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Black and Gold Idaho Pumpkin Bars

By Idaho Preferred Staff
  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: 30 minutes
  • Serves: 12
  • Yield: 12 bars

These Black and Gold Pumpkin Bars are a fall favorite, combining creamy Idaho pumpkin and honey with the rich bite of chocolate chips. The “black and gold” contrast makes them festive for autumn gatherings, game-day treats, or cozy family desserts. The surprise addition of Idaho garbanzo beans adds protein and moisture without altering the sweet, spiced pumpkin flavor. And while you can use canned pumpkin, nothing compares to the flavor of fresh homemade Idaho pumpkin puree.

Categorized: DessertsKid Friendly

Ingredients

Bars:

  • 1 ½ cups homemade Idaho pumpkin puree (or 1 15-oz can)

  • ¾ cup cooked Idaho garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup Idaho sugar (granulated or light brown)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 cups Idaho flour

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • 1 Tbsp pumpkin spice (or blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chunks for richer flavor)

Whipped Topping (Idaho Dairy):

  • 1 cup chilled Idaho heavy whipping cream

  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • 1–2 Tbsp Idaho honey (to taste)

Featured Idaho Produce

Steps

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper.

  • FOR THE BARS: Blend wet ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine pumpkin puree, garbanzo beans, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

    Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, pumpkin spice, and salt.

    Combine: Add the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

    Bake: Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing.

  • Make whipped topping: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip the chilled heavy cream, vanilla, and honey until soft peaks form. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.

  • Serve: Cut pumpkin bars into squares or rectangles. Top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin spice or a few chocolate shavings.

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