What could be better than a simple pumpkin bread recipe? How about one that is full of chocolate chips. You will be the hero of the house when you serve up slices of this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread!
If you love pumpkin like we do, go ahead and try this copycat Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew and this pumpkin spice cheesecake.
Jump to:
Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I look forward to wearing jeans and sweatshirts, drinking a pumpkin latte, going to bonfires and corn mazes, feeling the chilly air at night, and of course eating anything and everything pumpkin.
This chocolate chip pumpkin bread recipe and these chocolate chip pumpkin cookies are two of my favorite things to bake once pumpkin spice season gets here.
Over the years I have changed up the pumpkin bread with different ingredients, but I always come back to this chocolate chip version.
⭐ Why You Should Make This Bread
Spices and mini chocolate chips make this moist pumpkin bread taste incredible. Here is why you are going to love this sweet quick bread too.
- It's easy to make.
- Moist & delicious.
- Full of pumpkin flavor.
- Loaded with chocolate.
- Makes the kitchen smell so good as it bakes.
📋 Key Ingredient Notes
This moist pumpkin bread recipe uses simple pantry ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Make sure to stock up on canned pumpkin, so you can make this pumpkin bread all year long.
- Sugar - A mixture of granulated and brown sugar sweetens the bread.
- Oil - Adds a richness, tenderness, and moisture to quick breads.
- Pumpkin Puree - Canned pumpkin is the easiest because it is available year round. If you make homemade pumpkin puree, make sure to drain and blot it before using.
- Baking Soda - Provides the lift as the bread bakes.
- Spices - A mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg gives this bread a delicious fall flavor.
- Milk - Adds moisture to the batter.
Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Mix
Pumpkin puree is made with 100% pure pumpkin. Pumpkin pie mix has sugar and spices added to it. Make sure you check your recipe, so you buy the correct one.
⏲️ How to make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
A loaf of this easy pumpkin chocolate chip bread is easy to make and only uses one bowl. Everything gets mixed together and then poured into a loaf pan. The hardest part is waiting for it to bake and cool before you can eat it.
Step One: Make the Pumpkin Batter
- Add the sugars, oil, and eggs to a large bowl.
- Mix until light and fluffy.
- Add the pumpkin puree and mix again.
- Stir together the flour, spices, salt, and baking soda. Slowly mix it into the batter with the milk.
- Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips.
Step Two: Bake the Pumpkin Bread
- Spoon the pumpkin batter into a greased and floured bread pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until done when a toothpick or skewer is inserted in the center of the loaf comes out with a few crumbs.
- Remove and cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- Flip out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
Step Three: Add a Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir until melted and creamy. Heat 15-30 seconds longer if needed.
- Melt the white chips and shortening the same way. Spoon into a plastic baggie and cut one tip off.
- Spoon the melted chocolate on top of the bread. Go ahead and get it to the edge, but try to keep from pushing it over.
- Drizzle the white chocolate back and forth over the top from side to side.
- Immediately use a toothpick to drag it through the chocolate end to end. Work quickly because the chocolate will start to set up.
📖 Storage Recommendations
Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap and place on the counter for 4-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
This easy pumpkin bread freezes very well. Wrap the cooled bread in 2 layers of plastic wrap and then place in a freezer safe bag or container.
Freeze for 2-3 months. To thaw the bread, unwrap it so the condensation does not make the pumpkin bread soggy. Add the chocolate right before serving.
👩🏻🍳 Tips and Tricks
- Do not over mix the pumpkin bread batter. Stir or beat just until the ingredients are mixed in. Over mixing can create a dense chewy bread.
- Switch up the chocolate chips in your bread. I like using mini chocolate chips because they are smaller and do not sink as much. You can also use regular chocolate chips, semi sweet chips, white chips, or dark chips.
- Make sure to grease and flour your bread pan. This will allow the bread to drop out easily after it finishes baking.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This gives the bread time to finish baking and to set up before removing it from the pan.
- Feel free to skip the extra chocolate topping, if you prefer. The bread is delicious with or without it.
- Serve slices of this delicious fall bread with a steaming chocolate latte.
💭 Recipe FAQ's
Chocolate chips are always a good choice for pumpkin bread. But if you do not like chocolate (the horrors), try adding 1 ½ cups of your favorite chopped nuts. You can also add seeds, raisins, pepitas, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut.
Double check your ingredients to make sure you did not miss something. The other factor that affects bread is measuring flour incorrectly. If you do not have enough flour to compensate for the moisture it can result in gummy bread. Check out our tutorial on How to Measure Flour.
The best way to test pumpkin bread is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the bread. If it comes out with batter still on it, the bread needs to bake longer. If it comes out with moist crumbs, the bread is done.
You can use any combination of fall spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or all spice. If you do not want to use a mixture, you can always use 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
📋 More Pumpkin Dessert Recipes
- Pumpkin Cobbler
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Pumpkin Butterscotch Cookies
- Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
- Best Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe
- Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Do you love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life?
Please leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating and a review in the comments section below.
Recipe
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe
What could be better than a simple pumpkin bread recipe? How about one that is full of chocolate chips. You will be the hero of the house when you serve up slices of this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread!
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bread
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips
For the Topping
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 ½ teaspoons shortening
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x5 loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.
- In a mixing bowl beat the sugars, oil, and eggs until creamy. Add the pumpkin and beat again.
- Sift together the baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and flour. Add to the pumpkin mixture alternately with the milk.
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips by hand.
- Spread the batter in prepared pan. Bake for 65-70 minutes. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then flip out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
- Place the chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon shortening in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds. Stir and heat again for 15-20 seconds, if needed.
- Set aside and repeat with the white chips and remaining shortening. Spoon the melted white chips into a plastic baggie with one tip cut off.
- Spoon the melted chocolate chips on the top of the bread. Go to the edge, but be careful to not push the chocolate over.
- Immediately drizzle the white chocolate from side to side. Use a toothpick to draw lines from end to end. Work quickly before the chocolate sets up. Let set before slicing the bread.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 334Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 187mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 2gSugar: 33gProtein: 4g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*The recipe and post for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread was first published September 2013. The pictures and post were updated August 2021.
Nancy @ gottagetbaked
My favourite season is fall so I'm totally stoked that it's September. I love wearing cozy sweaters in jewel tones, tweed skirts, boots, sunny cool crisp afternoons, crunching through leaves, comfort food and all the amazing pumpkin recipes like this bread. That topping is stunning, Jocelyn! I could probably eat this entire loaf by myself, no question.
Jocelyn Brubaker
You just described heaven to me!! 😉 Thank you Nancy!! I have no doubt I could finish this by myself either!
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl
Just stunning, Jocelyn! I'm with you - pumpkin and chocolate have to be the best combo ever! I need a huge slice ASAP.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Ashley!! 🙂 Best combo ever. Period. Lol!!
Tieghan
For sure this is the prettiest bread I have ever seen. That top is STUNNING!! I know you explained how you did it, but I can never create such pretty lines with frosting! So jealous!! Pinning and making!! Love this!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Aww, thank you so much Tieghan!! I guess my years and years of cake baking/decorating pay off in times like these. But I'm sure yours would be stunning too! Everything you make is beautiful!!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
HA! Guess what I made today? But it's a little different. Too funny, we're both obsessed with pumpkin! Love the top, it's beautiful!
Jocelyn Brubaker
We're twinkies!! 😉 Thank you so much Dorothy!!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
Oh my word. PLEASE save me a slice and cup of joe! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha!! I promise I will make a loaf of this just for you!! 😉
Averie @ Averie Cooks
I can honestly say that this is the absolutely most prettiest bread I have ever done <---- YES IT IS!!!
GORGEOUS!! Pinned!
The interior looks moist and soft but that top, sooooo beautiful!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, thank you so much Averie!! 😉
Jenn
That is the prettiest pumpkin bread EVER!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks a bunch Jenn!! 😉
Becca @ Crumbs and Chaos
This is the prettiest pumpkin bread I've ever seen 😉 Loving the almost equal ratios of pumpkin to chocolate!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Becca!! Yes, the choc was just not wanting to be outshined by the pumpkin in this recipe!! 😉
Sarah @ Miss CandiQuik
So pretty! Love it, Jocelyn!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Sarah!! 😉
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner
You've put me in the mood for Fall foods! This bread looks amazing x 100. I'm in love with the topping! Pinning. 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Tina!! The topping is my favorite part of this bread!! 🙂
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me
Okay first of all-- the top of that bread is insanely gorgeous!!!! And second... I am so with you on fall! It is my absolute favorite. I love love love it. Except here in NC it is still like 768768564 degrees which is basically the worst September weather in the whole wide world. Cross your fingers for me so I can get down to some real baking!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Heather!! I agree, that is the worst Sept weather!! 😉 I hope you get cooler weather SOON!!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
This is absolutely stunning! I better make it 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Yes, you need to!! 😉 Thanks Amber!!
Brenda @ SweetSimpleStuff
Three cheers for pumpkin everything!!! Great way to start the season 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hear hear!! 😉 Thanks Brenda!!
marcie@flavorthemoments
Gorgeous bread, Jocelyn! I love that swirled chocolate icing on top. Pumpkin and chocolate are so great together! Breads like this are one of things I like about fall the best!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Marcie!! I absolutely adore choc and pumpkin together too!! 😉
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
Oh my! The top if this bread is gorgeous!! Mine would never look that pretty! LOL
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Ashley!! And I'm sure yours would look just as beautiful if you made it!! 🙂
Renee @ Awesome on $20
That loaf looks absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to give it a try. This is the one time of year when I'm envious of you mainlanders. I've lived in the tropics for four years now, and I really miss fall.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Renee!! 😉 I would probably shrivel up and die without fall... Ok maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but I wouldn't want to live without fall for sure!!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet
I haven't jumped on the pumpkin bandwagon yet but I know it is going to happen soon! You did a beautiful job on the top of this bread! Love it!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Nancy!! I hope you join this pumpkin love fest soon!! 😉
Maria
Oh my goodness, this bread looks so good! And the topping is BEAUTIFUL!!! It looks like it came from a bakery!! Just beautiful! I've made several pumpkin goodies already too... and I completely agree with you, fall starts when September starts! 🙂 Hope you enjoy all the fun (and deliciousness!) of the season! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Maria!! 😉 Such sweet comments! I plan to soak in each and every moment of this season because it goes way too fast!
Nicole Underwood
YUMMO!! Pumpkin Flavored EVERYTHING! It's what i want!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Meeee tooooo!! Yes, I'm really that excited about pumpkin in real life too!! 😉 Thanks Nicole!!
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life
Everyone has got pumpkin on the mind! The top of your cake is incredible - wow. And I am a breadaholic, so this wouldn't last very long around me!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Mary!! 😉 Right now, pumpkin is my middle name!! Lol!
Shaunda
This didn't runout turn out... the chocolate didn't harden neither did white choc..not sure why. Followed it exact
Jocelyn
How did you melt the chocolate? As long as you followed it exact, the chocolate should have set up pretty quickly.