When the air turns crisp and pumpkin spice takes center stage, nothing beats a slice of warm, tender Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread. This fall-inspired treat combines the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin with the sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a perfectly balanced loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and completely addictive. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee or served as an after-dinner indulgence, this bread is a must-bake recipe that brings comfort and warmth with every bite.
What makes this pumpkin bread stand out? It’s the perfect marriage of spices, the luxuriously soft crumb, and the pockets of melty chocolate that elevate it from a simple loaf to a bakery-worthy delight. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make and freezes beautifully—ideal for make-ahead treats and holiday gifting.
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Their Roles
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
Provides the structure for the bread while allowing a tender crumb. - 1 teaspoon baking soda
Gives the bread a light rise and keeps it from being too dense. - ½ teaspoon baking powder
Adds additional leavening support for an evenly domed loaf. - ½ teaspoon salt
Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Delivers the classic warm spice note associated with pumpkin desserts. - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Adds depth and a subtle, aromatic heat. - ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Provides a rich, earthy spice that complements the pumpkin. - ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Lends a zesty, fragrant bite that brightens the flavor profile. - 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
Sweetens the bread and helps develop a golden crust. - ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor for richness. - 2 large eggs
Bind the ingredients together and contribute to structure and moisture. - ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
Ensures a moist, tender texture that stays soft for days. - 1¾ cups (400g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
The star ingredient—adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and a lovely orange hue. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note. - 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Bring rich bursts of chocolate in every bite, perfectly complementing the spiced pumpkin.
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and prep.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger). Set aside.
3. Combine the wet ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
4. Combine wet and dry.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top before baking for visual appeal.
6. Bake.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Related Article: Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert You Can Make at Home
Why This Recipe Is Loved
This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is beloved for its superior texture, complex spice profile, and the perfect ratio of chocolate to pumpkin. It’s moist without being soggy, flavorful without being overpowering, and sweet without being cloying.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Pumpkin Bread
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter; mix just until the dry ingredients disappear.
- Test for doneness at the 55-minute mark and every few minutes after. Overbaking can dry out the loaf.
- Use mini chocolate chips for more even distribution, or mix in dark chocolate chunks for a more intense cocoa experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices warm with a smear of butter or cream cheese for a cozy breakfast or snack. Pair with a chai latte or spiced tea for a true autumnal treat. For dessert, toast a slice and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
u003cstrongu003e1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, you can substitute fresh pumpkin puree for canned. Roast and puree your pumpkin until smooth, then strain out excess moisture. Use the same amount (1¾ cups), but note that flavor and texture may vary slightly.
u003cstrongu003e2. Why is my pumpkin bread too dense or gummy?u003c/strongu003e
This usually happens when the batter is u003cstrongu003eovermixedu003c/strongu003e or u003cstrongu003eundercookedu003c/strongu003e. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and always check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
u003cstrongu003e3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?u003c/strongu003e
Absolutely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a u003cstrongu003e1:1 gluten-free flour blendu003c/strongu003e that includes xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different, but still moist and flavorful.
u003cstrongu003e4. How should I store Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread?u003c/strongu003e
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to u003cstrongu003e3 daysu003c/strongu003e. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or u003cstrongu003efreezeu003c/strongu003e for up to u003cstrongu003e3 monthsu003c/strongu003e. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Conclusion: Simple, Seasonal, and Absolutely Delicious
Whether you’re celebrating fall or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread delivers on all fronts. With its moist crumb, aromatic spices, and bursts of melty chocolate, it’s the kind of recipe that gets requested again and again. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this loaf is destined to become a seasonal staple—or a year-round favorite.
For those searching for the best chocolate chip pumpkin bread, look no further. This recipe hits every mark for flavor, texture, and ease, ensuring it will stand out in any kitchen or search engine.
Related Article: Mini Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread | Moist & Easy Recipe
Print
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful pumpkin bread embedded with rich chocolate chips, perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
- 1¾ cups (400g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with reserved chocolate chips. Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use pure pumpkin puree for best results. Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg