Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe

Meet your new fall baking obsession: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread. Imagine every cozy, cinnamon-scented autumn craving wrapped up in a tender loaf, dotted with melted chocolate chips and infused with irresistible pumpkin spice flavor. It’s that magical treat you want with your morning coffee, as a snack, or after-dinner delight—trust me, you’re going to crave “just one more slice” of this pumpkin bread all season long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with kitchen staples and a couple of fall favorites. Each ingredient has a job—whether it’s making the bread fluffy, flavorful, or packing in that signature “wow” factor that sets this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread apart from the rest.

• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that gives the bread its structure while staying light and tender.
• Salt: Don’t skip it—just a teaspoon sharpens all those delicious pumpkin spice and chocolate flavors.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: This duo ensures a sky-high rise and an airy, moist crumb.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The fall magic—it delivers cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove in one simple spoonful.
• Canned Pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling): Pure pumpkin brings unbeatable moistness and gorgeous color. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not the pre-sweetened, spiced stuff!
• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Two sugars add balanced sweetness and keep the crumb perfectly soft.
• Applesauce or Canola Oil: Both work beautifully—applesauce for a lighter loaf, oil for maximum richness.
• Eggs (room temperature): These bind everything together and help create that dreamy, cake-like texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla enhances warmth and brings out those chocolate notes.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips & Mini Chocolate Chips: A perfect mix for gooey, melty bits and pretty presentation on top. Save a handful of minis to sprinkle over each loaf before baking!

Variations

The beauty of homemade bread is its versatility! This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread plays well with creative tweaks—whether you’re making things allergy-friendly, even more indulgent, or simply using what’s in your pantry.

• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with your go-to gluten-free blend (with xanthan gum) for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty contrast.
• Lighten It Up: Choose applesauce instead of oil and reduce sugar by ¼ cup for a lower-calorie (but still moist and flavorsome) loaf.
• Try Different Chips: Play with white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a fun flavor twist.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F for even baking. Don’t forget to grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans and line them with parchment paper—it makes removing the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread a total breeze later on.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. This helps everything blend evenly later and ensures each bite is full of spice and lightness.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce or canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until gloriously smooth. The aroma of pumpkin and vanilla alone is enough to make your mouth water!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir gently and only until just combined—overmixing is the enemy of tender bread, so stop as soon as the batter comes together and no major flour streaks remain.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Add your regular and mini chocolate chips, saving a couple tablespoons of the minis for topping. Fold them in gently with a spatula, making sure those chocolatey treasures are spread throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle the reserved mini chips over the tops and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean (a little melted chocolate on the pick is perfect!). Let the loaves cool for 10 minutes before turning them out. Cool completely on a rack so they slice cleanly and stay ultra-moist.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, dust the cooled bread with a little powdered sugar before serving, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. A swirl of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes every slice of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread feel like a celebration.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread with fresh fruit, a steaming mug of spiced chai tea, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. For brunch, serve it alongside eggs and bacon for a sweet-and-savory contrast everyone will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the loaf and arranging the pieces on a rustic wooden board with chocolate shavings and roasted pumpkin seeds for a festive dessert platter. Or, cut thick slices into cubes for an eye-catching bread “trifle” layered with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread will stay fabulously moist for up to four days when tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container on the counter. If you plan to keep it longer, move it to the fridge for about a week (let it come to room temp before eating for best texture).

Freezing

This bread is a dream for freezing! Wrap cooled, whole loaves or individual slices securely in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll taste fresh for up to three months—perfect for make-ahead holiday baking.

Reheating

To revive leftover slices, simply warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or toast lightly in the oven. If frozen, thaw at room temperature (still wrapped) before reheating so the loaf stays soft and extra moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for the comforting flavors of fall—warm spice, sweet pumpkin, gooey chocolate—this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread never disappoints. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself (no judgment here!), be prepared for a recipe that’s as reliable as it is irresistible. Bake a batch, savor a slice, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe on repeat all season long!

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