Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Fall is officially here, and I couldn’t be more excited! There’s just something about the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the smell of baked pumpkin treats wafting through the house that makes this season magical.

Honestly, when it comes to fall flavors, I’m torn between pumpkin and apple—they’re both my favorites! While my Cinnamon Apple Bread is always a hit, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is the one I keep coming back to.

This recipe has all the hallmarks of a perfect fall bake—soft, moist, and packed with warm pumpkin spice.

And let’s not forget the chocolate chips, which add a touch of indulgent sweetness that makes every bite so satisfying.

Best of all? It’s made with pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime the craving hits. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or a little something to enjoy with your coffee, this loaf has you covered!

And the smell? Oh, it takes me right back to family gatherings and holiday baking traditions, filling the house with cozy vibes. If you love quick and easy bakes with big flavors, you’ve got to try this one!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

• Easy to Make: One bowl is all you need! Less mess, fewer dishes—what’s not to love?
• Basic Ingredients: Flour, eggs, oil… just the essentials you likely already have on hand.
• Quick Prep: Ready to pop in the oven with only 10 minutes of prep. Couldn’t be easier!
• Full of Pumpkin Flavor: Made with real pumpkin puree and spiced with cinnamon for that perfect fall flavor.
• Soft and Moist: Thanks to the oil and pumpkin, the bread stays wonderfully soft and moist for days.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday party, or just sharing with friends, this is a crowd-pleaser.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead, freeze it, and enjoy it whenever you’re ready.

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this irresistibly easy pumpkin bread:

• Eggs: Large eggs at room temperature work best for a smooth, even texture. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
• Vegetable Oil: Oil is the secret to keeping your pumpkin bread super moist and soft, and it helps the texture stay perfect for days.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives the bread a nice rise and makes it light and fluffy—just what you want!
• Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works like a charm in this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar is ideal, but if you want a deeper, richer flavor, you can experiment with brown sugar for that caramel-like hint.
• Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to grab canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling has added sugars and spices.
• Pumpkin Spice: Pre-made pumpkin spice mixes are super convenient, but I love making my own with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that extra homemade touch.
• Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract makes a world of difference—go for the real deal to enhance those cozy flavors.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness and balance the spices. It’s a small step, but so important!
• Chocolate Chips: Unsweetened dark chocolate chips work great for this, but feel free to use regular dark chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter bite.

How To Make Pumpkin Bread

This delicious pumpkin bread recipe is much easier to make than it might seem! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, cozy loaf in no time. If it feels like a lot of work at first, trust me, it’s not—here’s everything you need to do:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This makes it so much easier to remove the loaf when it’s ready—trust me, you don’t want it sticking!

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until smooth. No lumps, just a silky batter full of fall flavor.

Add Dry Ingredients: Next, gently stir in the flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice (or cinnamon), and salt. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make your loaf too dense, and we want it soft and fluffy!

Fold in Chocolate Chips: Time to fold in the chocolate chips! Stir them in gently, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The melty chocolate surprises in every bite are the best part!

Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If you notice the top browning too quickly, just cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Cool & Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This part is important—it helps the loaf set so you get nice, clean slices. Once it’s cool, slice it up and enjoy your delicious, pumpkin-packed bread with melty chocolate chips!

My Favorite Ways To Serve Pumpkin Bread

• With Butter or Cream Cheese: Spread a bit of butter or cream cheese on a warm slice for added richness. For a twist, try flavored cream cheese like cinnamon or honey!
• Toasted with Jam: Toast a slice until golden, then top with your favorite fruit jam or preserves for a sweet treat with a bit of crunch.
• Pumpkin Bread French Toast: Take it to the next level by dipping slices in an egg mixture and cooking them like French toast. Serve with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar—hello, festive breakfast!
• With Nut Butters: Almond, peanut, or cashew butter on top of a slice? Yes, please! It adds protein and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Served with Yogurt: For a healthy option, pair a slice with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. It’s a balanced snack or breakfast that’s oh-so-satisfying.
• With Fresh Fruit: Add a slice to a plate of fresh fruit for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, spiced bread.

Storing Ideas

To keep your pumpkin bread fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Here are some easy storing tips to help you enjoy it for longer:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your pumpkin bread within a day or two, store it at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it moist and ready to eat!
• Fridge: For longer storage (up to a week), place the bread in the fridge. Make sure it’s wrapped well in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezer: To keep it for an extended period, freezing is the way to go! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to two months. Pro tip: Slice the bread before freezing for easy portioning—just grab a slice whenever you want!