Preheat oven to 325F
In a large bowl, whisk dry ingredients together- flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, spices.
In a medium bowl, whisk wet ingredients together- eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, maple syrup, vanilla .
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until combined.
Fold in chocolate chips or orange zest if using.
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and pour the pumpkin batter in. Sprinkle with the nuts.
Bake 65- 75 minutes on the middle rack, until puffed, golden and a toothpick comes out clean- or the internal temp reaches 200-205F.
Cool on a rack before removing. Store on the counter 3-4 days, covered, or in the fridge for a week, or freeze, for up to 6 months.
