Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread Recipe

If you’re craving something that perfectly captures the essence of fall with a sweet surprise hidden inside, then Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is your new best friend. This soft and fluffy bread is bursting with warm pumpkin spices and stuffed generously with melty chocolate chips, creating a deliciously cozy treat that’s tender, moist, and irresistibly kid-friendly. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a comforting snack, this bread will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the cake-like texture, rich flavor, and gorgeous autumnal aroma that make this bread unforgettable. Without any complicated additions, you can easily gather everything from your pantry and nearby fridge.

• 1 ¾ cups Flour: Provides the perfect structure to keep the bread soft but sturdy.
• 1 tsp Baking soda: Helps the bread rise just right for a tender crumb.
• ½ tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
• 1 tsp Cinnamon: Adds that classic pumpkin spice warmth we all love.
• ½ tsp Nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a subtle, cozy depth.
• ½ cup Brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and moisture to the bread.
• ½ cup Pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that makes this bread irresistibly moist and colorful.
• 2 Eggs: Bind everything together while enriching the texture.
• ¼ cup Oil: Keeps the bread tender and adds to the richness.
• ½ cup Greek yogurt: Offers creaminess and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• 1 cup Chocolate chips: The sweet, melty pockets of joy inside every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan—this simple prep ensures your bread won’t stick and will come out beautifully golden. Having your oven ready means the bread will bake evenly from the start, which is key for the perfect texture.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination is what gives your bread that unmistakable pumpkin spice aroma and flavor, with the baking soda ensuring the bread rises beautifully and stays fluffy inside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, Greek yogurt, and brown sugar until smooth. This mixture creates a moist, rich batter that’s packed with flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step—getting the wet ingredients creamy and well combined sets the foundation for a perfect loaf.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread. Then fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top for a gorgeous, inviting finish. The chocolate chips melt as the bread bakes, creating luscious streaks throughout each slice.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with perhaps a few melted chocolate smudges). Once baked, allow the bread to cool completely—that wait may be the hardest part but totally worth it, as the flavors meld beautifully and the chocolate firms up into delightful ribbons.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey highlights the bread’s rustic charm perfectly. For extra indulgence, spread a pat of butter or cream cheese while the bread is still slightly warm—this melts deliciously and contrasts wonderfully with the spiced sweetness.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even warm apple cider for a cozy moment any time of day. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an impressive dessert twist that friends and family will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch or holiday gathering, slice the bread thickly and arrange on a wooden board alongside fresh fruit, nuts, and spreads. Or, cube leftovers for a quick bread pudding or French toast that elevates those pumpkin and chocolate flavors into a new breakfast favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap your Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing its tender texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in a freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen bread keeps for up to three months and thaws quickly at room temperature or in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring the bread back to life, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast lightly. This melts the chocolate chips anew and revives the soft, pumpkin-spiced crumb for a comforting treat anytime you want.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée is perfect here and convenient—you don’t need to use fresh pumpkin unless you want to. Just make sure it’s plain purée, not pie filling with added spices or sugar.

Are there alternatives to Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream or even buttermilk for a similar tang and moisture, but Greek yogurt gives the best texture and flavor balance in this bread.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this bread?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make fantastic additions that add extra texture and flavor, complementing both pumpkin and chocolate.

How long does the bread take to bake?

It takes around 50 to 55 minutes, but ovens vary, so start checking at 50 minutes. Look for a clean toothpick with just a few melted chocolate spots to ensure it’s moist and not overbaked.

Is this bread suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a huge hit with kids thanks to its soft texture and sweet chocolate chips—plus, it sneaks in healthy pumpkin in a fun way that kids often enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Making Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug made of autumn flavors and gooey chocolate. It’s easy to bake, simple to love, and perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself. Give this recipe a try and discover just how cozy and comforting homemade pumpkin bread can be.