My mom doesn’t really like pumpkin, so the only encounters that I had with it before adulthood were in the form of store-bought pumpkin pies in those crinkly aluminum tins topped with a dollop of partially frozen cool whip. Not exactly the tastiest introduction!
A Favorite Pumpkin Treat
Maybe it was fate, but I discovered my love of baking around the same time that a certain coffee chain debuted pumpkin spice to the masses. The two things inevitably collided and a late love of pumpkin baked goods was born! These days, I tend to prefer pumpkin cakes, cookies, and breads over custardy pumpkin treats (too many bad childhood memories!). This chocolate chip pumpkin bread is a favorite.
Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This is a super moist loaf with a bright orange, not-too-dense crumb. A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips in the batter creates a contrast between the sweet, tender crumb of the bread and almost bitter chocolate. The barest hint of spice in the batter is amplified by the liberal coating of cinnamon sugar on top of the bread. This does double duty: it adds flavor and it turns into a crackly crust as the bread bakes (My tasters declared that as their favorite part.) This bread keeps like a dream for at least a few days, wrapped well, on the countertop.
More Great Add-Ins for Pumpkin Bread
Try some of these other ideas instead of – or in addition to! – chocolate chips in your pumpkin bread:
Toasted, chopped nuts – walnuts, pecans, or hazelnutsButterscotch chips or cinnamon chipsGrated coconut – both mixed in and sprinkled over topChopped, fresh applesDried cranberriesIf you love pumpkin spice, try swapping in 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice blend (or 3/4 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon cloves, 1/8 teaspoon allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg)
This bread can also be frozen for up to 3 months, just like banana bread (read more here).
Make Mini-Loaves or Pumpkin Muffins!
Mini-Loaves: Divide batter between mini-loaf pans and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick emerges clean from the center.Muffins: Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick emerges clean from the center of a muffin.
Other Pumpkin Treats to Try!
Pumpkin Bread Pumpkin Ginger Nut Muffins Pumpkin Waffles Pumpkin Cookies Pumpkin Biscotti
Wrap up any leftovers with foil or plastic wrap and store on the counter. The bread will keep for several days.
