Pin it A delightful fusion of spiced pumpkin muffins and classic s'mores, these bars feature a moist pumpkin base, gooey chocolate, and toasted marshmallows for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat.
I first baked these Pumpkin Muffin S'mores Bars for a family game night and they disappeared in minutes. The blend of autumn flavors with nostalgic s'mores brings warmth and comfort to any gathering.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin Muffin Base: 1 cup (220 g) pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar, 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk, 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- S'mores Layer: 1 cup (120 g) graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter (melted), 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 cups (100 g) mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Pumpkin Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, brown sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Layer Batter:
- Pour pumpkin muffin batter evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the pumpkin batter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and scatter mini marshmallows evenly on top.
- Finish Baking:
- Return to oven for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (avoid piercing melted chocolate).
- Cool and Slice:
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Pin it My kids love helping sprinkle chocolate chips and marshmallows on top, making this a sweet family tradition each fall.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these bars slightly warm for extra gooeyness or pair with a mug of spiced hot chocolate on a chilly evening.
Substitutions & Variations
For extra crunch, add chopped toasted pecans to the batter. Try making with white chocolate chips for a twist.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Each bar contains approximately 260 calories, 11 g fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein. Contains wheat, eggs, milk, soy, and may contain nuts.
Pin it Serve these Pumpkin Muffin S'mores Bars fresh for best texture and flavor. Store leftovers airtight for up to three days.
Common Questions
- → Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free flour and graham crackers for a gluten-free version that maintains delicious texture and flavor.
- → What spices enhance the pumpkin flavor?
Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg add warmth and depth, complementing the pumpkin's natural sweetness perfectly.
- → How do I prevent marshmallows from burning?
Add marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking and watch closely for golden brown tops.
- → Can I swap out chocolate chips?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but try dark or milk chocolate, or even chopped chocolate bars for variety.
- → What is the best way to serve these bars?
They're best slightly warm for maximum gooeyness, but can be enjoyed at room temperature or reheated briefly in the oven.
- → Are there any nut-free options?
Omit pecans if avoiding nuts and check ingredient labels for nut-free chocolate chips and graham crackers.