Decadent Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Bars
Experience autumn bliss with these Decadent Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Bars. Moist and flavorful, each bar is infused with the warm essence of pumpkin pie spice and sweetened with the delightful taste of Splenda. The combination of creamy pumpkin filling, luscious chocolate chips, and a crumbly oat and nut crust makes these bars an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy night in, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1 1/3 cups
Splenda brown sugar blend
1/4 cup
Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking
1/2 cup, divided
old fashioned oats
1 cup
walnuts or pecans, chopped
1/2 cup
light margarine
3/4 cup
fat free cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) container
eggs
3 (beaten)
pumpkin
1 (15 ounce) can
pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon
mini chocolate chips
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal later, and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, Splenda Brown Sugar Blend, half of the Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking, oats, and walnuts. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Press all but 1 cup of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add in the remaining Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking, pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice, blending until fully combined and creamy.
5
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture and mini chocolate chips evenly over the top.
6
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting out using the foil overhang. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack, then cut into 24 bars. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Bars?
They are moist dessert bars that combine the flavors of pumpkin pie spice and chocolate chips with a crumbly oat and nut crust, sweetened with Splenda.
How many bars does this recipe make?
The recipe yields 24 bars.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is needed?
A 13x9 inch baking pan is required.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Line the pan with foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray.
What ingredients are in the crust mixture?
The crust consists of flour, Splenda Brown Sugar Blend, half of the Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking, oats, walnuts or pecans, and light margarine.
What type of oats should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of old fashioned oats.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1/2 cup of either chopped walnuts or pecans.
How do I mix the margarine into the crust?
Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the margarine into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Do I use all of the crust mixture for the bottom layer?
No, press all but 1 cup of the mixture into the pan and reserve the remaining cup for the topping.
How long does the crust bake by itself?
The crust should be pre-baked for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
What type of cream cheese is used in the filling?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce container of fat free cream cheese.
How many eggs are required for the pumpkin filling?
Three beaten eggs are required, added one at a time to the cream cheese mixture.
What kind of pumpkin is used?
You will need one 15-ounce can of pumpkin.
How much pumpkin pie spice is included?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice.
Which sweeteners are used in the filling?
The filling uses the remaining half of the Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking.
How is the filling layered?
Pour the cream cheese and pumpkin mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
When are the chocolate chips added?
Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips and the reserved crust mixture over the top of the filling before the final bake.
What size chocolate chips should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of mini chocolate chips.
How long is the final baking time?
Bake the bars for an additional 25 minutes after adding the filling and toppings.
How can I tell when the bars are done?
The bars are finished baking when the filling has set.
How long should the bars cool in the pan?
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before attempting to lift them out.
Should the bars be cooled further after removal from the pan?
Yes, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into bars.
Is this recipe low in sugar?
Yes, it uses Splenda sugar blends to reduce the sugar content, making it a lower-sugar treat.
Is this a good recipe for fall?
Yes, with ingredients like pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, it is perfect for autumn gatherings.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe consists of 11 ingredients.
What is the primary fat source in the crust?
The primary fat source is 3/4 cup of light margarine.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include pumpkin, chocolate chip, dessert, bars, autumn, and spice.
Can these bars be served at picnics?
Yes, they are described as perfect for gatherings, picnics, or cozy nights in.
Is the preparation considered easy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged with 'easy baking' and 'sweet treats'.