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.
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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
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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.
Brittany
Found you over at the linkup on thegirlcreative.com... this looks so gorgeous! Can't wait to try it! We're going to see if we can sub out some gluten free flour.... so excited!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Brittany!! I'm sure it will taste just as awesome gluten free!!
Mandy's Recipe Box
That truly is one pretty loaf! I love Pumpkin Season and need to make this bread!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Mandy!! Yes, you need this bread!! It just screams Fall...at least it did to me! 😉
Samantha @ Five Heart Home
This is gorgeous, Jocelyn! And I'm sure it tastes as yummy as it looks. I love chocolate chip pumpkin bread, but I never would have thought to fancy it up like this! Thanks for the inspiration... 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Samantha!! It seriously probably tasted better than it looks!! I promise!! 😉 No problem girl!
The Better Baker
Oh Honey - you did ONE.FINE.JOB! frosting that yummy looking bread. I am so impressed.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so very much!! It was just begging to be frosted!! 😉
Samantha
Is there anything I can use to replace the shortening with? I never have that in the house as I don't cook or bake with it. Thank you!
Jocelyn Brubaker
You could use real butter in place of the shortening. It is just to thin the chocolate a little bit to melt and spread easier.
Samantha
That's what I was thinking. Thank you for replying! Can't wait to give this a try.
Shawn @ IWYD
First of all, I love pumpkin. Pumpkin bread... no brainer- {LOVE IT!!}. That topping is so cool! It totally takes this bread up like 16 levels! It's like that Pumpkin bread is on steroids, so cool...
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, thank you Shawn!!! 😉 Pumpkin bread on steroids made me giggle a little!!
Jamie
So I tried this, the first batch stuck to the pan even though I greased it. The 2nd try is in the oven now.
What does the * mean by the 350? It looks like this... 350*
Will let you know if the 2nd batch turns out.
Jocelyn Brubaker
The * is for degrees. You need to bake it at 350 degrees. What did you use to grease your pan? I use a baking spray that has it come out with no problem at all. How long did you keep it in the pan after taking it out of the oven? I have actually made this bread twice in the past week without any problems. Definitely let me know how your 2nd one comes out.
Jamie
jocelyn...The first time I used Crisco and the 2nd time I use a baking spray. The 2nd one stuck a little, but not like the first one. My husband (Chef) told me next time to use parchment paper in the bottom and it won't stick.
I do not know how to post photos here, but they are on my FB page if you want to check it out. Just type in Jamie Keller (my pic is of Christmas ornaments hanging on upside down Christmas trees)
Jocelyn Brubaker
Yes, parchment paper in the bottom would definitely keep it from sticking. I just use a non stick cooking spray on my pans, and they drop right out without any problem. Did you use a glass or metal pan? I'm just wondering because I used a metal one. I will have to try to find your pictures. Did you enjoy the bread?
ck
Hi! I want to make this recipe asap!! But what kind of pumpkin is it?? Pumpkin puree?? Sweet? Unsweetened? Thanks!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I used canned pumpkin puree. It is not sweetened! I hope you enjoy it!!!
DessertForTwo
whoa! Can we talk about that gorgeous chocolate design on top? If you say it's easy, I have to try it! Gorgeous 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
We certainly can talk about it...EASY PEASY LEMON SQUEEZY!!! 😉 Thank you!!!
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain
Hey man, as far as I'm concerned the first day of Fall is the day after Labor Day. 😀 So no complaints from me! Just staring and grinning at that fabulous pumpkin chocolate bread that is about to by my breakfast for the next week!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I like how your mind works!! 😉 Yay for this bread being your breakfast!! Did you make it yet, and did you love it as much as I did??
Chels R.
That has got to be one of the most beautiful breads I've ever seen! Amazing! So glad you've dipped into the Pumpkin too!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Chels!! 😉 Haha, I couldn't keep my hands off of this delicious orange goodness!!
Laura@baking in pyjamas
What a deliciously thick topping on your cake, everything about it looks so good. Saving!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Laura!! Thick icing was definitely the only way to go on this cake!! 😉
Annie @ Annie's Noms
This is gorgeous!! I love the top, it's sooooo pretty! I've finally managed to find a UK supermarket which stock Pumpkin purée and I literally can't wait to get baking with it, been looking for recipes, definitely found the one I want to make first!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Annie!! 😉 Yay for finding pumkin puree!!! And please let me know how you like this if you make it!! 😉
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry
This pumpkin loaf looks almost too pretty to eat but then I would miss out on the delicious pumpkin.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, yes you would!! We devoured this in record time I believe!! It didn't matter how pretty it was to my family! lol!
Emily ~So Domesticated~
Loving this pumpkin bread... so pretty!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Emily!! 😉
Becca
I love pumpkin bread but yours almost looks too good to eat... almost! Thanks for sharing! Stop by my Friday's Five Features tomorrow and link up this post (and others)!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, almost! But not quite because we thoroughly enjoyed this bad boy!! Lol!
Karly
Oh my gosh, that is the prettiest topping ever! Love it!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Karly!!! I'm so pleased with how the icing came out!! 😉
Diana Rambles
That looks amazing. Especially the icing!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Diana!! 😉
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper
I'm also incredibly excited for all the pumpkin recipes. This one looks delicious!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Melanie!! 😉
ThisBakerGirlBlogs
Oh the detail on top is just stunning!! The prettiest looking loaf I've seen for a long time! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much!!!! I'm very happy with how the top came out on this!!