Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Why Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is the Ultimate Fall Treat

Fall baking has a special place in many hearts, and pumpkin bread is a seasonal staple. Add chocolate chips, and you get a match made in heaven — the rich sweetness of chocolate perfectly complements the warm spices and earthy pumpkin flavor. This bread is moist, soft, and fluffy with just the right amount of spice and sweetness, making it an all-time favorite for families, friends, and holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups pumpkin purée (fresh or canned)

• ¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist)

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

The Star Ingredient:

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus a handful extra for topping)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. A loaf pan creates that perfect tall, fluffy bread shape.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic finish.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Sifting helps to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the bread dense and tough, so be gentle.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Add 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips to the batter and gently fold them in. These melty bits will provide delicious bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Pour Batter and Add Toppings

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle a handful of extra chocolate chips on top for a pretty, melty finish after baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the bread browns too quickly on top, tent with foil halfway through baking.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step ensures the bread sets well and slices neatly.

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Tips & Tricks for Baking the Best Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

• Use room temperature eggs and pumpkin purée for better incorporation and smoother batter.

• Don’t skip sifting the dry ingredients; it prevents lumps and gives a light crumb.

• Avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added to keep your bread tender and fluffy.

• Add nuts (walnuts or pecans) if you want extra texture and a nutty flavor.

• Try bittersweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste, or white chocolate chips for a twist.

• Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

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Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin in Your Bread

Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense powerhouse filled with vitamin A, antioxidants, fiber, and potassium. Baking pumpkin into your bread means you’re sneaking in some health benefits while indulging in a comforting treat! Plus, pumpkin’s natural moisture means you can reduce added fats without sacrificing texture.

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How to Serve Your Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate. Serve slices toasted with butter for breakfast or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also makes an excellent snack to pack in lunchboxes or to enjoy during a cozy autumn picnic.

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Variations to Make It Your Own

Gluten-Free Version

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free.

Vegan Adaptation

Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), use coconut oil, and vegan chocolate chips.

Pumpkin Nut Bread

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for an irresistible crunch.

Spiced Up

Add a dash of cayenne or a pinch of black pepper for a spicy kick that complements the chocolate and pumpkin.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned pumpkin purée?

A: Yes! Canned pumpkin purée is perfect for this recipe and convenient. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices.

Q: Can I substitute chocolate chips with chunks or another type of chocolate?

A: Absolutely! Chopped chocolate bars or white chocolate chips work beautifully. Just use the same quantity.

Q: How long does this pumpkin bread stay fresh?

A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Refrigerate to extend shelf life up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

A: Yes, bake the batter in a muffin tin at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test doneness with a toothpick.

Q: Is it possible to reduce sugar in this recipe?

A: You can reduce sugar by up to ¼ cup but keep in mind the chocolate chips add sweetness, so balance accordingly.

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Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

This chocolate chip pumpkin bread recipe is a celebration of fall flavors wrapped in a moist, fluffy loaf. It’s straightforward to make in one bowl, doesn’t require fancy equipment, and yields a crowd-pleasing dessert or snack that everyone will ask for again and again. Perfect for family baking days, cozy weekend breakfasts, or holiday gift-giving, this bread brings warmth and happiness to any table.