The Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread - Easy & Moist
This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is soft, moist, perfectly spiced, and loaded with semisweet chocolate chips. Made with canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and simple pantry ingredients, this easy pumpkin bread is the perfect fall baking recipe.
Best of all, you don't need a mixer! The batter comes together in one bowl in just a few minutes before going into the oven. It's perfect for a cozy fall breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an easy dessert.
Whether you're baking for your family, preparing for Thanksgiving, or simply craving something pumpkin-spiced, this pumpkin chocolate chip bread is an easy recipe you'll want to make all season long.
Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Soft and moist – Pumpkin and vegetable oil keep this bread incredibly tender and moist.
Easy one-bowl recipe – No stand mixer or hand mixer needed.
Full of fall flavor – Pumpkin and warm pumpkin pie spice make every bite taste like fall.
Loaded with chocolate chips – Semisweet chocolate pairs perfectly with the warm pumpkin spices.
Easy to make ahead – This bread stays moist and delicious for days.
Perfect for fall baking – Make it for breakfast, dessert, Thanksgiving, or simply because it's pumpkin season!
Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
This easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is soft, moist, and packed with warm pumpkin spice and semisweet chocolate chips. Made with canned pumpkin and simple pantry ingredients, it's an easy one-bowl fall baking recipe that's perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Add the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice to the bowl.
Gently stir until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Fold in the 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
For a bakery-style finish, reserve a small handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle over the top before baking.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top, if using.
Bake at 350°F for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Remove the pumpkin bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Carefully remove the loaf from the pan and transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Slice and enjoy!
Breakfast | Kid Friendly
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread
Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Look for 100% pure canned pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which will change the flavor and texture of the bread.
Don't overmix the batter. Once you add the flour, gently mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make quick breads dense or tough.
Save some chocolate chips for the top. Reserving a small handful of chocolate chips and sprinkling them over the batter before baking gives the finished loaf a pretty, bakery-style appearance.
Check the center before removing it from the oven. The center of a loaf takes the longest to bake. Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the bread to make sure it's fully baked.
Let it cool before slicing. It's tempting to cut into warm pumpkin bread, but allowing it to cool gives the loaf time to finish setting and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
How to Store Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Once completely cooled, store the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Bread?
Yes! Pumpkin bread freezes really well.
Allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag.
You can freeze the entire loaf or individual slices for up to 3 months. Individual slices are especially convenient because you can thaw only what you need.
To thaw, place the bread in the refrigerator overnight or allow individual slices to come to room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my pumpkin bread so moist?
Pumpkin naturally adds moisture to baked goods, while the vegetable oil helps keep the bread soft and tender. The result is a moist loaf that stays delicious even after it has cooled.
Can I leave out the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If you prefer classic pumpkin bread, simply leave out the chocolate chips. You can also replace them with chopped pecans or walnuts for a little added crunch.
What kind of chocolate chips are best for pumpkin bread?
Semisweet chocolate chips are my favorite because their slightly deeper chocolate flavor balances the sweetness of the pumpkin bread. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips can also be used depending on your preference.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes. Homemade pumpkin puree can be used in place of canned pumpkin as long as it has a similar consistency. If your homemade puree is especially watery, drain off some of the excess moisture before using it.
How do I know when pumpkin bread is finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid relying only on the appearance of the top, since the center can still be underbaked even when the outside looks finished.
Final Thoughts
There's nothing quite like a warm slice of homemade pumpkin bread when fall rolls around! This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread is soft, moist, full of warm pumpkin spice flavor, and loaded with plenty of chocolate chips in every bite.
It's perfect for a cozy fall morning with a cup of coffee, an afternoon treat, or something sweet to share with family and friends. If you're looking for an easy recipe to kick off your fall baking, this one is simple enough for a weekday but delicious enough to make part of your fall traditions.