Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Oh wow, I just made the best pumpkin bread! It has chocolate chips inside. It smells so good and makes me smile.

It tastes sweet and soft. The chocolate is melty and yummy. I love the warm pumpkin flavor.

I want to eat it all day. My friends want more too. It makes me so happy.

Let’s bake some now. Grab your pumpkin and chocolate chips. It will be so fun and tasty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Fall Flavor: With the pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this bread tastes like a cozy autumn day.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and the right balance of fats, the bread comes out incredibly moist and soft.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is so simple! You can have it ready in just about 1 hour.
• Great for Gifting: Whether for a neighbor, teacher, or friend, a loaf of this pumpkin chocolate chip bread makes a lovely homemade gift.
• Freezes Well: Make extra loaves to freeze for later. This bread holds its flavor and texture wonderfully even after being frozen.
• Chocolate Chip Heaven: The semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into the warm bread, giving you little pockets of chocolate bliss throughout.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect loaf of pumpkin chocolate chip bread:

• Mixing Bowls: To combine both the wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Optional, but helpful for creaming the butter and sugar.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise measurements of all the ingredients.
• Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the bread to cool properly without getting soggy.
• Rubber Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and mixing.

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make the most delicious, soft pumpkin chocolate chip bread. These are the perfect combination of pantry staples and fall spices to create an irresistible loaf.

Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (softened). This will give the bread richness and a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. The sugar gives the bread its sweet base, balancing out the earthiness of the pumpkin.
• Large Eggs: 2. Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp. This adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices.
• Canned Pumpkin: 1 cup. Pure pumpkin puree is essential, not pumpkin pie filling, to get the right texture and flavor.

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 3/4 cups. This forms the base of the bread and helps give it structure.
• Baking Powder: 1 tsp. For leavening the bread so it rises.
• Baking Soda: 1 tsp. This helps with the rise and ensures the bread is light and fluffy.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the bread.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp. This classic fall spice adds a warm and fragrant aroma.
• Ground Cloves: 1/2 tsp. A little goes a long way to bring that perfect holiday flavor to the bread.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg complements cinnamon and cloves, giving the bread a rich, spiced flavor.

Add-Ins

• Chocolate Chips: 1 cup. Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best melt and flavor contrast with the pumpkin.

Variations for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

This bread is already bursting with flavor, but you can always mix things up to make it your own! Here are some variations to consider:

• Add Walnuts or Pecans: For a little crunch and extra flavor, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Use Dark Chocolate Chips: Prefer a more intense chocolate flavor? Swap in dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
• Spices Galore: Want to adjust the flavor profile? Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a new twist.
• Add a Streusel Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar streusel on top of the batter for a little extra crunch and sweetness.
• Make it Vegan: Swap the eggs for flax eggs and use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make it vegan-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that it’s at the perfect temperature for baking when the batter is ready.

2. Prepare the Loaf Pan

Grease and flour your 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bread after baking, preventing it from sticking to the pan.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving the bread a soft texture. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step, but it’s easy to do by hand if you prefer.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The eggs will help bind the ingredients, and the vanilla adds a lovely fragrance.

5. Mix in the Pumpkin

Add the canned pumpkin and stir until fully combined. The pumpkin is what keeps this bread moist, while also giving it that signature fall flavor.

6. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These are the dry ingredients that will give the bread its structure and flavor. Be sure to sift them together to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing can result in dense bread.

8. Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips gently with a spatula. These will melt slightly during baking and create pockets of gooey chocolate goodness throughout the bread.

9. Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check after 50 minutes.

10. Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures it sets properly and doesn’t fall apart when you slice it.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

This pumpkin chocolate chip bread is delicious on its own, but you can serve it in a variety of ways:

• For Breakfast: Toast a slice with a little butter or cream cheese for a warm and indulgent breakfast.
• As a Snack: It’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon.
• For Dessert: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy, sweet dessert.
• As a Gift: Wrap a loaf in parchment paper with a ribbon for a thoughtful and homemade gift.

Storing Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or if you made extra loaves), you can store your pumpkin chocolate chip bread in a way that keeps it fresh for days. Here’s how to store it properly:

At Room Temperature

Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

In the Refrigerator

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container. It will last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving, or you can warm it up in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked taste.

Freezing Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Here’s how to freeze your bread:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool fully before wrapping it for freezing. This prevents moisture from building up and making the bread soggy.
2. Wrap Tightly: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can also place it in a freezer-safe plastic bag, pressing out as much air as possible.
3. Label and Freeze: Label the package with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been frozen. The bread will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. Thawing: To thaw, remove the bread from the freezer and let it come to room temperature for several hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious treat, here’s an estimate based on the recipe:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 Slice)
Calories	250-280 kcal
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	40mg
Sodium	150mg
Total Carbohydrates	36g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	18g
Protein	3g
Vitamin A	35% of Daily Value
Calcium	2% of Daily Value
Iron	4% of Daily Value

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes! Fresh pumpkin puree works just as well as canned pumpkin in this recipe. Just be sure to cook and purée the pumpkin before using it in the recipe. You’ll need about 1 cup of purée for this recipe.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour can make the bread denser, so it may change the texture slightly.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! This bread is versatile, so you can add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), raisins, or even a swirl of cream cheese for added flavor. Just make sure not to overload the batter with too many add-ins, or it may affect the baking time.

Why is my bread sinking in the middle?

If your bread is sinking in the middle, it could be because of overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, the gluten in the flour can form too much structure, causing the bread to rise initially and then collapse as it cools. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes, you can turn this recipe into pumpkin chocolate chip muffins! Simply grease a muffin tin and fill each cup about 2/3 of the way full. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

While this pumpkin chocolate chip bread is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways you can serve it for different occasions. Whether you’re sharing with friends and family, or enjoying it yourself, here are some fun ideas for serving this treat:

1. As a Cozy Breakfast

Start your day with a slice of warm pumpkin chocolate chip bread and a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can toast it lightly and spread a little butter or cream cheese on top for an extra indulgent breakfast. It’s the perfect fall-inspired breakfast to pair with your morning beverage.

2. For an Afternoon Snack

This bread makes for an amazing afternoon snack, especially when you’re craving something sweet. Pair it with a cup of chai tea or a hot chocolate for a cozy break during the day. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

3. As a Dessert

Transform this bread into a simple yet elegant dessert. Serve slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For an even more indulgent treat, you could serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous helping of fresh fruit. It’s a simple but impressive dessert that everyone will love.

4. For Gifting

This bread is perfect for gifting! Wrap it up in parchment paper with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade present. Whether for a friend, neighbor, or teacher, a loaf of pumpkin chocolate chip bread makes a lovely and personal gift that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day. You can even make mini loaves for more gift-giving options!

5. With Coffee or Tea

Pumpkin chocolate chip bread and a hot cup of coffee or tea go hand in hand. The flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg in the bread complement the richness of coffee, making it a perfect pairing. If you’re hosting friends or family, serve this bread alongside a selection of hot beverages for a cozy gathering.

Conclusion:

Pumpkin chocolate chip bread is truly a classic. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, spiced pumpkin flavor with melty chocolate chips, creating a treat that’s perfect for any time of the year. Whether you bake it for a holiday celebration, a gift, or simply as a cozy snack, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your baking repertoire.

With its easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to whip up a fresh loaf in no time, and with a variety of ways to serve it, you can keep it exciting each time you make it. Plus, this bread freezes beautifully, so you can make a batch and have it on hand whenever you’re craving something sweet.

So, don’t wait until fall—grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and bake up a loaf of pumpkin chocolate chip bread today. You won’t regret it!