit for a few minutes; this will melt the chocolate just enough to spread easily.
7. Spread the Melted Chocolate:
Using a spatula, gently spread the melted chocolate across the pumpkin layer, creating a lovely layer of chocolate goodness. Yum!
8. Finish with Toppings:
Now, sprinkle the toffee bits and chopped pecans evenly on top of the melted chocolate layer. This adds that crunchy, sweet texture that’s simply irresistible!
9. Cool Down:
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This speck of patience will set the chocolate perfectly and make slicing easier.
10. Cut and Serve:
When the bars are chilled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles as you prefer. Serve these delicious bars at room temperature, and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
These Pumpkin Toffee Bars are not only sweet and slightly spiced but are topped with toffee, gooey chocolate, and crunchy pecans, making them the ultimate treat for fall. Amazing for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, make sure to roast and puree it first. Simply cut a sugar pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, place it cut side down on a baking sheet, and roast at 350°F for about an hour until tender. Allow it to cool, then scoop out the flesh and blend until smooth.
How Do I Store These Pumpkin Toffee Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil for the best protection against freezer burn!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substitute with almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies. Just ensure the other ingredients, like chocolate chips and toffee bits, are also gluten-free.
What Can I Use Instead of Pecans?
If you don’t like pecans, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or almonds. You could even leave them out completely for a nut-free version and still enjoy the delicious flavors of the bars!
