Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (2024)

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Easy to make gluten-freeketo pumpkin bars with chocolate chips that have no sugar added. They're so good, even the kids love them!

Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (1)
Article Index
  • How to make pumpkin bars low carb
  • Low-carb ingredients for pumpkin bars
  • How to make gluten free pumpkin bars
  • FAQs
  • Recipe variations
  • Other Popular Pumpkin Recipes
  • Recipe

As I was looking to use up some canned puree leftover after making pumpkin truffles and these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, I stumbled upon a recipe for chocolate chip squares.

Although I was searching for a pumpkin cake recipe, the bar recipe caught my eye, so I decided to try and make a low carb version.

The recipe was on the Martha Stewart site. I’ve actually been a fan of Martha’s for a long time and was fortunate to get tickets to see her live in NYC back in 2005 during the first week of filming her new show!

How to make pumpkin bars low carb

It wasn’t very difficult to adapt the original recipe to one that's keto-friendly. In fact, it wasn't difficult to adapt the recipe to make low-carb gluten-free pumpkin bars with chocolate chips.

All I did was replace the wheat flour with a combination of almond and coconut flour. I also used a sugar-free sweetener in place of the sugar and low-carb chocolate chips.

Everything else about the recipe pretty much stayed the same.

The results on the first batch came out so well that I didn't bother testing with a different flour ratio. I could have made other changes to use all coconut flour or even tried using just almond flour without any other changes.

I do prefer all coconut flour, and I may try to tweak the recipe again for that. In order to make it work, I'd have to use less flour and add in a bit more egg and liquid. Usually, a few tests are required to convert to a recipe using only coconut flour.

Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (2)

Low-carb ingredients for pumpkin bars

If you want to cut back carbs further, the chocolate chips in these gluten-free pumpkin bars can be omitted. However, I find the combination of pumpkin and chocolate tastes much better.

The ingredients needed to make the recipe are:

  • Butter: adds fat and flavor.
  • Low-carb sweetener: a monk fruit and erythritol granular is used, but any one-for-one sugar substitute can be used.
  • Eggs: help to rise the batter when baking.
  • Vanilla extract: adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the flavor.
  • Pumpkin puree: use fresh cooked mashed pumpkin or canned.
  • Low carb flours: a combination of almond flour and coconut flour provides the best texture.
  • Baking soda: used to rise the batter when baking.
  • Salt: enhances the flavor
  • Spice blend: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves perfectly complement the pumpkin flavor.
  • Xanthan gum: helps prevent crumbling when using gluten-free flours.
  • Low-carb chocolate chips: make them taste even better!
Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (3)

How to make gluten free pumpkin bars

The batter whips up in just a few simple steps:

  1. Cream together butter and sweetener.
  2. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  3. Mix in pumpkin puree.
  4. Stir in remaining ingredients with the exception of a handful of chocolate chips.

The batter is then spread into a 9x13-inch pan, and the reserved chips are sprinkled on top. Then it's baked for 30-35 minutes.

When done, the top of the bars will be a nice golden brown. Once cooled slightly, cut the bars into squares and enjoy!

Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (4)

FAQs

Before I share this sweet keto pumpkin bars recipe with you all, here are a few questions I wanted to answer beforehand.

What is the best flour replacement for wheat flour in pumpkin bars?

The original recipe calls for two cups of regular wheat flour. From my experience in low carb baking, the best flour replacement is a combination of both almond and coconut flour. The ideal ratio is 3-4 parts almond flour to one part coconut flour.

When I first tested my recipe, I tried using 1.5 cups of almond flour and 0.5 cups of coconut flour to replace the all-purpose flour. I also added a little xanthan gum to reduce crumbling that can occur without gluten.

It turned out perfectly! Don't forget to use xanthan gum - it really does reduce the crumbling and hold everything together.

What kind of low-carb chocolate chips should you use?

For convenience, I used Lily's stevia sweetened chocolate baking chips. Although you can use the whole 9-ounce bag, it adds a lot of unnecessary carbs.

I did a quick measure and the amount in the bag was about 1 ¾ cups of chocolate chips.I recommend using only a half bag of Lily's chocolate chips to cut back on carbs and cost. Therefore the recipe calls for 4½ ounces of chocolate chips.
To save even more money, you can make your own sugar free low carb chocolate chips. I use my own homemade chocolate recipe and pour it into a baking pan to cool. Then, I just cut the big hunk of chocolate into bits.

Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (5)

Recipe variations

This recipe makes a dozen large pumpkin-flavored keto chocolate chip bars. If making for a large group or to cut down on calories, they could be cut into smaller squares. Very dense and moist, these delicious pumpkin bars are hard to resist.

If you leave out the chocolate chips, a chocolate ganache could be drizzled on top instead. I've got a great recipe for ganache in my low carb peanut butter cheesecake recipe.

You can even leave the chocolate out altogether and drizzle with a simple mix of cream cheese, cream, and powdered sweetener. Or, try frosting them with the same cream cheese icing I used in my other low carb pumpkin bars.

Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (6)

We hope you enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make pumpkin cookie bars with chocolate chips. Here's the printable recipe card with all the steps.

Other Popular Pumpkin Recipes

If you are looking for more low-carb pumpkin recipes, give one of these favorites a try.

  • Easy Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake - This creamy keto cheesecake is both filling and sweet and has a low-carb crust.
  • Keto Pumpkin Pancakes - Start your day with these high-protein pancakes. They have the warm flavors of pumpkin and the texture you love.
  • Coconut Flour Pumpkin Bread - This pumpkin bread is high in healthy fats and really good for your heart health too!
  • Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte - Indulge in a PSL without all the carbs. This tastes just like the real thing.
  • Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cookies - These cookies have no dairy, no eggs, and very few carbs - but tons of sweet flavor!
  • Pumpkin Chia Pudding - Make a fall dessert quick and easy by just stirring and refrigerating!

Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!

Recipe

Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (7)

Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips

4.86 from 21 votes

Dense low carb pumpkin bars loaded with sugar free chocolate chips. Super easy recipe that is quick to prepare.

Prep Time:5 minutes mins

Cook Time:30 minutes mins

Total Time:35 minutes mins

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Print Pin Review Recipe Save Recipe

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 311

Video

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup low carb sugar substitute divided (add more to taste)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 ½ cups almond flour
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt can be omitted if using salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum optional - to reduce crumbling
  • ounces sugar free chocolate chips about ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Grease or line 9x13 baking pan.

  • In large mixing bowl, cream the butter and half the sweetener together. Then beat in egg and vanilla. Add the pumpkin and mix well.

    Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (8)

  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until well combined. Fold in all but ¼ cup of the chocolate chips.

    Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (9)

  • Spread batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle reserved chips on top.

    Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (10)

  • Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool on rack before cutting.

    Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (11)

Notes

6 grams net carbs per bar.

Originally, 1.5 cups of sweetener was used, but it seemed too sweet so it was cut back to 1 cup. Additional sweetener can be added if desired. You can also use ½ cup of granular low carb sweetener and 1 teaspoon of either liquid monk fruit or liquid steviato reduce the erythritol.

The recipe yields a dozen large bars. They could be cut into smaller squares to reduce carbs and yield more.

A chocolate ganache could be drizzled on top instead of the chips. The recipe we suggest is in thelow carb peanut butter cheesecake recipe.

If the chocolate is left out, a drizzle made with cream cheese, cream, and powdered sweetenercould be used. Another option is to frost them with the same cream cheese icing used in thelow carb pumpkin bars recipe.

Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 311 | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 353mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3695IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2.9mg

Additional Info

Net Carbs: 6g | % Carbs: 7.8% | % Protein: 7.8% | % Fat: 84.5% | SmartPoints: 13

Notes on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

Copyright

© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.

First Published: November 2014... Last Updated: September 18, 2023, with additional recipe information.

Keto Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How much pumpkin can you eat on keto? ›

A cup of fresh pumpkin, ¾ cup of pumpkin puree, or 1-2 servings of roasted pumpkin seeds per day should be no issue at all, as long as you account for carbs from other sources and stay under your daily limit — just make sure to avoid canned pumpkin filling, which contains tons of sugar.

Is pumpkin good for low-carb diet? ›

Pumpkins keep for a long time when stored in a cool place. Pumpkin isn't just a delicious thing to eat, they're also relatively low in carbs (4-12 grams per 100 grams). This makes pumpkin a great seasonal low-carb alternative to starchier sides like rice, potato and pasta.

Is canned pumpkin puree keto friendly? ›

Pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin is perfectly fine. Be sure to read your labels because there is a difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling. They stick them both in the same place in the grocery store. Pumpkin pie filling is not keto and it's full of sugar.

How many net carbs are in pumpkin puree? ›

Canned Pumpkin (1 cup) contains 19.8g total carbs, 12.7g net carbs, 0.7g fat, 2.7g protein, and 83 calories.

Can I have 100 carbs a day on keto? ›

While in ketosis, your body effectively uses fat for fuel. In general, the daily intake of net carbs required to enter ketosis could vary from 20 to 100 grams per day. Most people, who have experienced ketosis, claim to have reached that state at about 20-50 grams of net carbs per day.

Can you eat 100 carbs on keto? ›

Eating more than 50 grams of carbs may disrupt ketosis.

With keto diets, however, carb restrictions vary from person to person. Some people can eat more and still stay in ketosis, whereas others may need to restrict their carb intake more in order to stay in ketosis.

Which has more carbs sweet potato or pumpkin? ›

It's carbs where the difference lies. Potatoes have the most carbs at 20 grams per 100 gram serving. Sweet potato has 17-18 grams, and pumpkin has just shy of five, which is why it's so low-calorie. So if you're looking for carbs or calories for your baby, sweet potato and potato are your best bet.

Can you eat peanut butter on keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

Is pumpkin good for losing weight? ›

Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food since it is low in calories while high in nutrients. This fruit contains around 94% water and fewer than 50 calories per cup (245 grams). As a result, pumpkin is a weight-loss-friendly meal since it may be consumed in greater quantities than other carb sources.

Is cottage cheese okay on keto? ›

While cottage cheese is known for its high protein content, it also contains a relatively high amount of carbs and not that much fat, making it a less-than-ideal choice for keto. A ½-cup serving of cottage cheese contains 88 calories, 2.4 g of fat, 4.5 g of carbs, and 11.6 g of protein, per the USDA.

Is Watermelon good for keto? ›

Watermelon is also a keto-friendly fruit. Watermelon is full of water and low in carbohydrates compared to many other popular fruits. One cup of diced watermelon contains 11.5 grams of net carbs (the total carbs minus grams of fiber). 4 Fiber per serving is 0.6 grams.

Can I eat cabbage on keto? ›

Cabbage is a low-carb, vitamin C–rich vegetable that fits well into a keto diet. Enjoy it raw in salads, cooked in main dishes, or fermented to add a pleasant funkiness to meals.

Can you eat sweet potato on keto? ›

Nutritionists and keto practitioners advise against eating sweet potatoes on a keto diet due to their high carbohydrate content. But you may be able to consume it in very small servings. If you limit your carb intake to 50 grams per day, you can only consume a little over one medium-sized sweet potato.

Is Zucchini good for keto? ›

“Zucchini tops my list, as it's low in carbs, has a sweet, mild taste that's easy to like, and is versatile,” Fear says. Eat it raw, roast it, grill it, or try lightly cooked zucchini noodles topped with olive oil and Parmesan cheese.

Can I eat spaghetti squash on keto? ›

Our true winner is the famously low-carb spaghetti squash, with has just under 8 net carbohydrates per cup. In summary, you shouldn't make any winter squash a regular occurance on your keto-menu, but every so often it's an ingredient you can enjoy while still staying on track.

Is pumpkin less carbs than potato? ›

It's carbs where the difference lies. Potatoes have the most carbs at 20 grams per 100 gram serving. Sweet potato has 17-18 grams, and pumpkin has just shy of five, which is why it's so low-calorie. So if you're looking for carbs or calories for your baby, sweet potato and potato are your best bet.

Can you overeat vegetables on keto? ›

“Even though all vegetables have health value, eating too much of some will likely push you over your carb limit.” Worried about their carb counts, some people avoid veggies altogether when they go keto.

Is pumpkin good for you to Lose Weight? ›

Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food since it is low in calories while high in nutrients. This fruit contains around 94% water and fewer than 50 calories per cup (245 grams). As a result, pumpkin is a weight-loss-friendly meal since it may be consumed in greater quantities than other carb sources.

Can you eat unlimited vegetables on keto? ›

You do not have to limit vegetables if you are on the keto diet or are considering it. Plenty of low-carb vegetable options include arugula, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes.

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