Nothing says fall quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread wafting through your kitchen. This recipe combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree with the richness of chocolate chips, creating a moist, flavorful loaf you’ll want to enjoy for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With the right balance of spices, texture, and sweetness, it’s a treat that never fails to impress.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through every step — plus give you expert tips to make your loaf bakery-quality every time.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, you’ll need:
- Pumpkin puree – Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- All-purpose flour – Gives the bread its structure.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar – For sweetness and moisture.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter – Adds richness and softness.
- Eggs – Bind the batter and help the loaf rise.
- Baking soda & baking powder – Ensure a light, fluffy crumb.
- Pumpkin pie spice – Or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Salt – Balances the flavors.
- Chocolate chips – Semi-sweet or dark chocolate for best results.
Pro Tip: Reserve a handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking for a bakery-style look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, sugars, and oil until smooth. This ensures a consistent, moist texture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
4. Bring It Together
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
5. Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in most of the chocolate chips, reserving some for the top.
6. Bake
Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan, sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips, and bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are okay!).
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
- Don’t Skip the Spices – They’re essential for that signature fall flavor.
- Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon into your measuring cup and level off; too much flour can make the bread dry.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs – They incorporate better for a smoother batter.
- Customize the Chocolate – Try mixing milk and dark chocolate chips or even chunks.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Twist – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Gluten-Free – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins – Adjust baking time (20–25 minutes for muffins).
- Cream Cheese Swirl – Swirl in sweetened cream cheese before baking for extra richness.
How to Store & Freeze
Storage: Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices individually, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
FAQs About Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Just roast, puree, and strain fresh pumpkin to remove excess moisture.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut sugar by about ¼ cup without affecting texture too much, but the bread will be less sweet.
Q: Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed or the bread is underbaked. Make sure to test with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe is the perfect blend of cozy fall flavors and indulgent chocolatey goodness. It’s easy to make, keeps well, and tastes even better the next day — if you can resist eating it all at once.
So grab your mixing bowls, preheat your oven, and let the smell of pumpkin spice fill your home.