Pumpkin and chocolate come together beautifully in Pioneer Woman’s Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread. To me, it’s a perfect treat for any time of year!
The moisture from the unsweetened pumpkin puree creates a tender crumb that contrasts beautifully with semisweet chocolate chips.
One key to achieving the right texture is not to overmix the batter, as this keeps the bread soft and tender.
You just gotta love the subtle warmth that pumpkin pie spice adds, complementing the sweetness of the chocolate.
Baking this bread fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making it a go-to recipe in my home.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 4 Eggs
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
Step 3:
In another bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 5:
Fold in chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Step 6:
Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose Quality Chocolate Chips
Always pick high-quality chocolate chips to enhance the bread’s flavor, as they contribute significantly to the taste experience.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Be careful not to overmix the batter when adding flour, as this can result in a dense texture, which we don’t want here!
Customize the Spice Level
If you enjoy a more robust spice flavor, feel free to add a bit more pumpkin pie spice or even a dash of nutmeg for a personalized touch.
Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree
Whether store-bought or homemade, make sure your pumpkin puree is fresh to achieve the ideal bread consistency and taste.
Check the Bread Early
Start checking the doneness a bit earlier than the recommended time, as oven temperatures can vary, potentially requiring less time.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Apple Butter
You can spread apple butter on a warm slice of pumpkin chocolate chip bread, and it’s a delightful marriage of flavors.
The sweet and slightly tart notes of the apple butter beautifully highlight the rich pumpkin taste.
Try making your own apple butter at home for a more authentic experience and richer taste.
Greek Yogurt with Honey
Greek yogurt paired with a drizzle of honey is a great choice to serve alongside your pumpkin chocolate chip bread.
The creamy texture of the yogurt and the sweetness of honey offer a balanced contrast to the dense bread.
Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor.
Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche is a sweet and creamy caramel spread that tastes heavenly with pumpkin bread.
This decadent choice introduces a rich, caramelized flavor that complements the chocolate chips perfectly.
A small dollop on top of your sliced bread adds a luxurious touch to your serving.
Cream Cheese with Honey and Nuts
Combining cream cheese with honey and topping it with nuts, like walnuts or pecans, creates a wonderfully creamy and crunchy pairing.
This mix adds a savory edge with a hint of sweetness and a pleasing texture.
Your guests might be pleasantly surprised by this delicious addition.
Savory Herb Cheese Spread
One unexpected option is a savory herb cheese spread, which introduces a palate-cleansing contrast to the sweetness.
The blend of fresh herbs brings out the earthy notes in pumpkin while offering a refreshing flavor.
This pairing transforms your dessert-like bread into a delightful appetizer scene.
Variations and Substitutions
Adding some extra spice can really change the flavor profile.
You might try a dash of nutmeg or a bit more cinnamon for warmth.
Replacing chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips can add an exciting twist.
Gluten-Free Options
If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
I’ve found that blends specifically designed for baking work best.
Adjusting other ingredients slightly may help improve texture.
Dairy-Free Alternatives
To make it dairy-free, you can swap buttermilk with almond or soy milk.
Ensure to use chocolate chips that are dairy-free as well.
These swaps can easily tailor the recipe to suit a vegan diet too.
Changes in Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet version, consider reducing the amount of sugar by a third.
Adding natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can also be a delightful alternative.
How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Storing leftover pumpkin chocolate chip bread properly will help maintain its deliciousness for days!
Use an airtight container so your bread stays fresh on your countertop for up to 3 days.
If you need to keep it longer, use the refrigerator!
Freezing for Longer Storage
When you’re planning to store the bread for an extended period, consider freezing.
Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Frozen slices can last up to three months!
Keeping Moisture Intact
If the bread starts to feel a bit dry, address this by wrapping it with a damp paper towel before sealing it in the container.
This trick can help maintain moisture and keep the texture delightful!
Room Temperature Storage
If you expect to consume the leftovers quickly, store them at room temperature.
Remember to keep the container out of direct sunlight, which can affect the quality of your bread.
This allows the pumpkin chocolate chip bread to remain tasty and moist without refrigeration!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing the Batter
You might be tempted to mix your batter thoroughly, but keep it gentle.
Too much mixing can lead to a dense, chewy texture.
Make sure to fold in your ingredients just until combined!
Using Expired Baking Powder
Check the expiry date on your baking powder!
Expired baking powder won’t give your bread the rise it deserves.
Replace it periodically to keep your bread light and fluffy!
Skipping the Cooling Time
Allowing the bread to cool can be tough when you’re eager to taste it.
But slicing too soon will cause it to crumble!
Give it at least ten minutes before cutting into your fresh loaf.
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 4 Eggs
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.