Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate autumn treat: Pumpkin Nutella Bars. Imagine the comforting warmth of pumpkin spice mingling perfectly with the decadent, creamy hazelnut goodness of Nutella, all baked into a wonderfully gooey, irresistible bar. These bars are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of Fall flavors, offering a symphony of sweet and spicy notes that will enchant your taste buds and become a cherished addition to your seasonal baking traditions. Perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply a delightful treat any time, this recipe promises pure deliciousness in every bite.
Irresistible Pumpkin Nutella Bars: A Fall Favorite Recipe
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, our kitchens transform into havens of warm spices and comforting aromas. This time of year invariably calls for pumpkin, and there’s nothing quite like baking up sweet fall treats that capture the essence of the season. But what happens when you combine the beloved flavors of autumn pumpkin with the universally adored, rich, and creamy hazelnut spread, Nutella? You get an extraordinary dessert that’s simply divine: Pumpkin Nutella Bars.
Nutella is a year-round staple in our household, so much so that we often find ourselves stocking up on the family-sized containers. Its versatility and irresistible flavor make it a perfect companion for countless recipes, from breakfast items to elaborate desserts. When paired with the earthy sweetness and aromatic spices of pumpkin, Nutella elevates these bars to a whole new level of indulgence. The result is a delightfully gooey, perfectly sweet, and utterly delicious creation that truly embodies the spirit of Fall.
If you’re anything like us, you’re probably already immersed in the joyous chaos of preparing for Halloween and other Fall festivities. Our kitchen is currently a delightful whirlwind of candy eyes, pumpkin cans, and baking dishes, all in eager anticipation of sharing new and exciting recipes. Among these new delights, our Pumpkin Nutella Bars stand out as a highlight, promising an unforgettable treat for friends and family alike.
Do you have a cherished Fall or Halloween recipe that makes an appearance every single year? We love hearing about your traditions and favorite seasonal bakes!
Why These Pumpkin Nutella Bars Are a Must-Try
- **Effortlessly Delicious:** This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal fuss for maximum flavor.
- **Perfectly Balanced Flavors:** The robust warmth of pumpkin spice beautifully complements the sweet, creamy notes of Nutella.
- **Gooey & Satisfying Texture:** Each bar offers a delightful chewiness with a molten Nutella center that will keep you coming back for more.
- **Seasonal Favorite:** It’s the ideal treat to usher in the autumn season, perfect for potlucks, parties, or a cozy dessert at home.
- **Crowd-Pleaser:** Both pumpkin and Nutella lovers will find something to adore in these scrumptious bars.
Key Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Nutella Bars
Crafting these delectable bars requires a blend of standard baking ingredients and the stars of the show: pumpkin and Nutella. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- **Unsalted Butter:** Melting the butter helps create a moist, tender base for our bars. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content in the recipe.
- **Pumpkin Puree:** Ensure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars that would alter the flavor profile of this recipe.
- **Dark Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar:** The combination of these two sugars provides both depth of flavor (from the molasses in brown sugar) and structure. Dark brown sugar also contributes to the bars’ rich, chewy texture.
- **Egg Yolk:** Adds richness, helps bind the ingredients, and contributes to a wonderfully tender crumb.
- **Baking Soda:** Our leavening agent, ensuring the bars rise slightly and have a soft texture.
- **Salt:** Crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors.
- **Ground Nutmeg**, **Ground Ginger**, **Ground Allspice**, **Ground Cinnamon**: This quartet of spices creates the quintessential warm and aromatic pumpkin spice blend. These spices are the heart of autumn baking, infusing the bars with cozy, inviting flavors.
- **Vanilla Extract:** A staple in almost all sweet baked goods, vanilla enhances and rounds out the overall flavor.
- **All-Purpose Flour**: Provides the main structure for the bar base.
- **Nutella**: The star of our gooey, chocolate-hazelnut layer. Its smooth, spreadable consistency creates a luscious contrast to the pumpkin base.
Essential Equipment for a Smooth Baking Experience
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking journey. Here’s the equipment you’ll need to make these Pumpkin Nutella Bars, along with some helpful tips:
- **Large Mixing Bowl**: A spacious mixing bowl is crucial for combining all your ingredients without making a mess. We are particularly fond of glass batter bowls with handles; they offer stability on the counter and make pouring or transferring batter much easier.
- **8×8 Baking Dish**: This size is ideal for achieving the perfect thickness and chewiness for your bars. If you opt for a larger pan, such as a 9×13, your bars will be thinner, and you may need to adjust baking times slightly.
- **Parchment Paper**: An absolute lifesaver in baking! Lining your baking dish with parchment paper ensures easy removal of the baked bars and significantly simplifies cleanup. Just lift the edges, and your bars come right out.
- **Heat-Resistant Potholders**: Safety first! Modern silicone or heat-resistant fabric potholders are essential for handling hot pans from the oven. A few years ago, we had a scary incident involving a cloth potholder catching fire, reinforcing the importance of using truly heat-resistant options.
- **Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld)**: While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer makes achieving a smooth, well-combined batter much easier and faster.
- **Microwave-Safe Bowl**: For gently warming the Nutella to a spreadable consistency.
Crafting Your Perfect Pumpkin Nutella Bars: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of amazing Pumpkin Nutella Bars:
Preparation (Prep Time: 10 minutes)
- **Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This overhang will act as handles for easy removal of the bars once baked and cooled.
Mixing the Batter
- **Combine Wet Ingredients & Spices:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, pumpkin puree, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer), beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, typically about 30-45 seconds. Next, mix in the egg yolk, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
- **Add Flour:** Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
Baking the Layers (Cook Time: 25 minutes)
- **First Bake – The Base Layer:** Take approximately half of the prepared batter and press it evenly into the bottom of your parchment-lined baking pan. Aim for a thin, consistent layer that covers the entire base. This will form the foundation of your bars. Bake this layer in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. This partial bake helps the base set before adding the Nutella.
- **Prepare & Add Nutella Layer:** While the base is baking, spoon the Nutella into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for just a few seconds (10-15 seconds should be enough) until it becomes slightly more pourable and easier to spread. Be careful not to overheat it. Once the pumpkin base has completed its first bake, remove the pan from the oven. Carefully pour the warmed Nutella evenly over the partially baked crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the Nutella, taking care not to rip or disturb the soft pumpkin crust beneath.
- **Add Top Batter & Final Bake:** Spoon small dollops of the remaining batter over the top of the Nutella layer. It won’t be a perfectly smooth layer, and the Nutella might show through in places, which is perfectly fine and adds to the rustic charm! Gently spread the dollops with your fingers or a small spoon to mostly cover the Nutella. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the top appears set, no longer glossy, and the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cooling & Serving
- **Cool Completely:** This is a crucial step! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice them. Cooling ensures the Nutella layer sets properly and the bars are firm enough to cut cleanly. Rushing this step will result in messy, crumbly bars. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan onto a cutting board.
- **Slice & Enjoy:** Slice the cooled bars into 16 squares. Serve and savor the delightful combination of pumpkin and Nutella!
Serving and Storage Tips
- **Serving Suggestions:** These bars are delicious at room temperature, slightly warm, or even chilled. For an extra treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- **Storage:** Store leftover Pumpkin Nutella Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- **Freezing:** For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Customization Ideas for Your Pumpkin Nutella Bars
While these bars are perfect as is, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- **Chocolate Chip Delight:** Fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the pumpkin batter for an added layer of chocolatey goodness.
- **Salty Sweet Crunch:** Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the Nutella layer before adding the top batter for a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
- **Nutty Additions:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the pumpkin batter for extra texture and nutty flavor.
- **Caramel Drizzle:** Once the bars are cooled, drizzle them with a bit of caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.
- **Extra Spice:** If you love a stronger spice kick, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to your liking.
More Epic Nutella Recipes to Explore
If you’re a true Nutella aficionado, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes that celebrate the beloved hazelnut spread:
- Nutella Mug Cake: A quick and easy single-serving dessert for those instant cravings.
- 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies: Unbelievably simple and irresistibly good cookies!
- Nutella Banana Bread: A delightful twist on classic banana bread, with swirls of Nutella.
- Nutella Popsicles: A cool and creamy treat, perfect for warmer days or anytime you crave a frozen delight.
- Nutella Fudge: Decadent and incredibly easy, this fudge is a chocoholic’s dream.
Great Pumpkin Recipes for Autumn Inspiration
Embrace the bounty of fall with these wonderful pumpkin-centric recipes:
- No Bake Pumpkin Pie: A fantastic option when you want the classic flavors without heating up the oven.
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup: A warming and savory soup perfect for a chilly day.
- Pumpkin Pecan Pie: The best of both worlds, combining two beloved holiday pies.
- Pumpkin Butter: A delicious and versatile spread for toast, muffins, or as an ingredient in other recipes.
- Pumpkin Liqueur: For adult beverages and festive cocktails.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip: A light and creamy dessert dip perfect for gatherings.
Don’t forget to check out our full collection of Pumpkin Recipes for even more autumnal inspiration!
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Recipe originally shared on September 20, 2015. Updated for enhanced content and clarity in October 2020.