Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe

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Cook Time: 60 minutes

Cozy up with a slice (or two, or three) of pumpkin chocolate chip bread this fall. This simple treat will quickly earn a permanent place in your recipe box.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this unforgettable pumpkin chocolate chip bread recipe:

• Sugar: This perfectly sweet recipe calls for a cup of white sugar per loaf.
• Pumpkin puree: Use store-bought pumpkin puree or puree your own pumpkin at home.
• Oil: Vegetable oil adds moisture without affecting the flavor. Substitutes include canola oil, butter, or applesauce.
• Eggs: Whole eggs add moisture, richness, and flavor. Plus, they help bind the batter together.
• Flour: All-purpose flour provides strength and structure.
• Spices: This cozy pumpkin bread is spiced with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and nutmeg, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise.
• Salt: A half teaspoon per loaf doesn't sound like much, but it enhances all the other flavors.
• Chocolate chips: This recipe uses semisweet chocolate chips, though milk or dark chocolate would also work well.
• Nuts: This recipe calls for chopped walnuts, but you can substitute pecans or almonds if you prefer.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Follow these simple steps for a delicious pumpkin chocolate chip bread:

Step 1: Prepare the batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar, pumpkin, oil, water, and eggs with an electric mixer until smooth.

Step 2: Add dry ingredients

To the mixture, add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.

Step 3: Fold in chocolate chips and nuts

Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts to the batter. Be gentle to keep the texture light and airy.

Step 4: Prepare the pans

Grease and flour three 9x5-inch loaf pans (or use 16-ounce coffee tins). Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans, filling each about halfway to three-quarters full.

Step 5: Bake

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake at 350F (175C) for about 1 hour, or until a knife inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pans on a wire rack before removing it to slice and serve. Enjoy!

How to Store Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Allow the bread to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to five days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can You Freeze Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread?

Yes! You can freeze pumpkin chocolate chip bread. Wrap each loaf in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the loaves with the date and freeze for up to three months. To thaw, remove the wrap and let the bread sit at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving (1 slice) contains:

• Calories: 252
• Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Protein: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 201mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Iron: 1mg

Tips & Variations

Butterscotch chips: Use butterscotch chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips for a sweeter, caramel-like flavor.

Mini loaves: Bake in mini loaf pans (5x3 inches) if you prefer smaller portions. Cooking time will be shorter, around 35 to 40 minutes.

Community Feedback

"I have made this bread with canned and fresh pumpkin puree, and it's excellent either way," says mcallen.

"This was fun to make and yielded a lot of batter," shares ssarahmm. "It took a little longer to cook because it was so moist, but it was totally worth it!"

"I've made this recipe as is, and it comes out great every time," notes Jennifer Buller King. "Family and friends request it for Christmas every year. Ive also made it healthier by reducing the sugar and using applesauce instead of oil, and its still fantastic!"

This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread recipe is a comforting fall favorite, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate chips. It has become a go-to treat for cozy mornings or gatherings. But what is the story behind this beloved bread, and how does it fit into the wider tradition of fall baking? Let's explore its origins, regional variations, and fun facts about this delectable loaf.

History and Origins

The origins of pumpkin bread can be traced back to the use of pumpkin in early American cooking. Indigenous peoples of the Americas were the first to cultivate and cook with pumpkin, and settlers quickly adapted this versatile vegetable into their own recipes. The introduction of pumpkin to European cuisine had a major influence on North American baking traditions. While early pumpkin breads were likely simple cakes or puddings, the recipe evolved over time with the inclusion of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and, of course, chocolate.

The addition of chocolate chips to pumpkin bread likely emerged in the mid-20th century, as chocolate chips became a staple in American kitchens. This particular variation, which blends the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the rich flavor of chocolate, has become a favorite during the autumn months, especially around Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Regional Variations

While pumpkin bread is popular across the United States, it has some regional variations. In the northern states, where pumpkins are harvested in large quantities during fall, pumpkin bread is often enjoyed with walnuts or pecans added to the batter. In the South, you might find the bread made with more sugar or even topped with a glaze. Some recipes use pumpkin pie spice for a more concentrated spice flavor, while others opt for individual spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

In areas with colder climates, the bread is often served as a comforting breakfast or snack, while in warmer regions, it might be paired with ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert. This versatility has made pumpkin bread a beloved treat, no matter the location.

Differences from Similar Dishes

At first glance, pumpkin bread might seem similar to other quick breads like banana bread or zucchini bread, but there are key differences. The primary distinguishing feature is, of course, the use of pumpkin puree. While banana bread relies on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, pumpkin bread uses the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, enhanced with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.

Moreover, the texture of pumpkin bread is typically denser and more moist than banana bread, due to the higher water content in the pumpkin. The addition of chocolate chips gives this pumpkin bread a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other sweet breads. Unlike zucchini bread, which can sometimes have a savory quality, pumpkin bread is unapologetically sweet and spiced, making it a standout in the fall baking world.

Where is Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Typically Served?

This delicious bread is most often enjoyed during the fall season, particularly around Halloween and Thanksgiving. It can be found at family gatherings, potlucks, and bake sales, where its combination of flavors is a crowd-pleaser. Many people bake this bread as a gift, especially when it's made in smaller loaf pans. The moist texture and sweet aroma make it a comforting treat, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

In coffee shops and bakeries, chocolate chip pumpkin bread is often served as an autumnal specialty, available alongside pumpkin lattes and other seasonal items. Its versatility means it can be eaten for breakfast, as an afternoon snack with tea, or as a dessert after dinner.

Interesting Facts About Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

• Some versions of pumpkin bread are made with canned pumpkin, but others prefer fresh pumpkin puree for a more intense flavor.
• The bread's popularity peaks in the fall, coinciding with the pumpkin harvest and the widespread availability of pumpkins in grocery stores.
• Chocolate chips, while a modern addition, elevate the bread from a simple fall treat to a rich dessert. They complement the spices of the bread and create a delightful contrast with the pumpkin's earthiness.
• In some regions, pumpkin bread is often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a cream cheese glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Though pumpkin bread is typically associated with fall, its moist and comforting texture makes it a year-round favorite when made with canned pumpkin.

Whether enjoyed as a morning snack or a festive dessert, Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread remains a timeless recipe, cherished by bakers and dessert lovers alike. Its history, regional twists, and delightful combination of flavors ensure it will continue to be a beloved fall tradition for years to come.

FAQ about Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe

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