Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

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Author: Opera Cook
Published:
Thick slices of chocolate chip pumpkin bread with melty chips on top.

Why This Recipe Works (One‑Bowl & Fall Flavor)

This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is streamlined, flavorful, and kid-tested:

  • One bowl—fewer dishes, simpler mixing

  • Chocolate chips + pumpkin spice = cozy meets indulgence

  • Moist, tender crumb, thanks to oil and pumpkin purée

  • Ideal for fall breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or bake SALE table

  • Freezer-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and easy to gift


Ingredient Guide: What You’ll Need and Why

  • Pumpkin purée (not pie filling): moist base and signature flavor

  • Oil (vegetable or light olive): keeps loaf soft

  • Granulated + brown sugar: balanced sweetness with moisture

  • Eggs: binding and structure

  • Vanilla extract: depth of flavor

  • All-purpose flour: structure building

  • Leaveners (baking soda + powder): lift and softness

  • Salt & spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger): warm fall profile

  • Chocolate chips: melty pockets of chocolate in every bite


One‑Bowl Recipe Instructions

Mixing Wet & Dry in One Bowl

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175 °C) and prep a 9×5″ loaf pan with parchment or spray.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, oil, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

  3. Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Folding in Chocolate Chips

  1. Gently fold in ⅔ cup (100 g) chocolate chips. Reserve a handful to sprinkle on top.

Baking to Moist Perfection

  1. Pour batter into pan; sprinkle reserved chips over top.

  2. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

  3. Cool in pan 10 minutes before moving to a rack; slice once fully cooled.


Pro Tips for Moist and Tender Bread

  • Use room-temperature eggs for consistent batter.

  • Avoid over-mixing once the flour is added—less mixing = more tender bread.

  • Bake on middle rack; if top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.

  • Fully cool loaf before slicing to set crumb.

  • Store sealed to maintain freshness and softness.


Variations & Add‑Ins Your Kids Will Love

  • White chocolate chips + macadamia nuts for tropical twist

  • Peanut butter swirl—drop peanut butter on top and swirl before baking

  • M&M’s or pumpkin‑themed candies for playful touch

  • Sliced banana or zucchini—fold into batter for added nutrition

  • Streusel topping: blend sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon; sprinkle before baking


Storage, Freezing & Reheating Advice

  • Room temp: keep loaf in airtight container up to 4 days

  • Refrigerator: wrapped tightly and stored up to a week

  • Freezer: slice loaf, wrap each piece tightly, freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge

  • Reheat: microwave 10–15 seconds or warm in toaster oven for melty chocolate and soft bread


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of purée?
A: No. Pie filling is too sweet and spiced, which throws off the texture and balance.

Q: Why is the center still wet after baking?
A: Likely under-baked or your oven runs cool. Check doneness with a toothpick and adjust time.

Q: Can this be made vegan?
A: Yes—use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), dairy-free chocolate, and plant-based milk if needed.

Q: Can I turn this into muffins?
A: Absolutely. Fill muffin cups two-thirds full and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

Q: How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?
A: Toss chips with a teaspoon of flour before folding in—they’ll stay suspended more evenly.


Why This Bread Makes a Great Fall Treat or Gift

  • Sweet meets seasonal in a familiar bakery-style loaf

  • One-bowl simplicity makes it beginner-friendly

  • Perfect for gifting—pair with brunch recipes or hot drinks

  • Crowd-pleaser that’s suitable for all ages and dietary preferences

  • Freeze for later or bake ahead for holiday brunch prep


Final Thoughts: Fall Indulgence Made Easy

This Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread delivers the joy of pumpkin spice and chocolate in a manageable, one-bowl format. Ultra-moist, generously spiced, and dotted with melty chips, it’s perfect for fall mornings, snack time, or gifting. Whether served warm with coffee or packed for a trip, it embodies seasonal comfort—without fuss.

Pick up that mixing bowl and bake something fall-worthy today!

Opera Cook!
Opera Cook

Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Opera Cook, a passionate home cook sharing tried-and-true comfort recipes made with love. Whether you’re craving fluffy pancakes, rustic bread, or rich chocolate desserts—you’re in the right place. Let’s bake something wonderful together!

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