Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy treat that feels like autumn wrapped in a loaf, the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is exactly what you need. This delightfully moist and rich bread is packed with the natural sweetness of pumpkin, the warm spice of cinnamon, and bursts of melty chocolate chips in every bite. It’s such a comforting dessert that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a festive holiday treat. Once you try this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread, it’ll quickly become your go-to for all the cozy season cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet crucial for creating the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture in your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread. Each one plays a special role—from the fluffy all-purpose flour to the rich pumpkin purée that keeps the bread wonderfully soft and tender.
- 1 ¾ cups All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the bread light and airy.
- 1 tsp Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
- 2 tsp Cinnamon: Adds that warm, spicy note characteristic of fall baking.
- ½ tsp Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 cup Pumpkin purée: Moistens the bread and gives it that lovely autumnal color and subtle earthiness.
- ¾ cup Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth with a hint of molasses.
- ½ cup Oil: Keeps the bread tender while adding richness.
- 2 Eggs: Bind everything together and add protein for structure.
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with a sweet, fragrant touch.
- ¾ cup Chocolate chips: Creates pockets of gooey chocolate that make each slice extra indulgent.
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your loaf pan well. This ensures your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread will bake evenly and release easily once it’s ready, giving you perfect slices with a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step is key because evenly mixing the dry ingredients guarantees consistent flavor and a smooth crumb texture in your bread.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully blended. This combination is where the magic happens—the richness and moisture come together beautifully to create that dense yet tender base for your loaf.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you no longer see flour. Then, fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly so every slice has a sweet surprise.
Step 5: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The beautiful golden top will signal that your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is ready to come out.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This cooling time helps the bread set so your slices hold together neatly without crumbling. Then, cut generous slices and enjoy!
How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a smear of softened butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup take your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread from delicious to irresistibly beautiful. Try topping a warm slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy indulgence.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a fuller brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit salad to balance the sweetness and add freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the bread and arrange it on a decorative platter with little bowls of cream cheese or nut butters for spreading. Or get playful and turn leftover slices into French toast, adding an extra layer of warmth and comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist while preventing it from drying out, perfect for enjoying fresh flavors all week long.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread longer, slice it first and freeze the slices individually in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can pull out single servings to thaw or toast whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, simply warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes or pop them in the toaster for a few minutes. This refreshes the softness and melts the chocolate chips just right.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is actually the most common choice for this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread, making it simple to prepare year-round.
Can I substitute the oil with butter?
You can replace the oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, but keep in mind this might make the bread slightly denser. Either way, it will still be delicious!
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread will turn out moist and tasty.
Why is my bread dense instead of fluffy?
Dense bread usually means the batter was overmixed or the leavening agents didn’t activate properly. Gently folding ingredients and keeping to the baking soda measurement ensures the perfect lift.
Can I add nuts to this bread?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans pair beautifully with pumpkin and chocolate, adding a delightful crunch. Just fold about half a cup into the batter along with the chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm hug of homemade Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread fresh from the oven. It’s simple to make, yet impressively cozy and flavorful—a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again. So grab your ingredients, get your loaf pan ready, and dive into a slice of pure autumn bliss!
