Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Enjoy a warm loaf of this homemade Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread any time of the year! Who says pumpkin is only for fall? Make a batch of this delightful bread whenever you are craving the warm spices of pumpkin bread. This quick bread recipe adds a twist with melty chocolate chips and optional crunchy pecans, too!

Come fall season, the internet explodes with all things pumpkin spice! I am guilty of jumping on the “pumpkin season” train, too. But this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is great for any season! 

This is the best pumpkin bread to make for a bake sale, to gift to your kids’ teachers or your neighbors, and of course, to make for your family to nibble on.

I do absolutely love pumpkin bread with chocolate chips in the fall, though, especially with my morning coffee. Or pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. Also, the ability to freeze the bread just makes the pumpkin love last a little longer!

Are Chocolate Chips Good in Pumpkin Bread?

Pumpkin and chocolate go together like peanut butter and jelly or like eggs and bacon. Sure, you can make pumpkin bread without chocolate chips, but the pumpkin flavor melds together so perfectly with the chocolate that it’s like autumn wrapped up in a slice of bread. The chocolate chips add just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin. 

What Ingredients do I need for homemade Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips?

There is a bit of a list, but you probably have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry already. Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe:

Dry Ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt

Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, ground cloves, allspice

Wet ingredients: eggs, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, whole milk

Extras: milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans

See the recipe card below for exact amounts and detailed directions.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

The best thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make! 

1. First, make sure the rack is in the middle of the oven, then preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Prepare a standard loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. You could also line it with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Then mix in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugars. Then add in the pumpkin, oil, and milk.
5. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a rubber spatula just until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes. Cover the pan with a tent of tin foil, and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Place the bread on a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Variations

• Use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned. Fresh pumpkin puree may be a bit more watery but the recipe should turn out about the same.
• Use applesauce instead of oil to reduce the calorie content. The texture will vary a little, though.
• Substitute semisweet or dark chocolate chips for the milk chocolate chips.
• Add some fresh or dried cranberries to the batter for even more flavor!

Quick Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Bread

• Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Adding the chocolate chips and pecans to the flour mixture instead of adding them directly to the batter before pouring into the pan will help keep them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
• You can omit the pecans if you are not a fan of nuts.
• You can substitute 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for the nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
• To easily remove the bread from the pan, run a knife around the edges of the pan while the bread is still warm. Then you should not have any trouble removing the bread later!

FAQs

Can I make mini loaves of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread?

Yes, this chocolate chip pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for making mini loaves! Reduce the baking time to 30-35 minutes and check for doneness.

You can also make this delicious bread recipe into muffins. Bake the muffins in greased or paper-line muffin tins for 20-25 minutes.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Bread?

This bread will stay fresh at room temperature for 3 days or for up to a week in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Can you freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread?

Yes, this bread, like most quick breads, freezes really well! Double the recipe so you can eat one loaf now and freeze one for later! 

You can freeze a whole loaf or just freeze individual slices. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then store it in a freezer bag. This pumpkin bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thaw for a few hours or overnight at room temperature before serving it.

More Delicious Quick Bread Recipes

If you love this pumpkin bread like I do, then you might be interested in these tasty quick breads:

• This Triple Berry Bread is bursting with flavor from fresh summer berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. It’s perfect for everyone in your whole family 
• Zucchini Apple Bread is the perfect combination of sweet and hearty and makes a delicious breakfast bread!
• Herbed Cheddar Stout Bread– this hearty bread combines some of my favorite things into a delicious bread. It’s made with Murphy’s Stout, two types of cheddar cheese, and fresh herbs.
• Banana Nut Bread– this classic banana bread can be made with or without nuts. It is light, fluffy, and full of that banana flavor I love!

This isn’t bread, but if you want the perfect spread for your bread, you have to try this Homemade Slow Cooker Apple Butter! Imagine coming home to the warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves simmering in your slow cooker. The best part is smoothing that warm apple butter over homemade bread or biscuits for a delightful snack!

This post was originally published October 27, 2017. It has been updated in format and with pictures on August 29, 2024.