Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Bread with Maple Syrup and French Sea Salt Butter

My friend brought me maple syrup from his trip to Canada and I think it has found its calling. I think this is the only pumpkin bread recipe you'll ever need. It has an amazing texture and a sweet warm flavor that that is irresistible even if you're not a fan of pumpkin desserts. I'll admit I'm not a huge pumpkin spice girl but this recipe is so delicious, I'm a believer now. The secret is using pumpkin pie filling instead of the unsweetened purée. In my opinion it just tastes better than the straight pumpkin purée and that makes me happy.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

2 1/2 cups of bread flour

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

3 teaspoons Saigon cinnamon (Saigon cinnamon is stronger, whatever you have is fine)

2 teaspoons of allspice

1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves

2 teaspoons of baking powder

2 teaspoons of baking soda

Whisk to combine all the ingredients above in a large bowl

In a separate bowl combine :

1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar

4 large eggs

2 cups of Pumpkin Pie Mix (I used Libby's)

Mix the wet ingredients in the large bowl of dry ingredients and fold in 1 cup of good quality chocolate chips. I always prefer Ghiradelli.

Divide batter between two loaf pans or one large one. Mine are 8.5x4.25 aluminum.* Top with more chocolate chips. **more about my pans of choice below.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the tops are set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing and top with salted butter or cream cheese frosting or whatever you like.

Homemade butter is ridiculously easy!

1 8oz bottle of heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon of fleur de sel (French Sea Salt)

Combine and whip on high in a stand mixer with a whisk attachment until butter becomes solid and separates from buttermilk. Keep refrigerated.

**They are literally from the dollar store and I will never give them up. I have been baking for almost two decades and have bought expensive loaf pans made of gold and what have you, but the best ones are the cheap pans from the dollar store. No joke, they conduct heat so well and this size gives such a nice shape. I use them for everything and highly recommend.

Happy start to Fall and enjoy!!