Best Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – Moist, Spiced, and Full of Fall Flavor
There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through your kitchen on a crisp fall morning. If you’re searching for a tried-and-true recipe that combines the moistness of pumpkin, the warmth of fall spices, and the sweetness of chocolate chips, look no further. This Best Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread recipe is easy to make, deliciously decadent, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift.
🎃Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
This pumpkin bread stands out because it’s soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced. Unlike some pumpkin bread recipes that can be dry or overly dense, this loaf stays moist thanks to the pumpkin puree and a careful balance of wet and dry ingredients. The mini chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness throughout each slice, making it irresistible to kids and adults alike.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. 🎃
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. 🥄
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. 🍂
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips. 🍫
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top. Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. ❄️
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy! 🥰
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy fall bread:
- Pumpkin puree – 1 cup of smooth pumpkin for moisture and flavor
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups, for structure
- Brown sugar – 1 cup, adds sweetness and depth
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup, balances flavors
- Vegetable oil or melted butter – ½ cup, keeps the bread soft
- Eggs – 2 large, room temperature
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor
- Baking soda & baking powder – 1 teaspoon each, ensures proper rise
- Salt – ½ teaspoon, balances sweetness
- Pumpkin pie spice – 1 teaspoon, for signature fall flavor
- Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon, additional warm spice
- Mini chocolate chips – 1 cup, optional but highly recommended
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep your oven and loaf pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil (or melted butter), brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 5: Add chocolate chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top of the loaf for a beautiful presentation.
Step 6: Pour into loaf pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few melted chocolate chips on the toothpick are okay).
Step 8: Cool and serve
Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Moist and Flavorful Pumpkin Bread
- Use fresh pumpkin puree – canned works too, but fresh pumpkin adds richer flavor.
- Do not overmix – folding until just combined keeps the bread tender.
- Check for doneness – every oven is different; check with a toothpick after 55 minutes.
- Add-ins are optional – walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries can be folded in for variety.
- Storage – keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze slices for later enjoyment.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Bread – swirl in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or melted chocolate before baking.
- Nutty Pumpkin Bread – add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option – substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Spiced Extra – add ¼ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice for a deeper fall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast or brunch – serve with butter or cream cheese for a cozy morning treat.
- Snack time – pair with coffee, tea, or milk.
- Dessert – drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.
- Gifting – wrap a cooled loaf in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade fall gift.
Why This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Is Perfect for Fall
Pumpkin and chocolate are a match made in autumn heaven. This bread captures the warm spices, sweet chocolate, and soft texture that define fall baking. It’s comforting, satisfying, and versatile enough to enjoy any time of day.
Baking this bread fills your kitchen with the classic scent of fall—cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin blending together beautifully. It’s a simple recipe that delivers maximum flavor without complicated steps.
Whether you’re baking for a casual weekday snack, a festive gathering, or a holiday gift, this Best Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread will impress everyone with its moist texture, rich flavor, and irresistible chocolatey goodness.
YUM!