The Best Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Chip Recipe
Picture this: your kitchen filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin spice while chocolate chips melt into perfect little pockets of sweetness. This pumpkin bread chocolate chip recipe transforms ordinary fall baking into something extraordinary.
Unlike our popular banana bread recipe, this seasonal treat combines the earthy richness of pumpkin with indulgent chocolate chips for a perfect balance of comfort and decadence that your family will request again and again.
What is Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Chip Recipe?
Ever wondered why we call it “bread” when it’s clearly dessert in disguise? This delightful treat gets its name from its loaf-like shape and cake-like texture that’s perfect for slicing and sharing.
Legend says the first pumpkin bread was created by resourceful bakers who wanted to use up leftover pumpkin puree, and honestly, they were onto something magical! As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – and this recipe is your golden ticket there.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Chip Recipe
Incredibly Moist and Flavorful
This pumpkin bread chocolate chip Recipe delivers the perfect texture every single time. The pumpkin puree creates an incredibly moist crumb that stays fresh for days, while warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a symphony of fall flavors that dance on your taste buds.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking
Making this pumpkin bread chocolate chip Recipe at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at fancy bakeries. With simple pantry staples and one can of pumpkin puree, you’ll create a gourmet-tasting loaf that rivals expensive coffee shop treats.
Customizable Chocolate Goodness
The chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness that complement the earthy pumpkin perfectly. Unlike our classic pumpkin muffin recipe, this bread version allows for generous chocolate distribution throughout each slice, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Ready to fill your home with the most amazing autumn aromas? Let’s get baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Chip Recipe
Quick Overview
This pumpkin bread chocolate Chip recipe is surprisingly simple and incredibly forgiving for bakers of all skill levels. The one-bowl mixing method means minimal cleanup, while the foolproof ingredients create a reliably moist and flavorful result every time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 60-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Difficulty: Easy
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Chip Recipe
Dry Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for coating chips)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust lightly with flour. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Make sure there are no lumps and all spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and water until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be uniform in color with no streaks.
Step 4: Create the Batter Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Chips Toss chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of flour in a small bowl. This coating helps prevent the chips from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips Gently fold the flour-coated chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 7: Bake the Bread Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cool and Serve Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents crumbling and ensures clean cuts.
What to Serve Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Chip Recipe With
This versatile pumpkin bread chocolate chip Recipe pairs beautifully with various accompaniments:
Morning Options:
- Hot coffee or chai tea latte
- Cold milk or almond milk
- Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey
Afternoon Treats:
- Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
- Cream cheese spread for extra richness
- Apple cider or hot chocolate
Special Occasions:
- Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Caramel sauce drizzle
- Fresh berries as a colorful contrast
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Bread Chocolate Chip
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing leads to tough, dense bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined – lumps are your friend here.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree mix more easily and create a smoother batter. Take them out 30 minutes before baking.
Test for Doneness Properly
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If it’s too clean, you might have overbaked.
Choose Quality Chocolate Chips
Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but you can substitute with dark chocolate chips, mini chips, or even white chocolate for variety.
Prevent Sinking Chips
Coating chocolate chips in flour before folding them in prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage: Wrap cooled pumpkin bread chocolate chip Recipe in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bread actually improves in flavor after the first day as the spices meld together.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer freshness, store wrapped bread in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Freezer Storage: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm frozen slices directly in the toaster.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: 15-20 seconds per slice
- Toaster: Toast on medium setting
- Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 300°F for 10-15 minutes
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 35g |
| Sodium | 195mg |
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Healthier Options:
- Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce
- Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour
- Substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for healthy fats
Dietary Modifications:
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free!
- Egg-Free: Substitute with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water)
- Sugar-Free: Use sugar alternatives like stevia or erythritol
Flavor Variations:
- Add ½ cup mini marshmallows for s’mores vibes
- Mix in dried cranberries with the chocolate chips
- Include a cream cheese swirl for extra decadence
- Try cinnamon chips instead of chocolate chips
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Bread is Too Dense: This usually happens from overmixing or using too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off.
Chocolate Chips Sank: Next time, toss chips in flour before adding to prevent sinking. Also, don’t overmix after adding chips.
Bread is Too Dry: Check your oven temperature with a thermometer – it might be running hot. Also ensure you’re measuring pumpkin puree correctly.
Uneven Baking: Rotate your pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots. Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree until smooth. You’ll need about 2 pounds of pumpkin to get 1 cup of puree.
Why is my pumpkin bread so moist?
The pumpkin puree naturally creates moisture, which is what makes this bread so deliciously tender. This is completely normal and desirable!
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter or completely clean.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! You can make two loaves or use the batter for 24 muffins. Just bake them separately for even cooking.
What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?
Pumpkin puree is just cooked, mashed pumpkin with nothing added. Pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sweeteners already mixed in.
Why add water to the recipe?
The water helps create steam during baking, which contributes to the moist texture and helps the bread rise properly.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! This bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. It’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
This pumpkin bread chocolate chip recipe brings together everything we love about fall baking: warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and indulgent chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this foolproof recipe guarantees success every single time. The combination of simple ingredients and easy techniques makes it perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving something deliciously seasonal.
So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create the most amazing pumpkin bread chocolate chip Recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds – and the recipe!
