Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread: Warm, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet

This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is the perfect fall treat! Combining the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin with a dash of pumpkin pie spice and the sweetness of chocolate chips, this moist bread is sure to please anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it as a cozy dessert, this bread brings warmth and indulgence in every slice. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, it’s a must-bake during pumpkin season, or any time you’re craving a sweet and spiced loaf.

The addition of chocolate chips takes this traditional pumpkin bread to the next level, making it irresistible for both kids and adults alike. It’s easy to prepare and makes two loaves, so you can enjoy one now and save the other for later—or share it with friends and family!

Ingredients:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 2 cups canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup applesauce (or canola oil for a richer texture)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate Chips:
  • 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve a couple of tablespoons for topping, if desired)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pans and Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans and line them with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined. This will ensure the spices and leavening agents are distributed well throughout the batter. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce (or oil), eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture provides the moisture and sweetness that make the bread so tender.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
   Gently fold in the 1½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, leaving a small amount of the mini chocolate chips aside for topping if desired. The chocolate chips will add pockets of sweetness in each bite.
6. Pour Batter into Pans and Add Toppings:
   Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans. If you reserved some mini chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top of the batter for an extra touch of sweetness.
7. Bake the Bread:
   Bake the loaves for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The tops should be golden and slightly cracked, and the chocolate chips should be melted into the bread.
8. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the loaves to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!

Cooking Tips:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing the wet and dry ingredients just until combined ensures the bread stays light and fluffy.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps the ingredients combine more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
• Customizing Add-Ins: Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries for a fun twist.
• Storage: This bread stores well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Pumpkin Power: Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, making this bread a sneaky way to add some extra nutrients to your diet.
• Applesauce Alternative: By using applesauce instead of oil, you can reduce the fat content while keeping the bread moist. Plus, applesauce adds natural sweetness.
• Whole Grains Option: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin and applesauce makes this bread incredibly moist and tender with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
• Perfect for Fall: With pumpkin pie spice, this bread brings all the cozy fall flavors into your kitchen.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: The addition of chocolate chips adds a decadent touch that elevates the traditional pumpkin bread into an irresistible treat.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or dessert—it’s delicious any time of day!

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe contains no meat or animal-based gelatin, making it suitable for vegetarians.
• Nut-Free: No nuts are included in the recipe, making it a safe choice for those with nut allergies. Always double-check if any ingredient substitutes contain nuts.
• Lower Fat Option: Using applesauce instead of oil makes this bread lower in fat while still retaining its moist texture.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe works because it perfectly balances moisture and flavor. The pumpkin provides a naturally rich texture, while the applesauce or oil ensures the bread stays tender. The pumpkin pie spice gives it that quintessential fall flavor, while the chocolate chips provide bursts of sweetness. Combining wet and dry ingredients carefully ensures the bread rises properly without becoming dense. Each bite delivers warmth, sweetness, and a touch of indulgence, making this bread perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is a classic recipe that captures the essence of fall. With its soft, moist crumb and rich flavor, this bread is perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon snacks, or even as a dessert. The chocolate chips make each slice feel extra special, while the pumpkin and spices create a warm, inviting aroma that will fill your home as it bakes. Easy to make and loved by all, this bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen during pumpkin season.

Enjoy the perfect balance of pumpkin and chocolate in every bite!