Pumpkin bread with chocolate chips is the ultimate fall dessert. It’s a delightful treat that combines the moist richness of pumpkin bread with the sweet, melty goodness of chocolate chips. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re looking for a delicious pumpkin bread recipe or seeking a comforting pumpkin dessert, this irresistible combination of pumpkin and chocolate is sure to become your new favorite.
With a rich, tender loaf and a touch of sweetness from the chocolate chips, this pumpkin bread is perfect for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or simply as a snack. Let’s dive in and learn how to make the best pumpkin bread with chocolate chips!
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What Makes This Pumpkin Bread Recipe Stand Out
There are many bread recipes sweet out there, but this one has that perfect fall flair. The pumpkin bread recipe combines the warmth of pumpkin with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips, giving it a decadent touch that elevates the usual pumpkin loaf. The bread is moist, tender, and so easy to make!
Plus, pumpkin isn’t just for pies or lattes—it’s a versatile ingredient that adds moisture and a slight natural sweetness, which is perfect in bread recipes homemade. By folding in chocolate chips, you introduce a melt-in-your-mouth element that everyone loves, making this bread an even more indulgent experience.
This pumpkin chocolate chip bread is everything you want in a fall dessert, all in one loaf: flavorful, comforting, and full of autumnal spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Pumpkin Bread
To create the perfect pumpkin bread with chocolate chips, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
This combination of ingredients creates the perfect pumpkin dessert bread that is both light and moist, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Baking Sweet Pumpkin Bread
Before we begin, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric hand mixer
- Rubber spatula or spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
These tools will make the baking process smooth and help ensure your bread recipes pumpkin turn out perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Pumpkin Bread
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this bowl aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients into the Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the light texture of the bread.
5. Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the Batter into the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake the Bread
Bake the pumpkin bread in the preheated oven for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so be sure to check around the 60-minute mark.
8. Cool the Bread
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Now, if you prefer chocolate chip muffins, you can easily adapt this recipe! Simply pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
How to Add Chocolate Chips for the Best Pumpkin Dessert Bread
While you can choose from a variety of chocolate chips, I recommend using semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best balance of sweetness. You can also use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter loaf or dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet bread.
If you want a more decadent treat, feel free to add a few extra chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking—this gives it a beautiful finish and an extra burst of chocolate in every bite!
For more chocolate pumpkin treats, try this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe next.
Tips for Baking Perfect Pumpkin Bread Every Time
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for the most vibrant pumpkin flavor. If you’re using canned pumpkin, be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Don’t overmix the batter—mixing just until combined helps the bread rise beautifully without being too dense.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If there’s wet batter, it needs a bit more time.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to allow the texture to set.
Pumpkin Bread Variations and Substitutions
While this pumpkin bread recipe is perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it:
- Add nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be folded into the batter for a nutty crunch.
- Make it healthier: Use whole wheat flour or a blend of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Vegan variation: Replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water), and swap the oil for coconut oil.
- Spiced variations: Add pumpkin pie spice for a stronger flavor profile or include cloves for added warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Pumpkin Dessert Bread
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements make a huge difference, especially with flour and sugar.
- Opening the oven door too soon: Resist the temptation to check the bread early! Opening the oven door before 50 minutes could cause the bread to sink.
- Overmixing the batter: This will result in a dense loaf instead of a light, fluffy texture.
Serving Ideas and Creative Presentation for Pumpkin Bread
- Top with whipped cream: After frosting your bread with some cream cheese icing or whipped cream, top with a dusting of cinnamon.
- Serve with a warm drink: Pair a slice with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or pumpkin spice latte.
- Add a glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze or cream cheese glaze over the top for an extra indulgent treat.
If you’re looking to impress guests, serve your pumpkin bread with a side of Caramelized Apple Salad.
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Storage
Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. You can also store it in the fridge for up to a week, but it may lose some of its moisture.
Freezing
Wrap the bread in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature or heat slices in the microwave.
What to Pair with Pumpkin Bread: Drinks and Sides
Pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of drinks and sides:
- Hot beverages: Serve with a pumpkin spice latte, chai tea, or a cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy experience.
- Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the bread.
- Cheese: A mild cheese like cream cheese or even cheddar pairs well with the sweetness of pumpkin bread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pumpkin puree is great, just make sure it’s well-drained before adding it to the batter.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 18–20 minutes.
How long can I store pumpkin bread?
Pumpkin bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Why This Pumpkin Bread Recipe is Perfect for Fall
This pumpkin bread with chocolate chips is the ultimate fall dessert. It’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to quiet afternoons with a good book. The chocolate chips elevate the bread, making it a decadent treat for pumpkin lovers.
PrintIrresistible Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips – The Ultimate Fall Dessert
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips combines the warmth of fall spices with the richness of chocolate, creating a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for any occasion. It’s a cozy, indulgent treat for the fall season.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients into wet, mixing gently until just combined.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 60–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Don’t overmix: Stir the ingredients until just combined to avoid a dense loaf.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree: Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
- Check for doneness: Start checking the bread at 55 minutes with a toothpick to ensure it’s not undercooked.
- Cool before slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely to prevent it from falling apart during slicing.
- Substitutions: You can replace vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor or use gluten-free flour for a GF option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Bread, Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, Fall Dessert, Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips, Easy Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Loaf Recipe, Autumn Dessert, Spiced Pumpkin Bread, Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Loaf