The first cool afternoon of fall always makes me want something warm from the oven. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread fits that mood perfectly. Pumpkin and cozy spices fill the kitchen with a sweet scent, while pockets of melted chocolate make each slice feel like dessert. Better yet, you only need bowls, a whisk, and two loaf pans.
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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread tastes moist, sweet, warmly spiced, and full of pumpkin. Meanwhile, semi sweet chocolate chips add little pockets of rich chocolate throughout each slice.
Also, you do not need an electric mixer. The recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, then the oven handles the rest. You get two 8 x 4 inch loaves, or about 24 servings.
You can serve a slice for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. In fact, I like it slightly warm when the chocolate still feels soft.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
For the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread, gather 3 cups all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.
Next, you need 2 cups canned pumpkin, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup applesauce or canola oil, 3 room temperature eggs, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
Finally, add 1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips. You can reserve a few tablespoons of mini chips for the tops.
Choosing the Right Canned Pumpkin
Use plain canned pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added sweeteners and spices, so it changes the flavor and sweetness of the bread.
Applesauce vs. Canola Oil for a Moist Loaf
Canola oil gives Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread a rich, moist crumb, so I prefer it here. However, applesauce also works well and keeps the loaf soft.
Best Chocolate Chips and Easy Add-Ins
Semi sweet chocolate chips balance the sweet pumpkin batter nicely. Meanwhile, mini chips spread chocolate through more of each bite.
You can also add chopped nuts, butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, or raisins. Therefore, it is easy to change the loaf according to what you already have.
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Prepare the Loaf Pans
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8 x 4 inch loaf pans, then line them with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice to a large bowl. Whisk everything together until the spices spread evenly.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Meanwhile, add the pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce or oil, eggs, and vanilla to another bowl. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and evenly combined.
Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Next, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until you no longer see dry streaks of flour.
Most importantly, stop mixing once the batter comes together. Too much stirring can make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread heavier and less tender.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Then, gently fold in the regular and mini chocolate chips. Save a few tablespoons of mini chips for the tops if you want extra chocolate in every visible slice.
Divide the Batter and Add the Topping
Divide the batter evenly between both prepared pans. Next, scatter the reserved mini chocolate chips over the top.
Bake Until Moist and Tender
Bake for about 50 to 55 minutes. Then, insert a toothpick into the center of a loaf.
The Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is ready when the toothpick comes out clean or carries only a few moist crumbs. However, melted chocolate on the toothpick does not mean the loaf needs more time.
Cool the Pumpkin Bread Before Slicing
Let both loaves cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out and place them on a wire rack.
Let the loaves cool completely before slicing. As a result, the crumb settles and slices more cleanly.
Tips for Moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Avoid Overmixing the Batter
Stir the wet and dry mixtures only until they come together. Otherwise, extra mixing can create a dense texture instead of a tender crumb.
How to Tell When Pumpkin Bread Is Done
Start checking near the 50 minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the center.
If you see wet batter, bake a little longer. However, a few moist crumbs mean the loaf has reached the right point.
How to Prevent Dry or Dense Pumpkin Bread
First, measure the flour carefully. Also, avoid packing flour firmly into the measuring cup.
Next, do not overbake the loaves. Finally, use the full amount of pumpkin and oil or applesauce because both ingredients contribute important moisture.
Each serving contains about 217 calories, 35 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein, 7 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 21 mg cholesterol, 162 mg sodium, 197 mg potassium, 2 g fiber, and 19 g sugar.
It also contains about 3,218 IU vitamin A, 1 mg vitamin C, 37 mg calcium, and 2 mg iron.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Variations
Add Nuts, Dried Fruit, or Flavored Baking Chips
Try chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Alternatively, add dried cranberries, raisins, or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
Make It Without Chocolate Chips
You can leave the chocolate chips out completely. As a result, the pumpkin and warm spices become more noticeable in every bite.
Add a Chocolate Glaze
Leave the mini chips off the top, then drizzle chocolate glaze over the cooled loaf. Consequently, the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread turns into an easy dessert that looks lovely on a fall table.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Serve this bread plain when you want a simple snack. However, a little butter or cream cheese adds a creamy contrast to the soft crumb.
You can also serve it with honey butter, cinnamon butter, pumpkin butter, or honey. Meanwhile, coffee, tea, or cold milk makes a cozy pairing.
How to Store Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Storing at Room Temperature
First, let the loaf cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container.
Keep it at room temperature for a few days. Also, slice only what you plan to eat so the remaining loaf stays moist.
Refrigerating Pumpkin Bread
For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in the refrigerator. However, let a slice sit at room temperature briefly before eating if you prefer a softer texture.
How to Freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Wrap a completely cooled loaf or individual slices tightly, then place them in a freezer safe container or bag. Individual slices make quick snacks especially convenient.
When you want some, thaw the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread before serving. Then, warm a slice briefly if you enjoy soft chocolate chips.
For more cozy baking ideas and new recipe inspiration, you can also follow Kai Recipes on Pinterest and Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pumpkin bread good with chocolate chips in it?
Yes. Pumpkin has a mild sweetness and earthy flavor, while semi sweet chocolate adds richness. Also, pumpkin pie spice ties the two flavors together nicely.
Is pumpkin bread healthy to eat?
Pumpkin provides nutrients, including vitamin A, but this recipe also contains sugar and chocolate. Therefore, I treat Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread as a sweet breakfast or dessert and enjoy it in a portion that suits me.
What is the best pumpkin bread recipe ever?
Taste always comes down to preference. However, a good pumpkin bread should stay moist, carry plenty of pumpkin flavor, and have warm spice in every bite. This recipe also adds plenty of chocolate without hiding the pumpkin.
What are the ingredients for chocolate pumpkin loaf?
This loaf uses flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce or canola oil, eggs, vanilla, and semi sweet chocolate chips.
More Such Recipes
- Try this moist chocolate chip pumpkin bread recipe when you want another soft pumpkin loaf packed with chocolate.
- Bake these soft pumpkin chocolate chip protein muffins for an easy grab and go pumpkin treat.
- Make these soft and moist pumpkin blondies with chocolate chips when you want chewy pumpkin bars.
- Save this rich pumpkin chocolate mousse cake for a more decadent pumpkin dessert.
- Try this easy moist keto pumpkin cake for another pumpkin cake option.
- Spoon up this creamy pumpkin chia seed pudding when you want a cool, creamy way to enjoy pumpkin.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread gives you the kind of simple baking project that makes the whole kitchen smell good. You mix everything by hand, bake two generous loaves, and end up with soft pumpkin bread dotted with melty chocolate.
So, keep one loaf for the kitchen and share the second if you feel generous. Then again, after that first warm slice, keeping both suddenly sounds pretty reasonable.
Recipe details: Dessert | American cuisine | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: about 50 minutes | Total time: about 1 hour | Yield: 24 servings from 2 loaves | Pan size: two 8 x 4 inch loaf pans
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