Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Introduction

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that combines the rich, spiced essence of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate chips. This comforting bread is perfect for the fall season or anytime you crave a cozy, indulgent treat. The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin, paired with the melty chocolate chips throughout, creates a delightful balance of flavors.

I remember the first time I made this for a cozy gathering with friends. The house smelled like fall, and everyone couldn’t wait to have a slice. What’s great about this bread is how versatile it is—you can enjoy it as a simple snack, have it with your morning coffee, or share it as a special treat at a party. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with just the right amount of chocolatey goodness.

This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a few basic ingredients and a simple loaf pan, you can have a warm, comforting loaf ready in no time. Whether for a seasonal treat or just when you’re craving something cozy, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Fall baking
• Thanksgiving celebrations
• Cozy mornings
• Dessert or snack time
• Sharing with friends and family

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is bound to become your go-to recipe:

• Moist and Tender: The addition of pumpkin keeps the bread incredibly moist, ensuring each slice is soft and tender.
• Warm Spices: A perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings a cozy, autumnal flavor to the bread.
• Chocolatey Goodness: The pockets of melty chocolate chips make every bite even more indulgent.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this bread is quick to whip up and perfect for beginner bakers.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe makes a large loaf, ideal for sharing with friends, family, or neighbors.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread:

For the Bread:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Ingredient Highlights

• Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and a subtle, sweet flavor, making the bread soft and tender.
• Spices: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a warm, comforting autumn flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: These add a rich sweetness and melt into the bread, making it even more indulgent.
• Butter: Adds richness to the bread and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and complements the sweetness of the pumpkin and chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread:

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Eggs and Pumpkin: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

4. Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly.

Bake the Bread:

6. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

9. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the bread into thick slices and serve. It’s delicious on its own or with a smear of butter or cream cheese.

How to Serve

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread can be served in various ways:

• As a Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting start to your day.
• For a Snack: Enjoy a slice in the afternoon with a cold glass of milk or hot chocolate.
• With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Toast it: For a crispy, golden edge, toast a slice and top it with butter or cinnamon sugar.
• With Ice Cream: Serve a slice alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread turns out perfectly:

• Use Canned Pumpkin: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
• Check for Doneness: Check the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
• Store Properly: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months for a later treat.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense. Mix until just combined for a light, tender loaf.

Recipe Variations

Here are 5 variations you can try for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread:

• Nutty Pumpkin Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch.
• Cranberry Pumpkin Bread: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet pumpkin and chocolate.
• Pumpkin Spice Bread: Increase the spices to your liking by adding extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Marbled Pumpkin Bread: Swirl in some cream cheese or Nutella before baking for a marbled effect.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread easier:

• Electric Mixer: Helps to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Loaf Pan: A 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal for this recipe.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack allows the bread to cool evenly and prevents it from becoming soggy.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
   Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but be sure to cook and puree it until smooth. Drain any excess moisture for the best texture.
2. Can I make this without chocolate chips?
   Yes, you can skip the chocolate chips or substitute them with nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate chips.
3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
   Yes, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread can be baked ahead of time and stored for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
4. How can I make this bread spicier?
   Add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ginger or allspice to increase the spiced flavor.
5. Can I make this recipe into muffins?
   Yes, you can divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

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Conclusion

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is the ultimate fall treat that combines rich pumpkin flavor with sweet, melty chocolate chips. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a snack to share, or a dessert for a gathering, this bread is a guaranteed hit. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every slice of this fall-inspired bread!

This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for everything from casual family mornings to festive get-togethers. The warm, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes will have everyone eagerly waiting for a slice.

I’d love to see how your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Happy baking!