Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Oh my gosh, this bread smells like fall. It’s warm, sweet, and full of cozy pumpkin spice. And those melty chocolate chips? Total game changer.
I made it on a rainy day, and it made the house feel so cozy. It’s soft, moist, and just right with coffee or milk.
You don’t need anything fancy. Just some pumpkin, chocolate, and a little love. Let me show you how I baked it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Moist & Fluffy: The combination of pumpkin puree, oil, and water ensures a tender crumb every time.
- Warm Fall Flavors: Cinnamon and nutmeg infuse this bread with classic autumn spice.
- Easy One-Bowl Recipe: Simple ingredients and minimal dishes make this a breeze to prepare.
- Customizable & Versatile: Add nuts, swap the chocolate chips, or adjust the spices to your liking.
- Great for Gifting: This bread keeps well and makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pans (9×5 inches)
- Spatula
- Wire rack for cooling

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible treat:
- White Sugar: 3 cups – adds sweetness and moisture.
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 (15-ounce) can – not pumpkin pie filling!
- Large Eggs: 4 – help bind the ingredients together.
- Vegetable Oil: 1 cup – keeps the bread moist.
- Water: 2/3 cup – adds extra moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 ½ cups – provides the structure.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon – adds warmth and spice.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1 tablespoon – enhances the fall flavors.
- Baking Soda: 2 teaspoons – helps the bread rise.
- Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons – balances the flavors.
- Mini Semisweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup – for gooey chocolatey goodness.
- Chopped Walnuts (Optional): ½ cup – adds crunch and nuttiness.
Variations for Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
- Make It Healthier: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Reduce Sugar: Cut back on sugar by ½ cup for a less sweet version.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Add More Mix-Ins: Try white chocolate chips, pecans, or dried cranberries for a twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In the same bowl, add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix!
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed.
5. Pour into Loaf Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
6. Bake the Bread
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
- With Coffee or Tea: A warm slice pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or spiced chai.
- With Butter or Cream Cheese: Spread with butter, honey, or a smear of cream cheese for extra indulgence.
- As Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- For Breakfast: Toast a slice and enjoy with yogurt and fresh fruit.
Storing Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition (Per Slice)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 11g |
Sugar | 25g |
Fiber | 2g |
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Course: Uncategorized15
minutes1
hour280
kcalIngredients
3 cups white sugar
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
⅔ cup water
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and water.
- Add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared loaf pans.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy!
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread FAQs
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use 1 ¾ cups of homemade pumpkin puree.
Why is my pumpkin bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can cause dense bread. Stir until just combined.
Can I add a streusel topping?
Yes! Mix ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup flour, and 2 tablespoons butter for a crunchy topping.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free chocolate chips.