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To make Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Bread, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup pure pumpkin puree - ½ cup unsweetened applesauce - ½ cup honey or maple syrup - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired) You can make some easy swaps to boost health: - Use mashed bananas instead of applesauce for a fruity flavor. - Replace honey or maple syrup with agave syrup for lower calories. - Swap whole wheat flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option. - Use apple butter instead of pumpkin puree for a different taste. - Choose sugar-free chocolate chips to cut added sugar. Each ingredient offers unique health perks: - Pumpkin puree is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It helps with vision and skin health. - Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and fiber, which aids digestion. - Honey or maple syrup provides natural sweetness and antioxidants. - Whole wheat flour is high in fiber, which supports heart health. - Cocoa powder is a source of flavonoids, boosting heart health and mood. - Dark chocolate chips contain healthy fats and can improve brain function. These ingredients work together to create a tasty and nutritious treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with oil or line it with parchment paper. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree, ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce, ½ cup of honey or maple syrup, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the mix is smooth. In a separate bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir this dry mix well until it is fully combined. Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until they just come together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense. Finally, fold in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips. Set aside a few chips for the top if you like. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. If you saved some chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top now. Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If the top browns too fast, tent it with foil for the last 15 minutes. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For serving, slice the bread and consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spread of almond butter. Dust it with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a lovely finish. Enjoy this rich and flavorful treat! To keep your Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Bread moist, use pure pumpkin puree. It adds natural moisture and flavor. Applesauce is another great choice. It replaces oil and keeps the bread soft. Don't overmix your batter when combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing makes the bread dense. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, but don’t overbake. This keeps the inside fluffy and moist. One mistake is using canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree. The filling has added sugar and spices, which can change the taste. Use room temperature eggs for better mixing. Cold eggs can make the batter lumpy. Also, remember to check the freshness of your baking powder and soda. Old ingredients may not help the bread rise properly. To boost the flavor of your bread, add spices like cloves or ginger. They can add warmth and depth to your treat. You can also try mixing in nuts or seeds for a crunchy texture. Dark chocolate chips add richness and balance out the flavors. For a fun twist, top with a sprinkle of sea salt before baking. It enhances the chocolate flavor and makes every bite special. Pro Tips Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor and texture, consider using homemade pumpkin puree made from roasted pumpkin instead of canned. Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is perfectly baked, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference; adding a pinch of ginger or cloves can enhance the flavor profile. Store Properly: To keep your bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week. {{image_2}} You can easily make this bread gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour. Make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum. This option keeps the bread moist and tasty while catering to gluten-free diets. Want to customize your bread? Here are some fun add-ins: - Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. - Seeds: Pumpkin seeds give extra flavor and texture. - Dried Fruit: Raisins or cranberries add natural sweetness. For toppings, consider: - Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter makes it extra creamy. - Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds protein and creaminess. - Cocoa Powder: Dust the top for a fancy touch. Mix and match flavors to create something new. Try adding: - Mint Extract: For a fresh, cool taste. - Orange Zest: Brightens the flavor with citrus notes. - Espresso Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor. These combinations bring new life to your Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Bread. Experiment and find your favorite! To keep your chocolate pumpkin bread fresh, wait until it cools completely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil. This keeps the bread moist and tasty. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Freezing chocolate pumpkin bread is easy. First, slice the bread into individual pieces. This helps you take out just what you need. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out any air to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating chocolate pumpkin bread is simple. For the best taste, use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat a slice for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your warm, delicious chocolate pumpkin bread! Yes, you can make this recipe vegan. To do this, replace the eggs with flax eggs. A flax egg is made by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. You can also swap honey or maple syrup for agave nectar. Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Bread lasts for about five days at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container to stay fresh. If you want it to last longer, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Yes, you can use other sweeteners. You might try coconut sugar, agave syrup, or stevia. Each sweetener has a different taste, so adjust the amount to your liking. Remember that some sweeteners are sweeter than others, so taste as you go! You can serve this bread with many tasty options. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess. Almond butter gives a nice nutty flavor. Dusting the slices with cocoa powder or powdered sugar makes them look fancy. You can also try fresh fruit on the side for a colorful touch. In this article, I covered the key elements of making Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Bread. You learned about essential ingredients and healthy substitutions. I shared detailed steps for preparation and baking, plus tips for keeping the bread moist. Variations and storage tips help you customize and preserve your creation. This bread is tasty and nutritious, making it great for any meal. Enjoy baking and sharing this treat with family and friends.

Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Bread

A delicious and nutritious bread made with pumpkin puree and cocoa, perfect for a healthy treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with oil or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
  • Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Fold in the dark chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping if desired.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle any reserved chocolate chips on top.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
  • Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve with Greek yogurt or almond butter for added flavor.
Keyword chocolate, healthy dessert, pumpkin bread