Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe

The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Fall Baking

Rich chocolate chip pumpkin bread enhances ordinary autumn afternoons into moments of pure comfort.

Sweet seasonal ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a nostalgic treat that captures fall’s warm essence.

Soft, moist textures promise a delightful experience for anyone craving something indulgent yet wholesome.

Warm spices intertwine with decadent chocolate, delivering a sensory journey that feels both familiar and exciting.

Rustic and inviting, this recipe speaks to home bakers who appreciate simple yet sophisticated flavors.

Homemade goodness emerges from basic ingredients, turning an ordinary recipe into something extraordinary.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the best of seasonal baking.

Key Tips for Moist Pumpkin Bread

  • Measure Precisely: Use level measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient quantities for perfect texture.
  • Avoid Overmixing: Stir dry and wet ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense bread.
  • Check Moisture Level: Ensure pumpkin puree is not watery by using canned or well-drained homemade puree for the best consistency.
  • Control Chocolate Distribution: Toss chocolate chips in a bit of flour before adding to prevent sinking to the bottom of the bread.
  • Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick near the center – it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs, indicating perfectly baked bread.

Save and Reheat Pumpkin Bread Like a Pro

  • Store Leftovers
  • Wrap the cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to preserve moisture. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, keeping the bread fresh and delicious. Alternatively, store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
  • Freeze Method
  • Slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months for a quick treat anytime you crave a slice of pumpkin goodness.
  • Reheat Technique
  • Thaw frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast briefly in a toaster oven. Enjoy the bread slightly warmed to enhance its soft texture and rich chocolate chip flavor.

Drinks and Dishes to Serve With It

  • Pair with Creamy Chai Latte: The warm, spicy notes of chai tea perfectly complement the pumpkin and chocolate chip flavors, creating a cozy autumn drinking experience that enhances the bread's rich, comforting taste.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced bread, balancing the chocolate chips and pumpkin with its sweet, creamy texture.
  • Serve Alongside Caramel Apple Cider: The sweet-tart apple cider with a hint of caramel brings out the bread's warm spices and adds a seasonal twist that elevates the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
  • Enjoy with Maple Pecan Butter: Spreading a layer of maple-infused pecan butter adds nutty depth and extra sweetness that complements the pumpkin bread's warm spices and chocolate chips.

Pumpkin Bread Variants to Try This Season

  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and depth of flavor. Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their nutty profile.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Create a cream cheese mixture with softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Swirl the mixture into the batter before baking for a rich, tangy contrast.
  • Spiced Mocha Pumpkin Bread: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder into the dry ingredients and add 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips for a sophisticated coffee-chocolate flavor combination.
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the bread's structure and texture.

Why Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Wins Fall

  • Savor Seasonal Comfort: This chocolate chip pumpkin bread wraps you in warm, cozy autumn flavors that feel like a hug from your favorite sweater, blending sweet chocolate with rich, spiced pumpkin for an irresistible treat.
  • Master Easy Baking Magic: With simple mixing techniques and basic pantry ingredients, anyone can create this delightful quick bread, making it perfect for baking novices and experienced home cooks looking for a foolproof recipe.
  • Versatile Anytime Delight: Whether enjoyed as a decadent breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this bread transitions seamlessly between occasions, satisfying cravings with its moist texture and balanced sweetness that everyone will love.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chocolate chips for nuts, adding a cream cheese glaze, or experimenting with different spice combinations to make this bread uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for bread structure with soft, tender texture.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Crucial leavening agents for bread's light and fluffy rise.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that create classic pumpkin bread flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture, rich color, and signature autumn taste.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures bread remains moist and tender.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and helps activate leavening agents.
  • Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor complexity.
Sweet and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens bread and contributes to caramelized exterior.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds rich, melty chocolate bursts throughout bread.
  • Optional Glaze Ingredients (Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract): Creates sweet, drizzling finish.

Steps to Make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×5 loaf pan and coat it with nonstick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Cloves

Whisk these ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Sugars
  • Oil
  • Buttermilk
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until everything is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Create Bread Batter

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips carefully.

Step 5: Fill Baking Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Cool the Bread

Let the bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Step 8: Add Optional Glaze

Mix glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.

Print
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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade chocolate chip pumpkin bread brings warmth from autumn’s harvest to your kitchen. Moist crumbs filled with spices and rich chocolate create a comforting slice perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons (15–30 milliliters) milk

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously prepare a 9×5 inch (23×13 centimeters) loaf pan by coating with nonstick cooking spray and lining with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and thoroughly combined.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to prevent overmixing, creating a uniform batter with a consistent texture.
  5. Delicately incorporate chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to ensure a balanced flavor profile in each slice.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even, professional-looking top.
  7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating midway through cooking to promote uniform browning.
  8. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it emerges clean with minimal crumbs, the bread is ready.
  9. If the bread’s surface browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent excessive darkening.
  10. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly.
  11. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely to room temperature.
  12. Prepare the glaze by whisking ingredients until achieving a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency.
  13. Once the bread has cooled, elegantly drizzle the glaze over the top, creating an appetizing finishing touch.

Notes

  • Elevate your baking game with this moist, spice-packed pumpkin bread that combines warm autumn flavors with rich chocolate chips.
  • Perfectly balance moisture by not overmixing the batter, which helps create a tender, soft crumb and prevents tough, dense bread.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to ensure smooth blending and consistent texture throughout the loaf.
  • Check doneness early with the toothpick test, covering with foil if browning happens too quickly to prevent burning while ensuring a fully cooked center.
  • Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months for a make-ahead dessert or breakfast treat.
  • Boost flavor complexity by toasting chocolate chips briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the batter, which deepens their rich, caramelized notes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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