Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

There’s something magical about that first whiff of chocolate chip pumpkin bread baking in the oven. It takes me back to my mama’s kitchen in Arkansas—she’d make a loaf every October when the air first turned crisp. The scent of cinnamon and cloves would drift through the house, and we’d all hover near the oven, waiting for the moment she gave the okay to slice it warm. I remember licking chocolate off my fingers while she smiled, knowing full well I was sneaking extra chips from the bowl.

This chocolate chip pumpkin bread recipe captures all of that nostalgia—soft, warmly spiced, and packed with melty chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weekend or baking ahead for Thanksgiving, it’s the kind of treat that wraps you up like a blanket.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate chip pumpkin bread is like autumn baked into a loaf. The warm spices paired with rich chocolate chips make each slice irresistible.

It’s easy enough for a beginner, yet feels bakery-special. Ready in about an hour, this quick bread fits perfectly into your weekend baking routine or weekday meal prep.

Kids love the gooey chocolate chips, while grown-ups appreciate the depth from cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. It’s a crowd-pleaser whether you serve it for brunch or as a late-night snack with tea.

You can slice it thick for breakfast, thin for afternoon coffee, or serve it warm with butter for dessert. However you enjoy it, this chocolate chip pumpkin bread belongs on your fall table.

It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift—just wrap in parchment and tie with twine. Delicious and heartfelt.

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Ingredient Overview

This chocolate chip pumpkin bread has all the comforting flavors of fall with just the right touch of indulgence. It’s moist, chocolatey, and warmly spiced—everything a cozy loaf should be.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bread its soft, tender crumb while holding everything together.

• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensure a beautiful rise and airy texture.

• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the warm, sweet flavors.

• Ground Cinnamon, Cloves & Nutmeg: These three bring classic pumpkin spice flavor and irresistible aroma.

• Cooking Oil: Keeps the loaf moist and tender without being greasy.

• Eggs: Bind the batter and give it a rich structure.

• Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps caramelize the edges.

• Vanilla: Adds depth and warmth to balance the pumpkin and chocolate.

• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient—it adds moisture, earthy sweetness, and that unmistakable autumn flavor.

• Chocolate Chips: Rich and melty, they dot every bite with delicious bursts of chocolate. Use half in the batter and half on top for extra visual appeal.

Styling tip: sprinkle a few extra chips on top before baking—they’ll melt slightly and create a gorgeous, bakery-style finish.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8x4x3-inch loaf pan with oil spray to prevent sticking. This ensures your chocolate chip pumpkin bread lifts right out with beautiful, golden edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp cloves, and ½ tsp nutmeg. This aromatic blend gives your chocolate chip pumpkin bread its signature spiced flavor.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 oz cooking oil, 2 large eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 cup pumpkin purée. Whisk until smooth and creamy. The pumpkin brings warmth and moisture to every slice of your chocolate chip pumpkin bread.

Step 4: Add Chocolate and Combine

Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the wet mixture. Then gently fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix or your chocolate chip pumpkin bread may become dense.

Step 5: Fill the Pan and Top with Chips

Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips over the top for that picture-perfect finish. Tip: Press them in lightly so they bake into the top of your chocolate chip pumpkin bread just right.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Bake for 50–60 minutes. To test, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no batter), your chocolate chip pumpkin bread is ready to cool.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool fully before slicing so it holds together. The wait is the hardest part—but trust me, it’s worth it.

Now that your chocolate chip pumpkin bread is coming together beautifully, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations!

Pro Tips

Use room temperature ingredients. This helps your eggs and pumpkin purée mix smoothly, giving your chocolate chip pumpkin bread an even, fluffy texture.

Measure flour correctly. Spoon it into the cup and level it off—packing it down can lead to a dry loaf, and we want our chocolate chip pumpkin bread tender and moist every time.

Don’t skip the spices. Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create that classic autumn flavor. You can substitute with pumpkin pie spice, but I love the richness you get with the individual spices in chocolate chip pumpkin bread.

Check early. All ovens vary slightly. Begin checking your chocolate chip pumpkin bread around 50 minutes. If the top is golden and a toothpick tests clean, pull it out to avoid overbaking.

Store it right. Once cool, wrap your chocolate chip pumpkin bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It keeps wonderfully for 3–4 days at room temp, or a week in the fridge. You can even freeze it!

Want more fall baking inspiration? You’ll love my Fall Baking Recipes collection for cozy treats just like this.

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a satisfying crunch in every slice of your chocolate chip pumpkin bread. Toast them first for even deeper flavor.

Try white chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a sweeter twist. It balances beautifully with the warm pumpkin spice in this chocolate chip pumpkin bread.

Make it gluten-free by swapping in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture stays soft and comforting with no compromise.

Want something extra decadent? Swirl in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese before baking. You’ll end up with a marbled chocolate chip pumpkin bread that tastes like dessert.

Mini loaves make great gifts or lunchbox treats. This recipe works beautifully for smaller pans—just reduce baking time to 30–35 minutes.

Explore even more loaf-size ideas in my Mini Loaf Pan Recipes to keep your baking fresh and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

There’s nothing quite like a thick, warm slice of chocolate chip pumpkin bread served with a mug of hot coffee or apple cider. It’s dreamy at breakfast alongside scrambled eggs or a dollop of Greek yogurt. You can also serve it for dessert with a drizzle of maple glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It makes a lovely companion to your fall brunch spread—especially when paired with other cozy recipes like my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or Pumpkin Bread Recipe. Whether you’re hosting a harvest gathering or just cozying up for a weekend treat, this chocolate chip pumpkin bread brings warmth and comfort to the table.

Conclusion

Baking this chocolate chip pumpkin bread is more than just making a loaf—it’s creating a little ritual of fall joy. From that first whiff of spices to the last crumb shared around the table, this recipe brings people together in the simplest, most meaningful way. It’s the kind of bake that feels like a hug—something you pass down, gift to neighbors, or tuck into a lunchbox as a little surprise. I hope this loaf brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine.

If you give this chocolate chip pumpkin bread a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your favorite add-ins or little family tweaks in the comments below. And don’t forget to tag your bakes on social media so I can see your delicious creations!

Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!