As the seasons change and autumn's crisp air fills our days, it's the perfect time to embrace the warmth and coziness of homemade treats. And what better way to do that than by baking a batch of delicious chocolate chip pumpkin bread? The combination of rich chocolate and the earthy sweetness of pumpkin is simply irresistible. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up a delectable loaf of this fall favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Pumpkin:
Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; just stir until the flour is incorporated. Then, add the milk and stir until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips into the batter. The rich chocolate will complement the pumpkin perfectly.
- Pour into Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid over-baking. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve:
Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it into thick, indulgent pieces.
- Enjoy!
Now, you're ready to savor the delightful combination of pumpkin and chocolate in each bite of this homemade pumpkin bread. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of hot cocoa or a cozy blanket, this treat is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall.
Feel free to get creative with your pumpkin bread by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking. Share this delicious treat with family and friends, and embrace the warmth of the season. Happy baking! 🍂🍫🎃