Chocolate chip pumpkin bread.
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread filling your home with warmth and comfort. Especially when it’s infused with rich chocolate chips that melt into every bite. If you’re a pumpkin lover like me, you know that feeling of anticipation as the heavenly scent wafts through the kitchen!
Maybe you’ve tried pumpkin bread before, but this recipe takes it to a whole new level with the addition of chocolate chips. Or perhaps you’re new to the world of pumpkin-baked goods and looking for a delicious introduction. Either way, you’re in for a real treat!
In this blog post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making mouthwatering chocolate chip pumpkin bread. From gathering the necessary ingredients and tools to mastering the baking techniques, I’ve got you covered. You’ll also find helpful tips and creative variations to take your pumpkin bread game to new heights.
So tie on your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a fall-inspired treat that’s sure to become a new favorite. Let’s get into the deliciousness together!
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Ingredients and Tools Needed
Making chocolate chip pumpkin bread is an enjoyable experience, and having the right ingredients and tools on hand is crucial. Let’s explore what you’ll need to gather before you start baking.
Pumpkin Puree
The star ingredient in this recipe is pumpkin puree. It not only adds a delightful flavor, but also contributes to the bread’s moist and tender texture. Look for canned pumpkin puree or make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin.
Baking Essentials
In addition to the pumpkin puree, you’ll need a few baking essentials:
- All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is the foundation of most baked goods, including pumpkin bread. It provides structure and helps create a perfect crumb. Make sure to measure the flour accurately for the best results.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the bread rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding the ingredients together and contributing to the bread’s structure.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Butter: Either oil or melted butter helps create a rich, moist crumb.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices enhance the pumpkin flavor and make the bread irresistible.
- Chocolate Chips: No pumpkin bread is complete without a generous amount of chocolate chips!
- Vanilla Extract: To enhance the overall flavor by adding a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the pumpkin, spices, and chocolate chips.
- Salt: The purpose of salt in chocolate chip pumpkin bread is to balance and enhance the flavors by contrasting the sweetness, bringing out the richness of the pumpkin, spices, and chocolate chips, and adding depth to the overall taste.
- Milk: Milk in chocolate chip pumpkin bread serves to add moisture, creating a tender crumb while enriching the flavors of the pumpkin, spices, and chocolate chips. It helps blend the ingredients smoothly and contributes to the bread’s soft texture.
Essential Baking Tools
- A loaf pan (preferably a non-stick one).
- Mixing bowls.
- A whisk or hand mixer.
- A spatula.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
With these ingredients and tools at the ready, you’ll be well-equipped to whip up a delicious batch of chocolate chip pumpkin bread. Remember, the quality of your ingredients can greatly impact the final result, so choose wisely and have fun baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making homemade chocolate chip pumpkin bread from scratch might seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry! I’ll guide you through every step, ensuring a delicious, moist, and irresistible loaf that’ll have your kitchen smelling like autumn bliss!
Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Pan
Before we start mixing, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, grab a loaf pan and grease it generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This simple step will ensure that your pumpkin bread slides out effortlessly after baking and cooling.
Making the Pumpkin Bread Batter
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to whip up the batter! In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, and your favorite warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Give them a good whisk to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk them together until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
Pro Tip: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense, tough bread.
Adding Chocolate Chips
Who doesn’t love the sweet burst of chocolate in every bite? Fold in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or a combination of both) into the batter. You can be generous here, as the more chocolate, the merrier!
Baking the Bread
Carefully transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the pumpkin bread for approximately 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
As the bread bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin, spices, and chocolate – a sure sign that something delicious is on the way!
Once the bread is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently run a knife around the edges and transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
There you have it – a moist, flavorful, and chocolatey pumpkin bread that’s perfect for cozy autumn days or any time you’re craving a taste of the season. Enjoy a slice (or two!) with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and savor the warmth and comfort of homemade baking!
Tips and Variations
Making chocolate chip pumpkin bread is a delightful and versatile baking experience. While the classic recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are several ways to tweak it and make it your own. Here are some tips and variations to consider:
Adjusting Sweetness and Spices
One of the beauties of this bread is the balance between the sweetness of the chocolate chips and the warmth of the pumpkin spices. If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the amount of sugar or use a combination of white and brown sugar. For those who love a stronger spice flavor, feel free to increase the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, or even add a pinch of ginger or allspice.
Using Different Mix-Ins
While chocolate chips are the classic mix-in for this bread, don’t be afraid to experiment with other additions. Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can add a lovely crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can provide a burst of tartness. You could even try mixing in a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Fresh out of the oven, this bread is absolutely divine. However, it also keeps well for several days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week or even freeze it for up to three months.
When serving, consider slicing the bread and toasting it lightly for a warm and crispy treat. You can also drizzle a simple glaze or dust it with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Don’t forget to enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk for the ultimate indulgence.
No matter how you choose to customize this recipe, the combination of pumpkin, spices, and chocolate is sure to delight your senses. Embrace the versatility and let your creativity shine through in every delicious bite!
Conclusion
After following the step-by-step instructions and tips, you now have all the knowledge needed to bake a deliciously moist and flavorful chocolate chip pumpkin bread. This comforting fall treat is perfect for everything from cozy weekend mornings to holiday get-togethers. The combination of warm spices, rich pumpkin, and gooey chocolate chips is simply irresistible.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different mix-in variations like nuts, dried fruits, or even swirling in a cream cheese filling. Baking is an art, and this recipe provides a delicious canvas for you to make it your own. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the heavenly aroma of fresh-baked pumpkin bread. Your loved ones will thank you!
Resources: Here are some helpful resources for further information.
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – By Poetry & Pies
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – By What’s Gaby Cooking
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – By That Bread Lady
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just be sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth, and drain any excess moisture.
2. How do I keep the bread from becoming too dense?
To avoid dense bread, make sure not to overmix the batter. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
3. Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?
Absolutely! You can substitute chocolate chips with chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
4. How should I store Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan
- 2 mixing bowls.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cupls all-purpose flour.
- 2 cups sugar.
- ½ tsp baking powder.
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda.
- 1 tsp salt.
- 1 tsp cinnamon.
- ¼ tsp nutmeg.
- ¼ tsp ground cloves.
- 12 ounce package chocolate chips.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened.
- 3 large eggs.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- 15 ounce canned pumpkin puree.
- ½ cup milk.
Instructions
Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Pan
- Preheat it to 350°F.
- Grab a loaf pan and grease it generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Give them a good whisk to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Whisk them together until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Pro Tip: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense, tough bread.
Adding Chocolate Chips
- Fold in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (or a combination of both) into the batter.
Baking the Bread
- Carefully transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the pumpkin bread for approximately 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once the bread is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently run a knife around the edges and transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
Summary
I hope I have inspired you to bake your very own bread loaves to enjoy and share with your friends and family.
If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Printables Page for fun free printables, planners, and charts.
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Here are some more of my bread-making inspiration posts to check out!
Sweet Potato Bread: How to Make Sweet Potato Bread
Chocolate Chip Cookies: How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bread
Carrot Cake Quick Bread: How to Make Carrot Cake Quick Bread
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Sourdough Bread
How to Make S’mores Sourdough Bread
July 4th Bread: How to Make a Firecracker Marble Bread Braid
Artisan Bread: How to Make Artisan Bread
Challah Bread: How to Make a 6 Braided Challah Bread
Sweet Bread: How to Make Sweet Bread
Blessings,
The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
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