Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe {with a protein boost!}

Moist pumpkin bread with chocolate chips and a protein boost—an easy quick bread recipe perfect for fall baking

When the crisp air of fall rolls in, nothing feels more comforting than the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen. Quick breads are one of the easiest ways to bring seasonal flavors to the table, and this easy pumpkin bread recipe might just become your new favorite fall recipe. What makes this loaf stand out? Not only does it deliver that wonderful pumpkin flavor we all crave during the season, but it also sneaks in a healthy protein boost thanks to blended cottage cheese. The result: a moist, flavorful, and nutritious loaf that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Whether you’re baking for the first time or you’re a seasoned baker looking to switch up your usual banana bread routine, this step-by-step recipe has you covered. With simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice, you’ll have a loaf that feels bakery-worthy but is simple enough for a weeknight treat. Serve it warm with coffee, enjoy it as a snack, or pack it for school lunches—no matter how you slice it, this truly is the best pumpkin bread recipe for fall.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless versions of pumpkin loaf out there, but here’s why this one stands above the rest:

• Protein boost – The addition of blended cottage cheese adds creaminess and an extra dose of protein, making this more balanced than your typical chocolate chip pumpkin bread.
• Moist texture – The combination of pure pumpkin puree, eggs, and just the right balance of sugar and fat creates the ultimate moist pumpkin bread.
• Simple ingredients – With common pantry staples, you can whip this up anytime. No special equipment required—just a couple of bowls and a rubber spatula.
• Versatile bake – Use a standard loaf pan, make mini loaves for gifting, or even turn it into muffins. Adjust the bake time slightly and you’ll still get the same delicious loaf.
• Great flavor balance – Sweetness from maple syrup and sugar pairs perfectly with warm spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for those signature fall flavors.

It’s truly a great recipe to keep on hand for when those pumpkin cravings hit.

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A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Let’s look closer at what makes this loaf shine:

• Pumpkin puree (1 cup): Use homemade pumpkin puree for freshness or canned pumpkin for convenience. Either gives you that wonderful pumpkin flavor.
• Blended cottage cheese (1/3 cup): Adds creaminess, richness, and protein. You won’t taste it, but you’ll notice the soft texture.
• Eggs (2 large): Essential for structure and moisture in any quick bread recipe.
• Maple syrup (1 Tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Sugar (1/2 cup): You can use white sugar, brown sugar, or even coconut sugar. Each brings a slightly different richness.
• All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The classic choice for quick breads, though you could sub part whole wheat flour for extra nutrition.
• Baking soda (2 tsp): Gives your loaf that perfect rise.
• Ground cinnamon (1 Tbsp): Or swap in pumpkin pie spice for a more complex flavor.
• Chocolate chips (½ cup or more): Optional but recommended! They create pockets of melty sweetness in every bite. Dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate all work.

Optional toppings include a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for crunch or an extra dusting of cinnamon sugar for a bakery-style finish.

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How to Make the Recipe

Here are the detailed instructions for the best results:

• Prep your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your pumpkin loaf releases easily after baking.
• Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, blended cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and sugar until smooth.

• Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour mixture (flour, baking soda, and cinnamon).
• Bring it all together: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Mix gently—overmixing will make the loaf dense.
• Add chocolate chips: Fold them into the batter for that indulgent touch.

• Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45–60 minutes. The bake time will vary slightly depending on your oven and whether you’re making a large loaf or mini loaves. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool properly: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling ensures the loaf sets properly and slices neatly.

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How to Store the Recipe

Proper storage ensures your homemade pumpkin bread stays fresh and flavorful:

• Room temperature: Wrap tightly or place in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Extend freshness to 5–6 days by refrigerating.
• Freezer: Slice the loaf, wrap individual pieces, and freeze in a zip-top bag. Thaw slices at room temp or microwave for a quick snack.

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Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overmix the batter—stir until the flour mixture just disappears.
• Add nuts or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• For even more fall flavors, add nutmeg, cloves, or ginger alongside the cinnamon.
• Try reducing the cups of sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet loaf.
• Use mini loaves for gifting or portion control—just shorten the bake time.
• If using homemade pumpkin puree, make sure it isn’t too watery; blot with paper towels if necessary.

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FAQs

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Final Thoughts

This chocolate chip pumpkin bread is proof that a few simple pantry staples can create something truly special. With its moist pumpkin bread texture, delicious loaf flavor, and added protein from cottage cheese, it’s one you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether it’s your first time trying a pumpkin loaf or you’re searching for the best pumpkin bread recipe, this one checks all the boxes.

Next time you’re craving all the things pumpkin, grab your loaf pans and get baking—you’ll be rewarded with a warm, cozy slice of autumn.

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