Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread You’ll Crave All Fall

There’s just something magical about the smell of pumpkin bread baking in the oven. The warm cinnamon, the hint of cloves, and the little bursts of chocolate melting into every bite—it feels like wrapping yourself up in your favorite sweater on a crisp autumn morning. If you’ve been looking for a fall baking recipe that’s equal parts cozy and irresistible, this chocolate chip pumpkin bread is about to become your new go-to.

What I love most about this bread is how simple it is—no fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just pantry staples and a good old-fashioned loaf pan. Plus, it stays moist for days, making it perfect for weekend baking and weekday snacking. If you’re a fan of quick breads, you might also enjoy exploring other seasonal favorites like this easy banana bread recipe for another comforting classic. But first, let’s dive into pumpkin season in the most delicious way possible.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this moist, chocolatey pumpkin bread. I’ve added little notes and tips to make sure your loaf turns out perfect every time:

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – The base of the bread. Regular flour keeps the texture soft and tender.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp) & Baking Soda (½ tsp) – These help the loaf rise beautifully and stay light instead of dense.
• Salt (½ tsp) – Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring out the warm spice flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – A must-have spice for pumpkin bread; adds warmth and coziness.
• Ground Cloves (½ tsp) – Strong but amazing—this is what makes the bread taste rich and full-bodied.
• Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the spice blend.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the bread without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
• Vegetable Oil (½ cup) – Keeps the bread moist and soft for days. You can also use melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Large Eggs (2) – Bind everything together and give the bread structure.
• Pure Pumpkin Purée (1 cup) – The star of the show! Make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Rounds out the flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Stir most into the batter and sprinkle a few on top before baking for that bakery-style look.

Optional but delicious:

• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (½ cup) – Add crunch and a nutty twist.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 ½ tsp) – A shortcut if you don’t want to measure out individual spices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pumpkin bread comes together quickly, and the aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen. Follow these cozy, sensory-rich steps for the perfect loaf:

1. Preheat & Prep. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. You’ll thank yourself later when the bread slips right out.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This step ensures all the spices are evenly distributed so every bite tastes warm and flavorful.
3. Blend the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then whisk in the sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. The mixture should look silky and smooth, almost like golden pumpkin custard.
4. Combine Gently. Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two parts, stirring just until the flour disappears. Don’t overmix—this is the secret to keeping your bread soft and tender.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips. Stir in about ¾ cup of the chocolate chips, saving the rest for the top. Every swirl of the spoon should feel like you’re hiding little pockets of chocolate treasure in the batter.
6. Fill the Pan & Top. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top for that pretty, bakery-style finish.
7. Bake to Perfection. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Your kitchen will soon smell like pure autumn magic. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a little melted chocolate is fine).
8. Cool & Slice. Let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the loaf set so it slices beautifully without crumbling.

Tips & Variations

The beauty of pumpkin bread is how flexible it can be. Here are some of my favorite ways to make this recipe your own while keeping that moist, spiced flavor we all crave:

Flavor Swaps

• Nut Lovers’ Version: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch in every bite.
• White Chocolate Twist: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a sweeter, creamier flavor.
• Spice Shortcut: If you don’t have cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves on hand, use 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice instead. It’s a quick and easy swap that still delivers warm fall flavor.

Baking Options

• Mini Loaves: Divide the batter into 3 mini loaf pans and reduce baking time to about 25–30 minutes. These make perfect gifts or freezer-friendly portions.
• Muffin Version: Scoop the batter into a muffin tin for grab-and-go treats. Bake at the same temperature but check for doneness at 18–22 minutes.

Storage Tips

• Counter: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: For longer freshness, keep it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Slice the bread, wrap each piece in parchment or plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a cozy treat.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin bread is delicious all on its own, but a few thoughtful touches can turn it into something extra special. Here are some cozy, Pinterest-worthy ways to enjoy it:

• With Your Morning Coffee: A warm slice alongside a cup of coffee or a pumpkin spice latte makes the perfect fall breakfast.
• Toasted with Butter: Lightly toast a slice and spread with butter for a melty, comforting snack.
• With Whipped Cream or Cream Cheese: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert-style treat, or spread cream cheese on top for a tangy balance to the sweetness.
• Holiday Platter: Cut into thick slices and serve on a rustic wooden board with fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey for a festive gathering.
• Warm with Ice Cream: Turn it into dessert by serving a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, this is pure bliss.

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions readers have about baking and enjoying chocolate chip pumpkin bread—along with helpful answers to make your baking smoother.

1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! Pumpkin bread actually tastes even better the next day because the spices have more time to deepen. Simply bake, let it cool completely, and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature.

2. How do I keep pumpkin bread moist?
The key is oil and pumpkin puree, which both lock in moisture. Be sure not to overbake—check with a toothpick around the 50-minute mark. Storing it wrapped tightly also helps keep it soft.

3. Can I freeze pumpkin bread?
Absolutely. Slice the cooled loaf, wrap each slice in parchment or plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw slices on the counter or pop them in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

4. What if I don’t have all the spices?
No problem! You can substitute 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s an easy shortcut without sacrificing flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe without chocolate chips?
Of course. The bread is delicious on its own with just the pumpkin and spices. Or, if you’d like a different twist, try stirring in dried cranberries or chopped nuts instead.

6. How long does pumpkin bread stay fresh?
When stored at room temperature, it stays moist for about 3 days. In the fridge, it lasts up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like pulling a golden loaf of pumpkin bread out of the oven, the chocolate chips still melty and the spices filling your kitchen with that cozy, unmistakable fall aroma. This recipe is simple enough for a weekday bake yet special enough to serve at holiday gatherings or gift to a neighbor. Best of all, it’s versatile—whether you enjoy it plain, dressed up with toppings, or transformed into muffins, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re ready to keep the fall baking vibes going, you might also love trying a seasonal favorite like apple crisp with oats, another comforting dessert that celebrates autumn flavors. Bake a loaf of this chocolate chip pumpkin bread, share it with friends and family, and enjoy the best tastes of the season—one slice at a time.

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