Devilish Pumpkin Bread
Devilish pumpkin bread offers warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and chocolate chips, making it a moist, festive treat perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup margarine, butter or shortening ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 3 cups pumpkin, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups unbleached flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1 cup chocolate chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition.
- Mix in the cooked and drained pumpkin.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, blending thoroughly.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips.
- Grease and flour two loaf pans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pans for a few minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half margarine and half applesauce instead of all margarine. You can also substitute the chocolate chips with dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist. If you prefer a spicier flavor, feel free to increase the cinnamon and cloves to your liking. Be sure to cook and drain the pumpkin thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This devilish pumpkin bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Crumbled Apples for a seasonal dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Devilish Pumpkin Bread contains roughly 507 calories, with 8g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1443mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook and drain it well to remove excess moisture. Roasting or boiling the pumpkin until tender, then pureeing it will yield great results. Fresh pumpkin adds a lovely flavor and texture to the bread.
What can I substitute for the nuts?
If you're allergic to nuts or prefer not to use them, you can easily omit them from the recipe or replace them with seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You could also add more chocolate chips or dried fruits for additional texture and flavor.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
A good test for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the bread is ready. Keep in mind that ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the bread during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).