If your love for homemade baked goods runs deep, you absolutely have to try Chocolate Chip Pop Bread! This delightful quick bread uses a splash of lemon-lime soda for a uniquely tender crumb, bringing together the childhood joy of fizzy drinks with melty chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, an afternoon snack, or sneaking a slice for dessert, this Chocolate Chip Pop Bread is sure to become a fast favorite among friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic of Chocolate Chip Pop Bread comes from simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a perfect role: some for lightness and lift, others for moisture, with a handful of chocolate chips for those glorious pockets of sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy, fluffy base for the bread.
- Baking powder: Adds a gentle rise, helping the loaf bake up tall and light.
- Baking soda: Works with the soda’s acidity to give that signature airy texture.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the loaf.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the bread a rich, tender crumb—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps with browning for a beautiful golden top.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the bread with warm, aromatic notes.
- Lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP): The secret ingredient for an extra-soft crumb and subtle citrusy zip.
- Sour cream or plain yogurt: Keeps the bread moist and oh-so-tender.
- Mini chocolate chips: Dot every slice with gooey, melty chocolate goodness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a lovely crunch and nutty flavor in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Pop Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or a little oil, or simply line it with parchment paper for fuss-free removal later. It’s these little steps that set you up for baking success!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the rising agents are evenly distributed, so every slice of your Chocolate Chip Pop Bread bakes up tender and airy.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. A hand mixer or stand mixer makes this easy, but a strong arm and a wooden spoon will do in a pinch! This step adds air and helps create that soft, cakey bite everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla and blend until combined. This ensures a cohesive batter with no streaks—just smooth, rich flavor all the way through.
Step 5: Incorporate Soda and Sour Cream
Pour in the lemon-lime soda and the sour cream (or yogurt), then stir just until the mixture is silky and smooth. The soda might fizz up a bit, but that’s where the pop bread gets its signature lift!
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the whisked dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Gently fold until all traces of flour vanish—stop as soon as the batter comes together. Over-mixing can toughen the loaf, so a gentle hand is key.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Finally, gently stir in the mini chocolate chips and, if you like, some chopped pecans or walnuts. These little add-ins create tasty surprises in every bite of your Chocolate Chip Pop Bread.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs clinging are perfect). Cool the loaf in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely—it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pop Bread
Garnishes
To make this loaf extra special, dust the cooled top lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little melted chocolate. A few extra chocolate chips scattered on top while still warm add a whimsical touch. If you’re in the mood for something zesty, freshly grated lemon or lime zest really brightens each slice of Chocolate Chip Pop Bread!
Side Dishes
This bread shines on its own, but pairs beautifully with a tangy fruit salad, a steaming mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside a platter of crisp bacon and scrambled eggs—the sweet and savory combo is irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching treat, cut thick slices and stack them on a pretty cake stand, or wrap individual pieces in parchment and tie with ribbon for adorable lunchbox surprises. Chocolate Chip Pop Bread also makes a thoughtful homemade gift—just wrap a cooled loaf in a linen towel and tuck it into a basket with your favorite jam or tea!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Chocolate Chip Pop Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and tender for up to 3 days—just slice off what you need and enjoy!
Freezing
This loaf freezes like a dream. Wrap individual slices or the whole (cooled) loaf in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer bag. Frozen Chocolate Chip Pop Bread will keep well for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for more.
Reheating
To refresh the bread, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. You’ll get that gentle warmth plus revived gooey chocolate chips—just like freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Chip Pop Bread without nuts?
Absolutely! The nuts are totally optional, so leave them out if you prefer a nut-free loaf. The result will be just as delicious and extra kid-friendly.
What if I only have regular-sized chocolate chips?
No worries—regular chocolate chips work well, too. You might get a little more chocolate pooling in each bite, which is never a bad thing. Just make sure to stir them in gently for even distribution.
Can I use a different flavor of soda in this recipe?
Definitely! While lemon-lime soda provides a subtle citrus note, orange soda or cream soda are fantastic alternatives for a fun flavor twist. Experiment to find your favorite version of Chocolate Chip Pop Bread.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way is the trusty toothpick test: Insert one into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist and tender.
Is there a way to make Chocolate Chip Pop Bread dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter for a vegan margarine, use your favorite dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream, and check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The loaf turns out wonderfully soft no matter what.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something sweet, playful, and just a little nostalgic, give Chocolate Chip Pop Bread a try! Every slice bursts with chocolatey goodness and a light, fluffy texture thanks to the soda twist. It’s the kind of bread that brightens up any occasion—so grab your ingredients and get baking. You’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Print
Chocolate Chip Pop Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of chocolate chips and a hint of lemon-lime soda with this delightful Chocolate Chip Pop Bread. Perfect for a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Additional:
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla extract, soda, and sour cream until well combined.
- Blend Batter: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until mixed. Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- For a lighter crumb, use soda straight from a freshly opened bottle.
- Experiment with different soda flavors like cream soda or orange soda for a unique twist.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
