If you love seasonal flavors, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is a perfect fall treat. It combines the warm, earthy taste of pumpkin with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips. Whether you have it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, this bread is moist and flavorful. The spices in the pumpkin blend beautifully with the chocolate, creating a cozy, indulgent bite.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make this delicious bread. We’ll cover the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips for serving and storing.
Introduction to Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Pumpkin bread is a classic fall favorite. Adding chocolate chips takes this comforting treat to another level. The sweet chocolate balances the spiced pumpkin perfectly. Plus, this bread is simple to make, making it ideal for busy mornings or an easy dessert.
For more ideas on rich, flavorful breads, check out our Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe. It’s another delicious twist on classic banana bread.
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread:
- Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is best, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger give this bread a warm, autumn flavor.
- Sugar: You can use granulated or brown sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the bread structure.
- Butter or Oil: Both keep the bread moist. Butter adds richness, while oil makes it lighter.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These help the bread rise and stay fluffy.
If you’re curious about incorporating fruit in your baked goods, read our guide on Why Use Mushy Bananas for Banana Bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Here’s how to make Pumpkin Bread step-by-step:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together: 1 ¾ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of cloves, and ¼ teaspoon of ginger.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix: 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of melted butter or oil, ¾ cup of sugar, and 2 eggs. Stir until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips. Save a few to sprinkle on top.
5. Pour into the Pan and Bake
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the saved chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs. Cover with foil if the top browns too fast.
6. Cool and Slice
- Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
For another sweet bread option, check out our Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix. It’s a quick and easy take on a classic dessert.
Variations of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Try these variations to make Pumpkin Bread your own:
- Nutty Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Bread: Add 1 mashed banana for extra moisture.
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and coconut oil instead of butter.
For more creative twists, explore our Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Here are some tips to make your bread even better:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh spices and good chocolate chips will enhance the flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing makes the bread dense.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking the bread at 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick to check if it’s done.
- Let the Bread Cool: Allow it to cool before slicing to get clean cuts.
Serving and Storing Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Once your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is baked and cooled, here’s how to serve and store it:
- Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: This bread is delicious warm or at room temperature. You can even toast slices and spread butter or cream cheese.
- Store Leftovers: Keep leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Freezing Option: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
For tips on keeping baked goods fresh, check out How to Keep Pancakes Soft and Fluffy.
FAQs About Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast and purée fresh pumpkin for a homemade version. - Can I use dark chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor that works well with pumpkin. - What other spices can I add?
Try allspice or a pinch of cardamom for a different flavor twist.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Bread combines the best flavors of fall. The sweet chocolate chips and warm pumpkin spices create a moist, delicious loaf perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a dessert, this bread will quickly become a favorite.
The recipe is easy to customize. Try adding nuts, swapping in different flours, or making a vegan version. With the tips and variations in this guide, you can bake a loaf that suits your tastes.
For more fall-inspired baking ideas, explore our collection of baked goods and dessert recipes. You’ll find something for every occasion.
Try this amazing pumpkin chocolate chip bread recipe
Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread, and if you give it a try and like it, we’d love to hear how it turned out—share your experience with us!