Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Pumpkin chocolate chip bread is a lovely fusion of seasonal flavors coming together in a moist, delightful loaf. The warm spices pair beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate, creating a treat that’s comforting and rewarding in every bite. With a texture that’s perfectly tender, this bread is set to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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I first encountered pumpkin chocolate chip bread during a brisk autumn afternoon, invited over by a friend who raved about her grandma’s recipe. As I bit into the warm slice topped with butter, I was instantly hooked. There’s something about the aroma wafting through the kitchen as it bakes that instantly elevates the atmosphere, making it feel like true autumn bliss. You won’t find store-bought versions capturing this cozy experience—nothing compares to the love that goes into homemade pumpkin chocolate chip bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just a little prep time, you can whip this up in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combo of pumpkin and chocolate is a match made in heaven, creating a treat that’s rich yet comforting.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This bread creates a beautiful golden loaf, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a less refined option.
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar: Gives a deeper sweetness and moisture; light or dark brown sugar works here.
- ⅓ cup (79ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist; you could swap it with melted coconut oil for a different flavor.
- 1 cup (242g) pumpkin puree: Pure pumpkin gives the best flavor; make sure not to use pumpkin pie filling which is sweetened and spiced.
- 2 large eggs: These provide structure and richness to the bread. For an egg-free option, use flax eggs.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: This blend is essential for that warm, cozy flavor—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger all work wonders together.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides lift and gives that lovely rise to the bread.
- ⅓ cup (79ml) buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess—if you don’t have any, you can make a substitute with milk and vinegar.
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour: The base for your bread; for a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 ½ cups (255g) chocolate chips: Go for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a delightful contrast with the pumpkin; keep some aside for topping.
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pan by spraying it with cooking spray.
- Mix Sugars and Oils: In a large bowl, blend together ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, and ⅓ cup vegetable oil. Stir until well combined.
- Add Pumpkin and Eggs: Stir in 1 cup pumpkin puree and 2 large eggs until thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate Spices and Leavening: Add 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Mix until smooth.
- Add Buttermilk and Flour: Gently stir in ⅓ cup buttermilk followed by 2 cups all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups chocolate chips for that delicious melty goodness. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on top for good measure.
- Bake: Slide your loaf pan into the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing. Enjoy it with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your pumpkin chocolate chip bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerate it in a sealed container for about a week. For freezing, wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy some, simply thaw and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes to bring back that comforting aroma.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: This helps your bread remain tender. Mix until just combined for best results.
- Warm Ingredients: Using eggs and buttermilk at room temperature helps them combine better, producing a smoother batter.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test; if it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, give it a few more minutes.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding nuts or swapping in different chocolate types, like white chocolate or dark chocolate, for a twist.
- Make Ahead: This bread tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep or your next gathering.
Pumpkin chocolate chip bread is not just a seasonal delight; it’s a comforting classic that fulfills cravings any time of year. This recipe is both forgiving and versatile, making it perfect for beginner bakers or seasoned pros. You’ll appreciate the balance of pumpkin and rich chocolate flavors, and it’s oh-so-easy to make!

Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, make sure to roast and puree it. It gives a lovely homemade taste, but be sure to drain any excess moisture.
How do I know if the bread is done baking?
The best way to test is inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your bread is done!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, so keep an eye on the batter’s consistency.
What can I serve with pumpkin chocolate chip bread?
This bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a smear of cream cheese, or even just a simple pat of butter. You can also enjoy it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon break.
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📖 Recipe Card

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is a deliciously moist treat made with pumpkin puree and melted chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Its easy preparation and warm spices make it a cozy favorite for anyone looking to enjoy homemade goodness.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- ⅓ cup (79ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (242g) Pumpkin Puree
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ⅓ cup (79ml) buttermilk
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (255g) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch or 8×4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar and brown sugar with the vegetable oil and pumpkin puree.
- Add the eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda, stirring until all ingredients are well combined.
- Stir in the buttermilk and all-purpose flour until just blended, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top to garnish.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing the bread from the pan, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to one month.
Notes
This bread can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
For added flavor, consider incorporating nuts or different spices as desired.
Leftover bread can be toasted for a tasty breakfast option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
