As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baking bread to warm up your home. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is a delightful way to celebrate the fall season, bringing together the sweet flavors of pumpkin and chocolate—the perfect treat for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or served as a dessert at a holiday feast, this bread embodies the spirit of autumn in every bite.
Inspired by the rich traditions of pumpkin-flavored treats that grace many Thanksgiving tables, this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread captures that essence beautifully. With its moist texture and harmonious flavors, it has become a beloved recipe in many homes. What makes this recipe truly special is not just its unique combination of flavors but also its simplicity, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a slice of warm, chocolate chip pumpkin bread straight from the oven, steam rising as you take that first eager bite. Quite simply, this recipe is love at first taste! It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet addition to your dessert table. Each slice showcases the richness of pumpkin while the chocolate chips add delightful bursts of sweetness.
The best part? This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. It caters to various dietary preferences, making it easy to swap ingredients based on what you have at home. Each bite is not just about flavor; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together to share moments of joy and gratitude.
What Does The Recipe Taste Like
The Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread offers a unique taste profile that perfectly balances the earthiness of pumpkin with creamy chocolate. The warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—provide a cozy backdrop, reminiscent of Grandma’s kitchen in autumn. Each mouthful is soft, moist, and downright irresistible, capturing the heart of the fall season in every slice.
Thanks to the moisture from the pumpkin, the bread remains fresh for days. It’s sweet without being overly so, making it the perfect companion for your favorite warm beverage. Each chocolate chip melts slightly, creating little pockets of sweetness that blend wonderfully with the richly spiced bread. Enjoy it toasted with a bit of butter, or eat it plain; either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
When making Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for this delightful treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: This is the star of the show! It not only provides moisture but also contributes to the bread’s beautiful color and rich flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that perfect crust.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar gives a mild caramel flavor and deeper sweetness, enhancing the overall richness of the bread.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This provides moisture and contributes to that soft, tender crumb we all love.
- 3 large eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients, adding richness and structure to the bread.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: A staple for this recipe, it forms the base of the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda to ensure perfect lift.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements pumpkin beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: This adds a cozy, holiday-like flavor to the mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Cloves give depth and a hint of warmth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla rounds out the flavors, enhancing the bread’s sweetness.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The chocolate chunks create delightful pockets of sweetness throughout the bread.

Optional Additions
If you feel adventurous or wish to customize the bread to your taste, consider these variations:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts for crunch.
- Incorporate a teaspoon of ginger for a spicier flavor.
- Swirl in some cream cheese filling for a delicious surprise.
Special Garnishes
While the bread is delightful on its own, adding a few garnishes can elevate it even more:
- Dust with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream cheese spread.
- Top with walnuts or pecans before baking for an added crunchy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, both sugars, oil, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour into the pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to play with this recipe! You can transform this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread into muffins for a portable version. Simply pour the batter into a muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Additionally, for those who love spices, incorporating mix-ins like chocolate-covered cranberries or swapping in dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile can be delightful! Those on special diets might substitute all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or use alternatives like applesauce for oil to cater to their needs.
Serving and Storage Tips
The beauty of Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is that it’s versatile both in how you serve it and how you store it. For serving, this bread pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. You can slice it thinly or enjoy it thick, but don’t forget to slather on a bit of butter before taking a bite!
When it comes to storage, you can keep the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. If freezing, slice the bread before wrapping to make it easy to grab a piece whenever you want a treat!
Helpful Tips
- Do not overmix the batter; mixing just until combined will keep your bread tender.
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
- Ensure your pumpkin puree is pure and not pie filling mix for a true flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar slightly, but taste it first to see what pleases your palate!
Special Equipment
While you don’t need fancy equipment to make this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, having a few essentials can make the process easier:
- Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes ensures you have what you need while prepping the ingredients.
- Whisk: Necessary for blending wet ingredients smoothly.
- Loaf pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal for crafting the perfect bread shape.
- Cooling rack: This helps the bread cool evenly and prevents sogginess from steam accumulation.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh pumpkin, ensure you cook and puree it smoothly before measuring it out. This may alter the moisture content slightly, so adjust baking time accordingly.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can substitute some of the sugar with applesauce or use smaller quantities of sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Whole wheat flour can also be swapped for regular flour for added fiber.
Can I freeze the pumpkin bread?
Yes, Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread freezes well! Ensure it’s fully cooled, then wrap it tightly. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
What can I serve with Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread?
This bread pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or simple butter. It’s also delicious alongside hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate!
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt way to bring warmth and sweetness into your home. Its delightful flavors and inviting aroma will create lasting memories and fill your kitchen with love as you bake. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to be a favorite.
We’d love to hear about your experiences and how you’ve made this recipe your own! Share your twists in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together. After all, baking is all about bringing people together and creating special moments one slice at a time.
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Irresistible Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
Savor this irresistible Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread recipe combining warm spices and sweet chocolate for the perfect fall treat Enjoy every bite
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 240 calories
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams




