Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

So now it’s Autumn there are literally hundreds of pumpkin recipes popping up all over social media – and I’m jumping on the bandwagon! This vegan and gluten free Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Loaf is deliciously gooey, sweet and autumnal.

I absolutely adore this festive loaf. It’s the perfect festive bake for around Christmas time, and the spices will make your kitchen smell unbelievable!

This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is totally vegan due to the use of a flax egg. This helps to bind the loaf, and is so easy to make! Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed to 2.5 tbsp water, mix, then leave for 5-10 minutes to set. A thick, gloopy gel should form, which is your egg replacement in this cake!

For more cosy sweet treats, try my Two Minute Chocolate Chip Mug Cake or my Soft Gingerbread Cookies.

If you make this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread or any of my recipes, please make sure to comment below or tag me in your photos over on Instagram using @ginabnutrition – I love to see them! Happy baking!

Why Does My Pumpkin Bread Taste Bland?

If your pumpkin bread tastes bland, there are several potential reasons for the lack of flavor. It’s possible that the spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, were not used in sufficient quantities to provide the characteristic warm and aromatic taste you’d expect.

Additionally, the balance between pumpkin flavor, spices, and sweetness might be off, resulting in an unbalanced taste.

Insufficient salt could also contribute to the blandness, as salt enhances overall flavors and balances sweetness.

It’s worth noting that the quality of your ingredients (including the spices, pumpkin puree, and other components) can significantly impact the final taste.

If you omitted anything from my recipe, consider incorporating them for added depth and complexity.

Why is Pumpkin Bread Good For You?

Pumpkin bread, when prepared with wholesome ingredients and in a balanced manner, can offer several nutritional benefits. Here’s why pumpkin bread can be considered a relatively healthier choice:

1. Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin is rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function. It also contains vitamins C and E, antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
   
2. Fiber Content: Pumpkin contains dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and can help maintain a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
   
3. Low in Saturated Fat: If made with healthier fats like coconut oil, pumpkin bread can be relatively low in saturated fats, which is important for heart health.
   
4. Use of Nut Flours and Oat Flour: These flours add a dose of healthy fats, protein, and dietary fiber, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling satisfied.
   
5. Dairy-Free and Vegan Options: By using dairy-free milk, flax eggs, and vegan chocolate chips, you can create a pumpkin bread that’s suitable for people with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or those following a vegan diet.
   
6. Natural Sweeteners: Ingredients like maple syrup offer a more natural source of sweetness compared to refined sugars. While it’s still important to consume sweeteners in moderation, using less refined options can be a better choice for your overall health.
   
7. Spices: The addition of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger not only enhances flavor but also brings potential health benefits. These spices are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
   
8. Portion Control: As with any baked goods, portion control is important. Enjoying pumpkin bread in moderation can help prevent excessive calorie intake.

It’s worth noting that the overall nutritional profile of pumpkin bread can vary based on the specific ingredients and proportions used in the recipe. If you’re looking to make pumpkin bread even healthier, consider using whole wheat flour, reducing the amount of sweeteners, and incorporating additional nutrient-rich ingredients like nuts or seeds.

Remember, while pumpkin bread can offer certain nutritional benefits, it’s still a treat (especially this chocolate chip pumpkin bread) and should be consumed as part of a balanced diet. Always pay attention to portion sizes and try to incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your meals for optimal health.

The Ingredients For This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Dry Ingredients:

1. Oat Flour: Oat flour adds a hearty and slightly nutty flavor to the bread. It also provides fiber and helps create a tender texture.
   
2. Ground Almonds: Ground almonds contribute to the bread’s texture, making it more moist and adding a subtle nuttiness.
   
3. Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the bread rise and become fluffy by creating air bubbles in the batter.
   
4. Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to the bread, complementing the pumpkin and chocolate flavors.
   
5. Ground Nutmeg / Cloves / Ginger (optional): These optional spices can enhance the overall flavor profile. Nutmeg adds warmth, cloves bring a hint of spiciness, and ginger adds a zingy and slightly peppery note.
   
6. Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient in baking as it enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
   
7. Vegan Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips provide bursts of sweetness and a delightful contrast to the pumpkin and spices.

Wet Ingredients:

1. Flax Egg: The flax egg acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the bread together. It’s a common vegan substitute for eggs.
   
2. Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree not only lends its iconic flavor but also adds moisture and a creamy texture to the bread.
   
3. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil contributes moisture and richness to the bread, as well as a subtle coconut aroma.
   
4. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the bread and adds a pleasant aroma.
   
5. Maple Syrup: Maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, bringing sweetness and depth of flavor to the bread.
   
6. Dairy-Free Milk: Dairy-free milk provides liquid to the batter, helping to achieve the right consistency and ensuring the bread is moist.

How do I Prevent my Pumpkin Bread from Getting Moist?

If your pumpkin bread is turning out too moist or overly dense, there are several steps you can take to help prevent this issue:

1. Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Accurate measurement of ingredients, especially flour and pumpkin puree, is crucial. Too much pumpkin puree can make the bread overly moist. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precise measurements.
   
2. Pumpkin Puree Consistency: If you’re using homemade pumpkin puree, make sure it’s well-drained to remove excess moisture. Canned pumpkin puree is usually well-controlled in terms of moisture content.
   
3. Flour and Dry Ingredients: Be careful not to overmix the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to the development of too much gluten, resulting in a dense texture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
   
4. Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Make sure your leavening agents are fresh and properly measured. These agents help the bread rise and create a lighter texture.
   
5. Baking Time and Temperature: Baking the bread at the correct temperature and for the recommended time is crucial. Over-baking can dry out the bread, while underbaking can result in excess moisture. Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
   
6. Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is calibrated and baking at the correct temperature. An oven that runs too hot or too cool can affect the final texture of the bread.
   
7. Cooling Properly: After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent trapped steam from making the bread too moist.
   
8. Storage: Store your pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. If you’re keeping it longer, you might want to refrigerate or freeze portions to maintain freshness.
   
9. Recipe Adjustments: Consider adjusting your recipe by reducing the amount of liquid ingredients like pumpkin puree or dairy-free milk. Gradually reduce these ingredients until you find the right balance that prevents excess moisture.
   
10. Add-Ins: If your bread is still too moist, you can add ingredients like nuts, seeds, or oats to provide texture and absorb excess moisture.