Marbled Chocolate Pumpkin Bars

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s an undeniable call to embrace the comforting aromas and flavors of autumn. And what better way to answer that call than with a batch of perfectly baked goods? Today, we’re diving into a recipe that encapsulates everything wonderful about the season: Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars. These aren’t just any pumpkin bars; they’re a lightened-up version that sacrifices nothing in terms of moisture, deliciousness, or that irresistible burst of pumpkin and chocolate flavor. Prepare to transform your kitchen into a haven of autumnal bliss with this incredible recipe.

Contents

Embracing Autumn’s Flavors: More Than Just a Treat

The arrival of fall officially signals the season of pumpkin everything, and truthfully, we wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s something inherently comforting about the warm spices and rich, earthy notes of pumpkin that perfectly complement the cooler weather. For many, including myself, the weekends during this time of year are dedicated to the joy of baking. Crafting delicious treats to have on hand for the week ahead – if they last that long, which is rarely the case with these bars – is a cherished ritual. This particular weekend, the star of my kitchen was undoubtedly these magnificent Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars. They are an absolute delight, striking the perfect balance between the spiced warmth of pumpkin and the rich indulgence of chocolate. Each bite is a blissful journey into the heart of autumn, making them an ideal companion for your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as a delightful conclusion to any dinner.

The Art of Healthier Baking: Indulgence Without Guilt

The holiday season, and indeed the entire fall, is often synonymous with an abundance of delicious food and frequent indulgence. While there’s certainly a time and place for lavish treats, it’s also wonderful to have options that offer a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor or texture. My philosophy isn’t about rigid “dieting” but rather about maintaining a balanced and heart-healthy lifestyle. This means making conscious choices, such as incorporating beneficial fats and minimizing saturated fat intake where possible. It’s about smart swaps that elevate the nutritional profile of our favorite recipes, allowing us to enjoy all the goodness without the guilt.

This approach comes to life beautifully in these Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars. The key lies in strategic ingredient substitutions that lighten up the recipe while ensuring it remains incredibly moist and flavorful. We’re not just reducing calories; we’re actively enhancing the nutritional value. One of my go-to ingredients for achieving this balance is Mazola Corn Oil. Its versatility and health benefits make it an indispensable pantry staple for any health-conscious baker or cook.

Why Mazola Corn Oil is a Game-Changer in Your Kitchen

Mazola Corn Oil is more than just a cooking oil; it’s a smart, heart-healthy choice for you and your family. Unlike some other oils, it boasts a neutral taste, which is crucial in baking as it allows the natural flavors of the star ingredients – in this case, pumpkin and chocolate – to truly shine without any unwanted interference. Furthermore, its high smoke point of 450°F makes it incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide array of cooking methods, from baking and grilling to sautéing, stir-frying, and even mixing into marinades and dressings. This makes it a fantastic all-purpose oil that seamlessly integrates into various culinary applications, offering both performance and health benefits.

For these delectable Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars, the ingredient swaps were carefully chosen to maximize health benefits while retaining the indulgent experience. I replaced traditional vegetable oil with heart-healthy Mazola Corn Oil, swapped white flour for nutritious whole wheat flour to add fiber, and opted for reduced-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. The results speak for themselves: absolutely fabulous! The bars are incredibly moist, with the delightful bitterness of the chocolate chips and the creamy richness of the chocolate-infused cream cheese topping providing a perfect counterpoint to the sweet, spiced pumpkin. It’s a harmonious blend that creates an unforgettable autumn treat.

A Recipe Designed for Sharing and Savoring

One of the many joys of baking is the opportunity to share your creations with loved ones. This recipe yields a generous pan of 24 servings, ensuring there’s plenty to go around. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, looking for a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors, or simply want to spread some seasonal cheer among coworkers, these Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars are an excellent choice. Their universal appeal and comforting flavors make them a welcome addition to any occasion, fostering connections and creating lasting memories around delicious food.

These Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars are moist, flavorful and bursting with chocolately pumpkin flavor!

Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars

Prep 15 mins

Cook 50 mins

Total 1 hour, 5 mins

These Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars are lightened up but still remain moist, delicious and bursting with pumpkin and chocolate flavor! Perfect for a heart-healthy fall indulgence.

Ingredients

2 cups Whole-wheat flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
15 ounce can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup Mazola Corn Oil
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces, divided
8 ounce package reduced fat or fat free cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, ensuring the foil extends over the edges for easy lifting.
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: whole-wheat flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and ground cloves. Whisk them together until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the wet ingredients for the pumpkin base: pumpkin puree, 4 lightly beaten eggs, and Mazola Corn Oil. Mix thoroughly. Pour these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
For the chocolate swirl, melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
Place the softened reduced-fat cream cheese into the bowl of your stand mixer (or a medium bowl if using a hand mixer) and beat for 1 minute until smooth. Stir in the melted chocolate until fully incorporated, then add 1/3 cup granulated sugar, the remaining egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and smooth.
Spoon dollops of the chocolate cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter in the pan. Using a toothpick, skewer, or a thin knife, gently swirl the chocolate mixture into the pumpkin batter to create a beautiful marbled effect.
Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips over the top of the swirled batter.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the bars are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the foil overhang. Once cooled, cut into 24 squares and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 24 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 248
% Daily Value
Total Fat 13 g		20%
	Saturated Fat 3 g	15%
Cholesterol 42 mg		14%
Sodium 154 mg		6%
Total Carbohydrates 30 g		10%
	Dietary Fiber 2 g	8%
	Sugars 21 g
Protein 4 g		8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Baking Success: Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bars Every Time

Achieving perfectly moist and flavorful pumpkin bars is simpler than you might think. Here are a few tips to ensure your Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars turn out flawlessly:

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients for the pumpkin batter, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher texture. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs for the chocolate swirl are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate smoothly, preventing lumps and ensuring a creamy, even consistency.
Pure Pumpkin, Not Pie Filling: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree from a can, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will alter the flavor and sweetness of the bars.
Cool Completely: Resist the urge to cut into the bars while they are still warm. Cooling completely allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut and improving their overall texture. Warm bars tend to be crumbly.
Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are delicious chilled, and the flavors tend to meld even more over time.

If you’re a fan of the classic combination of pumpkin and chocolate, these lightened-up Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bars are an absolute must-try. They’re not only super easy to prepare, but they also offer a fantastic way to indulge in the flavors of the season with a healthier twist. Imagine sharing these delightful squares with friends and family, bringing smiles and warmth to every gathering. They truly embody the spirit of fall baking.