Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread (Moist + Easy Recipe)

Every October, my kitchen starts smelling like cinnamon, spice, and something chocolatey. That’s when I know it’s time for pumpkin chocolate chip bread. It’s warm, rich, and makes the house feel like a big cozy sweater. I baked two loaves last weekend, and one disappeared before it even cooled. This one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

A cozy fall favorite with a chocolatey twist

Pumpkin and chocolate chips make the best kind of pair — comforting, rich, and just sweet enough. The pumpkin brings a deep, earthy sweetness that feels warm and familiar, while the chocolate chips melt into little pockets of joy. Every bite of this pumpkin chocolate chip bread tastes like a cozy fall afternoon. The crumb is soft and tender, with just the right balance of spice and sweetness. It’s the kind of treat that feels bakery-worthy, but you made it right at home with everyday pantry staples. Whether for breakfast or dessert, this bread always hits the spot — and then some.

Simple pantry ingredients and no mixer needed

This pumpkin chocolate chip bread recipe is wonderfully unfussy and perfect for real-life baking. You won’t need a mixer or any fancy tools—just two bowls, a whisk, and a handful of pantry staples. It comes together quickly, making it great for weeknights or lazy Sunday mornings. The pumpkin not only adds rich, cozy flavor, but also keeps the bread incredibly moist for days. In fact, the texture gets even better after it rests overnight. Whether you’re baking for your family or sharing with friends, this pumpkin chocolate chip bread delivers warmth and sweetness in every slice, with almost no effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key dry ingredients

You’ll need all-purpose flour as your base for this pumpkin chocolate chip bread. It gives the bread structure and holds everything together. Next, baking powder and baking soda help it rise and stay soft inside, with just the right amount of lift. Don’t skip the salt — it balances the sweetness and brings out the warm flavors. Finally, pumpkin pie spice adds that irresistible fall aroma. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blended in, it turns this simple loaf into a cozy, seasonal favorite. These dry ingredients work together to create a perfectly spiced, tender pumpkin chocolate chip bread every time.

Moisture boosters and sweeteners

Canned pumpkin gives moisture and body (just don’t use pie filling). You’ll also use a mix of brown and granulated sugar. For extra softness, choose applesauce or canola oil — both work great.

Flavor and mix-ins

Vanilla adds warmth, and eggs hold it all together. Then come the chocolate chips — 1½ cups plus some minis for the top. They melt right into the bread and give it that craveable richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the pans and oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8×4-inch loaf pans with parchment paper. This makes the loaves pop right out.

Mix dry and wet ingredients separately

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. In a second bowl, whisk the pumpkin, sugars, oil or applesauce, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

Combine, fold, and fill the pans

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until it comes together. Fold in the chocolate chips gently. Don’t overmix — that’s how you keep the crumb tender.

Divide the batter evenly between your pans. Sprinkle some reserved mini chips on top for that pretty, bakery-style look.

Bake, test, and cool

Bake for 50–55 minutes. Around the 50-minute mark, insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then lift them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread Every Time

How to check for doneness

Look for golden brown tops with a gentle rise and slight cracking across the surface — that’s a good sign your pumpkin chocolate chip bread is nearly done. Insert a toothpick right into the center of the loaf. It should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not wet batter. If the toothpick looks gooey or shiny, return the bread to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes. Then test again. Every oven is a little different, so trust the toothpick test over the clock. Perfectly baked pumpkin chocolate chip bread will feel soft but fully set inside.

Getting the best texture and rise

Don’t overmix the batter — gentle folding is key. Also, room-temperature eggs blend better and help everything rise evenly.

Storage and freezing

This bread stays fresh for 4–5 days at room temp if wrapped well. You can freeze a whole loaf or slices. Just thaw at room temp and warm gently.

Easy Variations You Can Try

Ingredient swaps (chips, nuts, fruits)

Feel free to swap chocolate chips with chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or dried cranberries. Butterscotch chips or white chocolate add fun twists too.

Optional toppings and glazes

Try a drizzle of melted chocolate or a powdered sugar glaze. Or spread slices with pumpkin butter or cinnamon cream cheese. Totally worth it.

What Goes Well with Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Breakfast and snack pairing ideas

Enjoy a slice with coffee, chai, or warm apple cider. It’s also perfect with yogurt or cottage cheese for breakfast.

Toppings and spreads

Honey butter, pumpkin butter, or just a simple swipe of salted butter takes this pumpkin chocolate chip bread to the next level. The creamy richness adds contrast to the soft, spiced crumb, making every bite feel cozy and indulgent. My kids love it slightly warm, especially with a cold glass of milk on the side. It’s their favorite after-school snack, and honestly, mine too. You can even toast a slice for breakfast and spread on some cinnamon cream cheese. However you serve it, pumpkin chocolate chip bread pairs beautifully with a comforting topping and a quiet moment to enjoy it.

Explore Similar Recipes

If pumpkin baking is your thing, check out this Moist Pumpkin Bread with Stunning Fall Flavor & Texture or these Easy Pumpkin Muffins That Are Soft and Irresistible. For dessert lovers, the Pumpkin Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies Recipe – Remarkably Delicious are always a hit.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe Card

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