Nutella Swirled Pumpkin Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly marries the rich, creamy chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella with the warm, cozy spices of pumpkin, look no further. These Nutella Swirled Pumpkin Bars are everything you want in an autumn treat — soft, moist pumpkin bars with luscious swirls of Nutella baked right in. They’re easy to make, delightfully impressive, and perfect for sharing at any gathering or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. Whether you’re a pumpkin fanatic or a chocolate lover (or both!), these bars will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

There’s something magical about pumpkin desserts that feel both indulgent and comforting. These bars deliver that in every bite. The pumpkin base is tender and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ginger, giving it that quintessential fall flavor. The Nutella swirls add a creamy, chocolatey richness that contrasts beautifully with the pumpkin’s earthiness.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. You don’t need a mixer or any fancy equipment — just a bowl, a spatula, and an oven. Plus, the bars bake quickly, making them perfect for last-minute dessert needs. They’re moist, not cakey, with a fudgy texture that’s irresistible.

If you’re a fan of pumpkin and chocolate together, these bars are a must-try. They’re a great alternative to pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Whether for a festive holiday dessert or a cozy weekend treat, Nutella Swirled Pumpkin Bars will not disappoint.

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup Nutella or any similar chocolate-hazelnut spread

How To Make Nutella Swirled Pumpkin Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. This will make it easy to remove the bars once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents, which helps your bars bake evenly.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 5: Pour the Batter Into the Pan

Spread the pumpkin batter evenly into your prepared baking pan.

Step 6: Add the Nutella Swirls

Drop spoonfuls of Nutella over the pumpkin batter. Use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the Nutella into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Don’t over-swirl — you want distinct ribbons of Nutella throughout.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges, cut into squares, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Use pure pumpkin puree: Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture.
• Room temperature eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps the batter mix better and results in a more even texture.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can develop gluten and make the bars tough instead of soft and tender.
• Swirl gently: When adding the Nutella, swirl carefully to maintain distinct ribbons rather than fully blending the chocolate spread into the batter.
• Check baking time early: Ovens vary, so start checking your bars around 28 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Cool completely before slicing: This helps the bars set and makes cutting cleaner.

Variations and Customizations

• Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch and extra flavor.
• Use a different spread: Substitute Nutella with any other chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a different twist.
• Make it vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based oil.
• Top with frosting: Add a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze for a sweeter finish.
• Add spices: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves for a spicier flavor profile.
• Mini bars: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or lunchboxes.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Nutella Swirled Pumpkin Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving chilled bars, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the soft texture and enhance the Nutella swirls.

For extended storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but you’ll need to cook and puree it first to remove excess water. Roast or steam pumpkin chunks until soft, then blend until smooth. Make sure to drain any extra liquid to achieve the proper consistency for the bars.

Is Nutella suitable for this recipe if I have dietary restrictions?

Nutella contains skimmed milk powder and hazelnuts but no alcohol or non-permissible ingredients, making it a safe choice for most diets. If you prefer, you can substitute with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads that meet your dietary needs.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon separately to help with texture.

How do I make the bars more moist?

To enhance moisture, you can add an extra tablespoon of oil or a small amount of applesauce to the batter. Also, avoid overbaking as that dries out the bars. Checking with a toothpick early can help you pull them out at just the right time.

Conclusion

Nutella Swirled Pumpkin Bars beautifully combine two beloved flavors into a simple, scrumptious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their moist, spiced pumpkin base with luscious Nutella swirls creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Easy to make and customizable, these bars are a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of the season or satisfy your sweet tooth year-round. Grab your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!