2024 Amazing Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

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Chocolate chip pumpkin bread has always been my favorite way to welcome autumn. I can still remember the first time I smelled it baking in my mom’s kitchen – that warm, spicy aroma mixed with sweet chocolate was pure magic! This recipe is my go-to for an easy chocolate chip pumpkin bread that’s incredibly moist and bursting with comforting fall flavors. It’s the perfect balance of sweet pumpkin and rich chocolate chips, making it a delightful treat any time of day. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

The taste is absolutely incredible – a perfect blend of earthy pumpkin and sweet, melty chocolate.
It’s surprisingly quick to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
You get a wonderfully moist chocolate chip pumpkin bread that never disappoints.
It’s a budget-friendly bake, using simple pantry staples you likely already have.
The aroma while baking will fill your home with cozy fall vibes.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults adore.
You’ll achieve a perfectly tender and moist chocolate chip pumpkin bread every single time.
It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover pumpkin puree.

Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Gathering the right chocolate chip pumpkin bread ingredients is key to achieving that perfect loaf. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful pumpkin bread with chocolate chips:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of our bread, providing structure.
1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar – The combination of sugars gives our bread sweetness and moisture.
1 teaspoon baking soda – This is our leavening agent, helping the bread rise.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – These spices are essential for that classic fall flavor.
2 large eggs – They bind everything together and add richness.
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) – This is the star ingredient, providing moisture and that lovely pumpkin flavor. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree!
1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter – Either works to keep the bread tender and moist.
1/4 cup milk – Adds extra moisture to the batter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances all the other flavors.
3/4 cup chocolate chips – The perfect sweet surprise in every bite!

How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your loaf pan by greasing and flouring it, or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. This simple step ensures your beautiful pumpkin bread doesn’t stick.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. Getting these combined well ensures even distribution of leavening and spices throughout the loaf.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients until they’re smooth. This includes 2 large eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. You want this mixture to be well combined, with no streaks of egg yolk.
Step 4: Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the wet ingredients from Step 3 into the dry ingredients from Step 2. Mix everything with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. It’s really important not to over-mix the batter; stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread, and we want a tender loaf for this pumpkin chocolate chip bread recipe.
Step 5: Gently fold in the 3/4 cup chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top gently with your spatula.
Step 7: Bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch. This baking time is crucial for the perfect pumpkin chocolate chip bread recipe.

Step 8: Once baked, let the easy chocolate chip pumpkin bread cool in the loaf pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This allows it to set up slightly before you remove it.
Step 9: Carefully invert the pan or lift the bread out using the parchment paper. Place the loaf directly on the wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoying this delicious homemade treat is the best part of the pumpkin chocolate chip bread recipe!

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Want to elevate your baking game? These simple tips will ensure your loaf is always a winner:

Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling has added spices and sweeteners that can alter the flavor and texture of your bread.
Don’t over-mix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can lead to a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender one.
For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting your chocolate chips lightly before folding them into the batter. It brings out their rich, deep chocolatey taste.
If you like a crunchier top, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar or some chopped pecans over the batter before baking. You can find more baking tips on our about page.

What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread?

The secret to a truly perfect and moist chocolate chip pumpkin bread lies in the balance of wet ingredients and not over-mixing. Using pumpkin puree and oil (or butter) provides essential moisture, while a light hand when combining ingredients prevents toughness. For more baking insights, check out our contact page.

Can I make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. For baked bread, it stores well at room temperature for a few days. Learn more about our privacy policy for details on data handling.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread?

A common pitfall is using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree, which can make your bread too sweet or oddly spiced. Also, over-mixing the batter is a big no-no; this is often why is my chocolate chip pumpkin bread dry and tough. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated. For more information on baking, you can visit this sample page.

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Loaf

This versatile loaf is delicious served in so many ways! For a simple treat, a thick slice of warm chocolate chip pumpkin loaf on its own is pure comfort. I love it toasted with a smear of butter – it brings out the warm spices and gooey chocolate chips beautifully.

For a more decadent experience, try it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re enjoying this as a breakfast or brunch item, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte, making it a perfect complement to a cozy chocolate chip pumpkin spice bread experience. It’s truly a delightful treat any time of day!

Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per slice of this delicious chocolate chip pumpkin bread:

Calories: 280 kcal
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 260mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used and portion size. For more details on our recipes, visit our recipes page.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Proper storage is key to keeping your chocolate chip pumpkin bread fresh and delicious. Once your loaf has completely cooled on the wire rack, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents it from drying out and keeps that wonderful moisture locked in. Store it at room temperature, and it should remain delightful for about 3 to 4 days.

For longer storage, freezing is your best friend. Wrap your cooled chocolate chip pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply unwrap it and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

What makes pumpkin bread so moist?

The magic behind a moist loaf often comes down to the pumpkin puree itself, which adds natural moisture and a tender crumb. Using oil or melted butter also contributes significantly to a rich, moist texture. When learning how to make chocolate chip pumpkin bread, remember that these wet ingredients are crucial for that desired softness. You can learn more about our about page for more baking tips.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices, which can throw off the flavor balance and sweetness of your bread. Using the wrong type of pumpkin is a common mistake that can lead to a less-than-ideal result when you’re trying to figure out how to make chocolate chip pumpkin bread correctly. For more baking advice, consider our contact us page.

How do I get more flavor in my pumpkin bread?

Enhance the flavor by using a good blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice. For an extra kick, consider adding a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. Don’t forget the quality of your chocolate chips, too – a good dark chocolate can really make the flavors pop!

My chocolate chip pumpkin bread is a little dry. What went wrong?

Typically, a dry loaf means it was either over-baked or the batter was over-mixed. When you’re learning how to make chocolate chip pumpkin bread, be mindful of the baking time and stop mixing the batter as soon as the dry ingredients are just combined. Baking at the correct temperature and for the right duration is key to preventing dryness.

Variations of Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, why not get creative? There are so many delicious ways to switch up your chocolate chip pumpkin bread. For those looking for a lighter option, consider a healthy chocolate chip pumpkin bread by swapping some of the oil for unsweetened applesauce and using whole wheat flour. You can also easily make it a vegan chocolate chip pumpkin bread by using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.

Don’t want to bake a loaf? Try cupcakes! Pour the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners, reducing the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. For a flavor boost, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips, or even swirl in some cream cheese frosting before baking for an extra decadent treat.